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Expensive air filters

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by subarutoo, Sep 11, 2006.

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  1. subarutoo

    subarutoo New Member

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    I know that there have been lots of posts regarding air filters, but I just had my first personal ($) experience this weekend. After 16,000 miles, I decided to check the cabin filter. I do periodically check the engine air filter when I change oil. The cabin filter was amazing. I had a complete insect collection, and bits old dry leaves, black stuff, etc. The engine filter was looking kinda dirty too, so I decided to change them. I went to the dealer and while he was looking up stock numbers, I commented that I wish there was some after market alternative for the 06 Prius. He said" why would you want to do that?" I got the filters and the dealer invoice was $47 for the pair. That's why I want aftermarket! Also I had to wait in line for 3 or 4 people to get served. When I went to the cashier, I looked over and they had several die cast Prius models. I have been looking for one for a while, and asked the cashier if I could just pay her for the model and go, and she told me I had to get back in the parts line (now 5 more people long) and have the die cast written up. I decided to just get the filters ang go. For a car that stresses economy, $47 is a lot to pay every 16,000 miles or maybe sooner. Has anybody found aftermarket for 06 yet? I have K & Ns in my other cars, and they're $39, but you just pay it once!

    I did just have my first 51 mpg average on a tank, but $47 for air filters?, Give me a break!
     
    #1 subarutoo, Sep 11, 2006
  2. priusenvy

    priusenvy Senior Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(subarutoo @ Sep 11 2006, 12:20 PM) [snapback]317878[/snapback]</div>
    Buy 'em online. Genuine Toyota parts are $15 for the cabin filter and $12 for the engine air filter at metrotpn.com.
     
    #2 priusenvy, Sep 11, 2006
  3. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    16,000 miles is a tad long. After 10,000kms and 8 months, my filter is as grey as can be, along with the usual assortment of flora and insects. Up here, we can buy a better particulate filter (Toyota uses a Dust & Pollen filter) for Cdn$20. Toyota Canada dealerships charge $34.95 for the crappier filter.
     
    #3 Tideland Prius, Sep 11, 2006
  4. tmgrl3

    tmgrl3 Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(priusenvy @ Sep 11 2006, 04:10 PM) [snapback]317913[/snapback]</div>

    Yup...just got this site from another member...they have the filters....and prices are as above....also have many other accessories...worth checking out.

    terri
     
    #4 tmgrl3, Sep 11, 2006
  5. fshagan

    fshagan Senior Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(terri @ Sep 11 2006, 02:45 PM) [snapback]318010[/snapback]</div>
    Hmmm ... metrotpn.com no longer has the filters on their website. I'm looking for the engine air filter, 17801-21040. Anyone have a good source where I can pick up several of them?
     
    #5 fshagan, May 1, 2007
  6. seasalsa

    seasalsa Active Member

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    Don't throw your cabin air filter away. They wash easily and can be re-used.
     
    #6 seasalsa, May 1, 2007
  7. priussoris

    priussoris New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(fshagan @ May 1 2007, 08:18 PM) [snapback]433675[/snapback]</div>
    here ya go 15.99

    http://toyotapartsofantioch.com/index.cfm?...amp;ItemID=1108
     
    #7 priussoris, May 1, 2007
  8. andyprius

    andyprius Senior Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(subarutoo @ Sep 11 2006, 02:20 PM) [snapback]317878[/snapback]</div>
    About a year ago I went to the local hardware store and bought a cheap air conditioning filter for $.50, I use the material only and cut to size. Use same material for air cabin and engine. Also check frequently and replace if necessary. I posted this info at the time and was warned, critisized and advised of possible liability issues, etc. However car has been running fine with no problems. I think there's a big overkill issue on the design of those filters and dire warnings pervade to those who who dare to deviate. The car companies all have thier reasons.... the bottom line is money. Go spend $.50 and try it. If your still uncomfortable join the subservient and compliant. And spend $47.00
     
    #8 andyprius, May 2, 2007
  9. Bill Merchant

    Bill Merchant absit invidia

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    Andy, will you get a Used Oil Analysis and report how much silica you have in your oil? What is the micron particle size that is passed by your 50¢ air filter?
     
    #9 Bill Merchant, May 2, 2007
  10. wayne60014

    wayne60014 New Member

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    I just check on metrotpn, they have the cabin filters at $15.00 and right now they have a special on the engine air filter for $12.00. They also have the Touring badge for $18.00, I just ordered all three. What a great deal.


    Wayne
    :p :p
     
    #10 wayne60014, May 2, 2007
  11. tochatihu

    tochatihu Senior Member

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    Echoing 'third-eye' Bill's concern about silica in the engine. This is something we want to avoid in all Prius. The washable electrostatic foam has not been 'cleared' for use as an engine air filter. Among other things, it gets hot in the airbox and this is not the case in other applications of this filter material.

    Even with the K&N oiled air filter (which I use), it makes sense to analyze the used engine oil IMHO.

    A Prius trick for all: When you are about to drive into a dust cloud, and if speed and traffic conditions permit it, lift your foot from the accelerator pedal. Prius will engine-stop and 'hold its breath' until you press the pedal again.

    Any potential engine dirt ingestion that we can avoid will be of some benefit.
     
    #11 tochatihu, May 2, 2007
  12. priussoris

    priussoris New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tochatihu @ May 2 2007, 08:14 AM) [snapback]433906[/snapback]</div>
    Very good tip thats when the ev button would come in handy
     
    #12 priussoris, May 2, 2007
  13. andyprius

    andyprius Senior Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tochatihu @ May 2 2007, 09:14 AM) [snapback]433906[/snapback]</div>
    Great Idea, on dust cloud.

    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Bill Merchant @ May 1 2007, 11:51 PM) [snapback]433760[/snapback]</div>
    Good idea Bill, knowing myself I probably will not bother, but, your point is valid.
     
    #13 andyprius, May 3, 2007
  14. hill

    hill High Fiber Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(priusenvy @ Sep 11 2006, 04:10 PM) [snapback]317913[/snapback]</div>
    Thanks for the link! JUST ordered one, & checking to see if they carry Lexus engine air filters. Our hybrid SUV parts are usually the same as the Hi-Hy. Crossin' my fingers ...
     
    #14 hill, Sep 30, 2007
  15. Prius 07

    Prius 07 Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Sep 11 2006, 05:53 PM) [snapback]317975[/snapback]</div>
    Interesting observation. On the US maintenance schedule they recommend replacing every 30K but in Canada every 10K miles. Footnote in the US guide indicates inspection at every 15K and replacement if driven in dusty conditions.

    Also my dealer in Mississauga Ontario gave me their maintenance menu screen which indicates $50.95 to replace the cabin air filter. All the sudden your $34.95 doesn't look soooo expensive ... sigh

    Gabe
     
    #15 Prius 07, Oct 17, 2007
  16. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(priusenvy @ Sep 11 2006, 04:10 PM) [snapback]317913[/snapback]</div>
    I went in with a coworker & bought volume. The freight on a $100 order equated the local sales tax. Good service & good price.
     
    #16 JimN, Oct 22, 2007
  17. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Prius 07 @ Oct 17 2007, 07:27 AM) [snapback]526819[/snapback]</div>
    DON'T DO IT!!! Buy it from Canadian Tire! You get MicronAir particulate filter for $20. If they don't have it in stock, ask for an 01-03 Prius version. It's the exact same size.
     
    #17 Tideland Prius, Oct 22, 2007
  18. Prius 07

    Prius 07 Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Oct 22 2007, 10:24 PM) [snapback]529101[/snapback]</div>
    LOL - and thank you Tideland. I wasn't going to and didn't. Funny that on the service schedule they gave me they had it on to replace the filters at 10K but when I took it for service they told me that only oil change and tire rotation was req'd. So that was good news the rest of the experience well let's just say they need to improve on their service :(

    Gabe
     
    #18 Prius 07, Oct 22, 2007
  19. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Prius 07 @ Oct 22 2007, 07:38 PM) [snapback]529114[/snapback]</div>
    Well at least my dealer does check but I just tell them I'll get it replaced myself and they leave it at that.. although they did have the nerve to charge me for a "hot oil flush".. what the **** is that? ($28)

    A $130 maintenance + tyre rotation (I thought that was part of the full maintenance but apparently it's extra charge to tune of $25 [another dealer charges me $15])

    So after taxes, that maintenance was $244.13. Needless to say, I ain't going back, esp. now that my basic warranty is up.
     
    #19 Tideland Prius, Oct 22, 2007
  20. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

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    #20 richard schumacher, Oct 22, 2007
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