hi all, After last maintenance, I start to smell smoke comes inside my car which never happened before. So I guess it's time to change the cabin air filter. I found two parts that fits the car online. Cabin Air Filter - Toyota (87139-0R030) Cabin Air Filter - Toyota (87139-58010) Could someone please tell me which one should I use, and if possible? what's the difference? I see one is much more expensive than another one. Thanks.
Either one would work. The less expensive Toyota OEM (87139-0R030) is just a paper filter but still costs an MSRP of $22.76 (street price can be ~$15). Very expensive Toyota OEM (87139-58010) has activated charcoal-infused paper that would help eliminate odor problems but costs an MSRP of $54.65 (street price can be ~$40). I use a much cheaper after-market filter that cost a fraction of the OEM filters. I had a rodent problem, nesting on the cabin filter, so I check the filter frequently and change it if I see any sign of rodents getting on the cabin filter which is now covered by a hard cloth.
You don't need a cabin air filter. It is for your comfort, not any mechanical reason. The better ones may filter better, and that's what I buy, but any one will do the job. Spend your money wisely. What was the source of the smoke? If it was from the environment, then either the situation will be corrected or the charcoal filter will be a good option. If it was from your car...get that fixed!
