Hi! New 07 package 5 owner here and I love the car! Are the front license plate mounting holes drilled at the factory or by the dealer? My mounting holes are off center to the left (towards driver) by about 2 inches. It is quite obvious when looking at the front of the car. I ask because it would seem to me that the factory is fixtured to drill the holes and should be correctly located whereas the dealer is paying some detailer minimal wages and he just did a poor job. It's not the most important thing in the world, but it is a new car and I am trying to decide if I should complain to the dealer and have it fixed under warranty when I bring it in for service. Also, has anyone had adverse GPS/Nav or Bluetooth results after tinting their windows? The owner's manual recommends NOT tinting the windows for these reasons. However, my dogs are very often in the car and I'd like the windows tinted for their comfort. I also often carry lots of stuff with the seats folded down and would like a little more privacy/security for the contents. Thanks, Skuke
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(skuke @ Apr 24 2007, 11:57 AM) [snapback]429026[/snapback]</div> The holes don't come from the factory, as some states don't require front plates. Ours had no holes (at least not back in 2004) when we bought it. As for the tint question, the tint will not block the antenna from reaching the GPS signal, unless (theoretically) your tint is metalic, and that paste on junk is no longer in vogue, thank goodness.
I think the bumper cover comes with two little marks indicating where to put the screws if they're needed. So, the dealer should have been able to mount the plate frame correctly. But, now that there's a hole in the wrong place, would you prefer an off-centre plate, or an extra hole in the bumper? Hopefully the dealership will be good enough to realise their mistake and do some bodywork touch-up for you.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(skuke @ Apr 24 2007, 08:57 AM) [snapback]429026[/snapback]</div> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Complain as you see fit! My Prius came with the front plate holder installed. (#6 pkg) I have all rear and side windows tinted plus a 4"tinting strip on the top of the windshield. I have experience "O" na-da problems withhe GPS/Nav or bluetooth. My bluetooth paired & installed and functioned on the first shot! enjoy .............
Mine is a base model and it had the license plate holder installed. However this is New York, when I lived in California (most of my life) front plates were not enforced like they are elsewhere. If that is still the same case that might be the reason. In fact when I moved back here five years ago, I had to drill holes in my front bumper of my turbo beetle to make it legal. Bummer.
Sorry to hear about the license plate location. Definitely a dealer thing. I tinted my windows very dark (13% hatch and rear doors, 35% front sides) to protect from the Phoenix sun. I have not noticed any deterioration in the signals on the radio, cell phone, Bluetooth, or GPS. My tint is metallic.
I just got my front license plates for my '10 Prius and no front holes. I living in Virginia where the tags are required on both ends, but bought the car in Maryland. So I'm debating whether I should drill in my own holes, or let the dealer do it. I'm scared of putting holes into my beautiful new bumper! How did you drill yours in? LIke what kind of drill and bolts did you use?
I got both front and rear license plate installed by dealer. Both are in the dead center. If I were you, I'd complain to the dealer. They probably won't give you a new bumper but may apology for their poor workmanship and a free oil change coupon. Better than doing nothing, right?
So I called my sales guy last week about the no holes in the front bumper - and he just said take it to any Toyota dealer and they can drill in holes for free. So that is what I did this morning. They were super nice and it took no more than 5 minutes! Im just annoyed that my car didn't have the front bracket, but I was just relieved I didn't have to leave my plates on the dashboard any longer. The mechanic just drilled the holes in and applied my license plate right on the bumper. So no worries anymore about getting a ticket!
