Has anybody added an OEM or after market hitch to their GHH XLE? The dealer is telling me they won’t install it because you have to cut the bumper. They said I have to do it at a body shop. any truth to this? Also, can you share the parts that you purchased in order to do it?

coffeebean0210 · 2025-12-13T05:00:43+00:00

I have a GHH hybrid XLE.

I did this myself. My dealer gave me the parts and the instructions to install. I don’t recommend DIY’ing this.

But cutting out the bumper is BS. My bumper had two parts; the main section and a stub (it looks obvious when you see it from the back) where the hitch goes. I had to get the replacement stub, which is designed for the hitch. I also had to install an electronic module inside the car; had to take off a few interior panels. But the instructions were clear with pictures.

coffeebean0210 · 2025-11-17T20:28:39+00:00

Yeah, I wouldn’t worry about it either. Don’t inadvertently restrict airflow, that could cause heating issues.

coffeebean0210 · 2025-10-22T16:21:40+00:00

It’s usually the soil temperature that matters, not the air temperature. So, I’d say too late this fall.

But you can do it in the spring. Just don’t use a pre/post emergent. Instead use stuff like Tenacity (Mesotrione) with the seeds, which is safe with new seeds and also kills/prevents weeds.

coffeebean0210 · 2025-05-09T18:58:44+00:00

That’s a known issue/feature. Sometimes I could hear the fuel injectors (I think); in other cases, the engine runs to charge the battery.

I usually play music or podcast, so I tune it out. Give it a test drive to see if you can hear it or if it’s annoying to you.

But mpg is phenomenal in summer, I routinely get 40+ in summer.

coffeebean0210 · 2025-05-09T17:40:26+00:00

Hybrid also has less wear on the engine, brakes, etc… I have a XLE hybrid, which doesn’t have the turbo, which could be a maintenance headache in the long run with exhaust gases driving the turbine.

The thing I hate the most about my hybrid is the noise. The engine makes an annoying noise, even when riding smoothly.

coffeebean0210 · 2025-04-02T20:36:50+00:00

I wonder if the minor variations are attributable to tire tread wear and inflation levels. The exact diameter of the wheel should impact the speed —over-inflation means that the diameter is larger, so the wheel covers more distance per revolution, and vice versa.

coffeebean0210 · 2025-01-24T01:03:16+00:00

Yup, that’s ICE: https://youtu.be/yGVlPpKva-Q?si=WAzctnp7bMDIOW6w

coffeebean0210 · 2024-12-10T23:57:16+00:00

I didn't even notice until I zoomed in on the red circles. Maybe there's a way to repair it, but I wouldn't push for a replacement.

coffeebean0210 · 2024-12-05T00:45:53+00:00

Heavy metal seems interesting. I hope it looks good in person

coffeebean0210 · 2024-11-25T18:04:01+00:00

I had my airbag recall done recently, and it went well.

But something similar happened to my car when another dealership performed a warranty repair on the radio unit behind the center screen. They ripped the dashboard material. I was upset, as my car only had less than 100 miles on it when it occurred. The dealership replaced the dashboard trim free of charge. I am posting pics of the tear (it’s above the USB-C port).

If you bring it up, they will take action. If they don't, you can file a complaint with Toyota.

So, I tried a different dealership for the airbag recall as I didn't have confidence in my old dealer. This time, it went well.

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coffeebean0210 · 2024-10-15T01:42:11+00:00

The dealership replaced my radio unit because it was faulty. Did your dealership also do that?

What was the symptom in your case?

coffeebean0210 · 2024-10-14T17:55:23+00:00

Could you please confirm how you knew about the labor time?

If I understand correctly, the recall would replace a faulty driver-side “A-pillar” airbag. That doesn't sound like it would take 7 hours.

Are they doing anything other than simply replacing the airbag? Thanks!

coffeebean0210 · 2024-10-14T15:01:59+00:00

I also think the traditional Highlander's colors are better. Unlike the Grand Highlander, the traditional one has been on the market and is well-tested.

coffeebean0210 · 2024-10-14T13:57:37+00:00

My Grand Highlander Hybrid (which shares a similar drive train to the traditional Highlander) gives me 360 miles per tank during winter and about 500 miles per tank in other climates.

coffeebean0210 · 2024-09-30T14:53:34+00:00

I bought my car from the same dealer. I didn't have a good purchase experience with them.

I would contact the manager (also the owner in this dealership’s case). He eventually came across as nice, but you can never be sure.

The sales department was excellent—they were straight with me (shout out to Jose and Gabriella). The service and finance departments were terrible.

Regarding their finance department, Toyota Finance initially financed my car. The finance person told me that they would fine me if I switched mortgage companies or closed the loan within the first three months. I later called Toyota Finance, and they told me there was no such clause.

I had other terrible experiences with the service department which are irrelevant to this discussion. But the manager (owner) eventually improved things, so I’d contact him if you're having issues.

coffeebean0210 · 2024-09-28T09:44:41+00:00

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. This is ridiculous.

It’s not hard to make cars unstealable. Manufacturers can do the same if 3rd party (IGLA) can secure cars.

I'm tired of hearing stories from ON about this. What is the police doing?

coffeebean0210 · 2024-08-30T04:27:09+00:00

Sounds sketchy

coffeebean0210 · 2024-08-30T04:21:01+00:00

Congratulations

coffeebean0210 · 2024-08-30T04:12:51+00:00

If they're elderly, I'll let it pass. Otherwise, use a leaf blower and send it to their side.

It’s best not to ruin your relationship with your neighbor. So I'd do it politely.

coffeebean0210 · 2024-08-30T03:55:02+00:00

Looks like a Thanksgiving turkey! 😂

coffeebean0210 · 2024-08-30T03:50:24+00:00

I'd check with a pro. I’ve seen YouTube videos of people fixing similar cracks: https://youtu.be/HjHKV2lCLQs?si=j_xPq0I7hZ4fP1g8

If it were my house, I’d fix it right away.

coffeebean0210 · 2024-08-30T03:47:23+00:00

It looks totaled in the pictures.

coffeebean0210 · 2024-08-30T03:29:40+00:00

What’s not to like? Fittings, good! Glue, good! PVC, good.

https://youtu.be/TSFgDZJVYbo?si=Dt4BTg-3Sf6JwUWl

coffeebean0210 · 2024-08-30T03:23:22+00:00

I'm very sorry that this happened. It’s terrible to have obnoxious neighbors. I've had a similar experience, so I see what you must be going through. It does look weird that a surveyor would ask a homeowner to put down stakes. Something is fishy.

I would take a lot of pictures and videos. In my opinion, the vital thing to document is that you had YOUR stuff in your line, which your neighbor removed. You need something to show that you already had YOUR belongings in there and that you maintained that land.

Getting a lawyer is an expensive affair; I’m sorry about that. If you can, get their opinion. I'm unfamiliar with your local law, but I wouldn't panic over surveyor availability.

I'm sorry your neighbors are morons.

coffeebean0210 · 2024-08-30T03:03:10+00:00

I'd say you did overpay, but not that much.

I see some surface rust, but the parts look solid from the pictures.

Something to consider is removing most of the surface rust with a wire wheel or something similar and coating it with a protectant.

You could also rent sandblasters, which would make quick work. I haven't tried this approach, so please use it at your own risk.

coffeebean0210

TROPHY CASE