Wish Lists

2324 Views 4 Replies 3 Participants Last post by EKO, Aug 18, 2010

EKO

Discussion Starter · Aug 13, 2010

New XLE AWD driver here. So, after owning this wagon for a few weeks, I have to say I'm enjoying it. A year ago, I was driving a MINI Cooper S, and now this. Who'd a thunk it? In between, was a Volvo XC90, which proved too small for what is now a new family with kids from each side. Anyway, enough of the Dr. Phil stuff, here's some thoughts and general questions, which might be interesting to talk about...

First: tires. I think this van has a great engine and handles surprisingly well, but the tires leave me cold. Don't care
care so much that they’re run-flats, but this particular Bridgestone is way too vanilla and geared to make Joe and Jane Public happy. When these things wear down, I’d really like to see some driver-oriented rubber available, in a run-flat. Michelin and Continental have nice high performance all-season tires in other sizes. What do you think? Will we something available in a 235/55-18 other than this B-stone?

Springs: I know it’s been touched upon elsewhere, but I’d like to hear some more feedback on switching over to SE springs. What’s the affect on handling? Big? And, how much did the swap cost you (parts and labor)?

Also, some DVD input: My XLE didn’t have the DVD option. First I looked at the add-ons that are in the Toyota brochure. Didn’t really dig those, as they looked like a headrest strap-on, basically. My dealer here in MD suggested a 3rd party audio/video business that they work with, and we checked out a system that replaces the headrests. We went with that, and we’re very happy with the result. Leather matches perfectly, looks OEM, and works great. Pricey, at almost $2K, but really nicely done.

Well, that’s a start. Good to be here!

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boricua_aoc

· #2 · Aug 14, 2010

Which DVD system did you go with and who installed it?

I bought a SE and I was on the same boat. I didn't feel like paying $1500 for a set of DVD's that look like the one's you strap-on. So far I was thinking to install a drop down unit, since the headrest ones don't look like the OEM headrest. The only issue that I came up to is that the audio must come out of the IR headphones(I don't think my 1yr & 3yr kids would enjoy) or through the car speaker with either an FM xmiter or directly installed to the head unit(which I would like to listen to something else while they watch their movies). Solution to the sound output is to install an aftermarket GPS/DVD head-unit with the dual zone feature to allow me to distribute the audio of my speakers. So far I found that Kenwood & Pioneer offer the feature.

If you don't mind, can you post pictures of your set-up.

Thanks

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retiredat444

· #3 · Aug 15, 2010

my wish is the same type conversion custom stuff i had in my old Dodge custom conversion:
-sofa
-fridge
-table
-plush carpet

I looked all over the Internet,, the only conversion vans are still the big American V8 vans (I emailed some van conversion places, and those dooshes would not even email me back..!)
:headbang:
thanx..

we currently have two Toyotas in our family
Old Corolla and Camry
have also owned a Honda and also a while back a Small Toyota Pickup (really loved it..)

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EKO

Discussion Starter · #4 · Aug 16, 2010 (Edited)

boricua_aoc said:
Which DVD system did you go with and who installed it?

I bought a SE and I was on the same boat. I didn't feel like paying $1500 for a set of DVD's that look like the one's you strap-on. So far I was thinking to install a drop down unit, since the headrest ones don't look like the OEM headrest. The only issue that I came up to is that the audio must come out of the IR headphones(I don't think my 1yr & 3yr kids would enjoy) or through the car speaker with either an FM xmiter or directly installed to the head unit(which I would like to listen to something else while they watch their movies). Solution to the sound output is to install an aftermarket GPS/DVD head-unit with the dual zone feature to allow me to distribute the audio of my speakers. So far I found that Kenwood & Pioneer offer the feature.

If you don't mind, can you post pictures of your set-up.

Thanks

No problem. I'll post some pictures tonight when I get home, or tomorrow. The set I have looks completely OEM, and matches grey leather perfectly. Sound is either via IR headphones or FM channel of your choice. The system also came with pre-installed video games and controllers. I see you're in WV; I had my install done in Westminster, MD, so depending on where you are in WV, it could be worth a daytrip.

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