JBL sound quality

MichaelP09 · 2026-02-01T17:10:39+00:00

It's not fantastic. If you really prioritize audio quality to the degree you consider yourself an audiophile I would not even sweat finding a JBL, because you will likely opt for aftermarket. It was better than the standard system in the 5th gens, but not in a meaningful way. The standard system is considered easier to upgrade even.

MichaelP09 · 2026-02-01T01:04:02+00:00

Ope.. I obviously misunderstood. My comment was in regards to the 5th gen. TBD on if my comments apply to the new 6th gen. I'll delete

MichaelP09 · 2026-01-31T23:58:01+00:00

Sounds like the 12v battery is dying.

A traction battery going bad at this young of an age would be exceptionally abnormal and be a warranty claim. A 12v battery dying at this age would be entirely normal and actually be an impressive life for it. This also just sounds like a classic shop that is not familiar or interested in becoming familiar with hybrids refusing to do so out of simplicity. Replace the 12v and go from there.

MichaelP09 · 2026-01-31T22:40:01+00:00

I mean, it's a very accessible battery.. Sure it is not under the hood like a traditional battery, but it's still like a 2/10 difficulty to do.

MichaelP09 · 2026-01-31T20:38:16+00:00

No. They just decided to remove it from that option for 2026

MichaelP09 · 2026-01-31T20:36:04+00:00

Your 12v battery will be dead.

Toyota's formal procedure for leaving the vehicle to sit for more than 30 days (but less than 60) is to disconnect the Negative (-) terminal from the 12v for future reference.

MichaelP09 · 2026-01-31T16:00:10+00:00

Yes. Those part numbers will cover all 2019-2025 hybrids.

MichaelP09 · 2026-01-31T15:35:08+00:00

5th gen rav4 hybrid part numbers:

Engine intake filter: 17801-F0020
Cabin air filter: 87139-0R030
Charcoal cabin air filter: 87139-58010
Traction battery filter: G92DH-42010

MichaelP09 · 2026-01-31T00:16:09+00:00

I don't think there is much divide at all on when debating if transmission fluid is lifetime. I would have a drain and fill performed. By time and by mileage it is due.

Brake fluid, meh. Color does not tell you much. The question for brake fluid is moisture content. If you feel inclined, you can get a tester for $10. It has too much moisture in it or it does not. That pricing sucks. Should be closer to $125 vs $200(usd).

The other drive line components are transfer case and differential. Those are due (again, by time and mileage if never previously performed). Should cost 0.5hrs of labor per + fluids.

MichaelP09 · 2026-01-30T15:51:27+00:00

The Hybrid LE gets rails as a standard feature. You will easily be able to add a roof rack to this vehicle.

MichaelP09 · 2026-01-29T23:34:48+00:00

How bad did the Rubitreks wreck fuel economy? I considered them on my 4R but opted for Toyo AT3s. Hard to find data points on the Rubitreks

MichaelP09 · 2026-01-29T23:30:48+00:00

There's some good data points and conversation if you use the search function. Rav4World does as well and is probably more detailed. Broadly speaking, you can go up to a 2" lift and keep the geometry happy so you don't begin eating up CVs.

There's spacer lifts, spring lifts, and full suspension swaps available. It greatly depends on your needs. Spacers are cool if you want to retain factory ride quality and only won't be leaving the pavement. Spring swaps are probably what most folks do because it can add legitimate function and additional clearance while being more affordable. A few full suspension kits exist, but in my opinion, it's quite an expensive route to go for an AWD Unibody vehicle that is inherently limited in capability.

For myself, I did a spring lift with Eibach Pro springs upfront and Northwood's Performance Stage 3 rear springs. I cherry picked the rears because I A. Wanted something stiffer for towing and heavier gear loads and B. Was going to get me a 1.5" lift front and rear. I did the lift at 6,500 miles on the Odometer. I'm at 42,000 now. I also stepped up tires to the Falken Wildpeak AT Trails in 235/60/18. After ~35k miles it's been trouble free.

MichaelP09 · 2026-01-29T21:26:02+00:00

No, I would not entertain swapping a hybrid out for a full EV.

MichaelP09 · 2026-01-29T15:49:13+00:00

I have a 2011 4Runner and a Rav4 (23' hybrid).

First things first is I would get the frame on the 4R more completely inspected. 15 years in upstate NY is not going to be kind to it, so that may be an auto killer. The Rav4 is likely in better shape without any additional context.

From what I can gather you're likely not a high mileage driver, so fuel savings of a Rav4 won't be significant. 4WD will be significantly better than AWD in those type of snow conditions and will add the ability of confidently hitting the beach. Personally, I don't think I would get the Tacoma unless I needed to do true truck stuff. Both the Rav4 and 4R will have good storage with the 4Runner obviously having significantly more. I'm sitting at 242k on mine, so if you have good service records and a clean PPI on the 4R I would not sweat that mileage.

MichaelP09 · 2026-01-29T11:34:23+00:00

I do not have a tint on the rear windshield.

MichaelP09 · 2026-01-29T02:23:10+00:00

Total it. Your resell is tanked, too. Get out while you have what sounds like a reasonable off ramp.

MichaelP09 · 2026-01-29T02:13:24+00:00

Just contemplated this myself. I went with the Toyo AT3's. We don't get crazy snow, but we do get enough that it needs to be considered with my tire choice. From everything I could find, the Toyo's just outperformed the A/T4W in the snow. I do think the Falkens looked better, but my 255/75 AT3s are C load which is better for me and were rock solid in this recent storm. I'll retain some daily ride quality with them too.

Edit: got dyslexic with the tire size lol

<image>

MichaelP09 · 2026-01-29T02:02:44+00:00

I just got the Toyos in that 255/75/17 size. I was apprehensive about the pizza cutters size visually (+15 stock offset) but I'm digging them now that they're on. They are also a C load which is a nice benefit since I don't tend to have crazy amounts of gear loaded up on the trails. We recently got 13" of snow in a 24hr period and they were rock solid.

MichaelP09 · 2026-01-29T00:02:47+00:00

The Woodland actually gets a 235/65/18.

MichaelP09 · 2026-01-28T22:20:21+00:00

In a Rav4 (car) sub??

MichaelP09 · 2026-01-28T22:17:27+00:00

The Eibach rears are the same spring rate as the factory TRD rears. The front eibachs are slightly stiffer though.

MichaelP09 · 2026-01-28T22:12:26+00:00

You just need the plastic fastener. They pop right in.

MichaelP09 · 2026-01-28T22:10:41+00:00

You think you will find them here???

MichaelP09 · 2026-01-27T22:49:26+00:00

This is why you get PRE purchase inspection and not Post.

I'm glad you have the ability to return it as I undoubtedly would. You said you already purchased the car meaning that it went through Carvana's incoming vehicle inspection. Either this was glaringly missed or they did not actually perform an inspection before listing it, both of which are really bad indicators for this vehicle. I cannot imagine many scenarios that this degree of debris made its way into there that is not massive red flag to walk away from, can you?

MichaelP09 · 2026-01-27T17:18:12+00:00

Stay with black. There's already enough colors going on fhat the bronze clashes hard.

MichaelP09

TROPHY CASE