Terrible OEM cabin filter

Visit amazon or rockauto or any auto parts store and you'll find probably half a dozen brands in both plain and charcoal filters.

 

i used a fram, it was okay.

 

You can compare the Toyota original filter with the Fram in the picture. Both were taken off after the same period of use. The Toyota has more pleats and more filter area but at higher price than the Fram. I am on my second Fram filter now and it works fine. The dark colour on the Fram is charcoal, not dirt. The gaps on the Fram are wider so the dirts are more visible (and it was doing its job to trap it.) Judge for yourself.

 

it's amazing how much junk those things trap. to think we used to breathe all that. of course, i drive with the window down all summer.

 

Why do you think your nose hair can do a better job than the filter when you drive with the window down.

 

No! But I bet He gets the big stuff.

 

I stopped by my dealer about a week ago, and they offered a choice of 3 filters; the cheap one you were offered for about $24 that looks about as good at filtering air as a section of chicken wire, the original replacement one that the car came with for about $40, and a better one with an activated carbon filter for something like $55 or so.

OR, you can get the FRAM one for $14.

 

Well, you get what you paid for, the cheaper the material, the more you'll change it once it looks dirty. I rather go for quality over quantity because I won't have to worry about air flow problem. The cheaper FRAM cabin air filter is made up of cheap quality material than the OEM one, hence the FRAM cabin air filter looks more dirtier and restrict more air flow going through your cabin box. The OEM looks to be cleaner and looks as if air flow isn't clogged by all the dirt like the FRAM cabin air filter.

All in all, I'm just stating this, if you want to buy a cheap FRAM cabin air filter, you get what you paid for.

 

I have no particular preference for or against FRAM - but, other than OEM, got any favorites? I refuse to believe that the "good" OEM filters cost anywhere near to $40 or $55 to manufacture, and that's more than I'm willing to spend on something for the sole purpose of not needing to research a good third-party alternative. (On the other hand, the OEM engine air filter was $18, and the OEM oil filter was $5, both cheap enough that I don't feel obligated to find an alternative.)

And for what it's worth, reviews on the FRAM are generally very positive in terms of quality - though they do note that there are fewer pleats (which, assuming the filter is about the same porosity as the OEM one, will probably reduce the A/C air output imperceptibly, since it's harder for the air to flow through).

 

So, guys, I posted this in the GEN II forum back in February, regarding WIX cabin filters from NAPA:
NAPA filters -- New Quality Concern? | PriusChat

I know it is gen II, but from the photos here, the GEN III looks amazingly the same, indeed, it probably is.

I paid $8 and change for the NAPA/WIX filter. I could have upgraded to a NAPA Silver for a couple of bucks more (also WIX) or a NAPA Gold/Wix for another few dollars more, but nowhere near the $40 -- or even $20 mark.

IMHO, as mentioned, I drive with the windows down most of the time anyway, while the cabin filter is "nice," I don't need the Rothschild version.

UPDATE::::Just checked NAPA, the GEN III is actually different than the GEN II and the Gold is a buck or so cheaper -- around $14....

 

2010 prius cabin filter | eBay

 

I wonder if K & N makes a cabin filter??

 

I doubt it.

 

The YZZ08 filters sold by the dealer are a cheaper knockoff compared to the OE one.

Wix sells a carbon filter for the IS250 that is very similar to the factory-installed filter, but only costs about $14.

 

Attached is a picture of the Wix 24511 filter. It is very similar to the factory-installed carbon filter.




iPhone ?

 

A K&N Cabin filter????
Yukkk.
I mean Yummy! If you oiled it up with some Precious Virgin Mojo Oils from across the seas !!!

I have read that the carbon/charcoal activated crystals are only effective for a short while at removing odors.
They get saturated.
Then you are back to just a normal filter.

 

Any pics on how to remove and replace on a Gen 3?