Quality Control Freight Hold

From what I’ve researched, it seems it’s the same as removing badging? That said, I did ask not to have it installed at all, but my confidence in that happening is low. Haha.

 

Yeah it was an instant update. I asked the sales person, then they requested it from Toyota and the inventory, and spec sheet updated as well on Toyota.com. So if it wasn’t removed by now, chances are your sales person didn’t remove it/request. It was all done before the car hit the port.

 

Gah. Well, that’s not super encouraging, but good to know. Maybe I’ll reach out to my rep again and see what she has to say. We verified in writing that I didn’t want the side moldings and she said they would try to get them removed. The car hasn’t been in the Toyota inventory at all, so it’s hard to know what the situation is. Maybe since it hasn’t been processed yet, there’s still hope.

 

I mentioned the containers as a lead in to the oddities of international shipping. Someone would have complained If I had just said that some cargo ships roll more than 50 degrees in rough seas. It also led into the next point, which is that cargo ships are routinely inspected and re-certified by 3rd party inspectors/engineers, even while the ship is underway.

I've

 

A long time ago, I installed a new side body moulding to replace the one that fell off from my 1985 Corolla on a freeway. Looking back at the instructions, clean removal may not be possible.

 

We are rooting for you. But we all know how scummy some dealerships can be, so hopefully it’s a better ending.

 

Should be the same as removing badging. The installation for the body side molding for the 2023 Prius is definitely not the same as a Corolla from almost 40 years ago. There's no heat-activated adhesive or anything like that. Just two thin bands of a quality double-sided tape. To remove, use fishing wire and either a liquid adhesive remover like Goo Gone or a manual one like a 3M Stripe-Off wheel.

I would say that if your car ends up coming with it installed and you do decide to get rid of it, it's better to do it sooner rather than later. The adhesive will be easier to cut through and remove if it's relatively fresh. I'm not talking a matter of days or even weeks, just don't let it sit for several months before removal.

(I'm in the same situation you are, so I've been doing the same research.)

 

Adding data points on an XLE;
1. Car on vessel during March, went to the dealership and there was $2k worth of port install accessories. I requested sales person to remove, and they requested through Sales manager in the dealership to Toyota. Approved, specs sheet on website and everywhere updated instantly.
2. Car landed at Port 4/10 Newark, NJ.
2. a) car went missing from inventory (Toyota.com) from 4/1 and showed up on 4/13.
3. Cleared everything and on a truck today 4/17.
4. If all goes well, picking up on Friday 4/21

 

Careful application of a heat gun might help with removal. I took off the clear plastic film pieces at the bottom rear corners of back doors on ours. Apply a little heat, lift a corner, take your time. Then go over with some car polish.

 

I was concerned about the glue but I was also told the guards can be removed at the dealership. Problem is I was told I would still have to pay for them. : /

 

Only if you “have” to do business with them. You can just wait six months, a year, till the rush is over.

 

I’m so darn picky. The thought of them taking guards off and having to apply a solvent to remove glue residue doesn’t sit well with me.

I don’t want to wait too much longer due to tentative funding. If it wasn’t for the funding issue, I’d try to hold off until 2024 model which might not arrive 2025. : /

 

Not to mention paying for them.

 

When looking up my car specs via VIN on the Toyota app today, I noticed the side moldings were DELETED. Good sign, and hopefully a hint that it may be moving along, because it’s been showing the build with the side moldings since March.

 

I was told by Longo Toyota today that they don't do add–delete requests on port-installed accessories, as it costs extra money to them. I was told that only the dealers who charge a high markup can afford that.

@Perpetual Waffle, are you paying a markup?

 

No, mine is coming from a dealership that sells at MSRP. They didn’t mention anything about removing options costing them anything. First I’ve heard that, tbh.

Maybe @thnok has some insight on this since they had $2k worth of port accessories removed with their dealer?

 

yeah that’s BS. The car I picked up last Friday had $2k worth of port installed stuff removed and it’s a dealer who sells without markup. I went through everything on the final bill of sale finely as well.

 

Well, I will attempt at choosing the port-installed accessories once my black SE is allocated. I was told that they would call me long before the Ro–Ro arrived. I could see how this could easily logistically get out of hand if everyone tried the same, as if Toyota Logistics Services is not already having enough problems fulfilling the orders as it is the subject of this thread.

 

Ditto. My dealer is charging MSRP and was happy to make a change and two deletions. I even saw the changes confirmed on the search inventory page on toyota.com.

This one is mine: Toyota Inventory | New Toyota Inventory Search

When I first put a deposit down on it, it came with all-weather floor liners, the door edge guards, and the body side moldings.

 

Can you clarify at what point in the process the dealer was able to request removal of added side body guards etc. When I asked about this the dealership said they could take them off when car arrived but I would still be charged for them. I think he just doesn’t know this is an option since there are other things I told him that he didn’t already know. Thanks.