Hopefully going to a get a new TCH soon (hopefully).

What accessories should I be eyeing. I think I will get the most basic package or the UP package. I have seen some type of Ipod display system (don't really know what it is). Is there anything else that helps the experience.

Possibly things to help out the FE?

 

Depending on your budget, either a back up camera or back up sensors. The rear visibility is extremely poor.

 

Some things to consider (no big help with FE):

- H9 headlight conversion or HID headlight conversion
- LED replacement of all interior lights
- Turning off the passenger front seat belt warning chime

This forum has threads dealing with each of the above, including the back up camera mentioned by Larry.

 

What do you want the accessories to do, improve looks, fuel mileage, or something else?

Personally, I went for the body-side mouldings (purchased and installed myself for under $100 rather than the $300 the dealer wanted) and mudguards (purchased and installed myself for about $60).

Beyond that, I'm happy with the car as-is.

 

I added a clear, adhesive film to protect all of the frontal area from rock chips, etc. In the first month I had my TCH, I had acquired 16 rock chips. The paint is not very durable (I believe this pertains to most of the Toyota line...). I also put the same material on the top of the rear bumper to protect it when loading/unloading the trunk. My only other addition has been winter floor mats. After a year and 16,000 miles, I love this car (as much as you can love an inanimate object).

Robb

 

I agree on the body side mouldings... very important. Mud flaps R good!

 

I have added the following options

35 watt true hid with slim ballasts $140 us funds
winter floor mats $100 canadian
factory body side molding dealer installed $140 canadian
factory rear wing/spoiler w/led brake $535 canadian
clear 3m front protection including 15mm over headlights $500 canadian
winter frost heater $40 us funds
back up rear view camera $160 us funds
tinted windows front and rear $200 canadian
toyota factory window drip protectors $120 canadian
Vias ipod mp3 player w/40 gig hard drive $525 us funds
plastic hard cover rear bumper luggage protector $40 us funds
trunk carpet $80 us funds
cologan custom fit front end bra $125 us funds
19" custom mags on 225-35-19 michelin ps2 tires $2300 us funds.

all of this was installed on a fully loaded nav/leather 2009 hybrid.

I am still looking at

drl conversion to 5 watt yellow led's
highbeam conversion to true hid's
fog lights with hid bulbs
auto start
rear performance sway bar
speaker up-grade
sliding center counsel top
cover for center console hole
black carbon fiber add on
leather floor mats
rear window shade folding illuminated side mirrors
2 view split right mirror glass

as you can see the sky is the limit and you can still get great good gas mileage in a luxury vehicle that seats 5 with no problems.

tim

 

I had the dealer to add the spoiler before I took delivery. Since then, I've added mud guards, tinted windows, wood dash kit, painted pinstripes, and fog lights. Getting ready to add new wheels.

 

I really like the backup camera. That requires the NAV screen, of course. I don't think the camera is available as an official option, but the aftermarket Eclipse BEC106 kit plugs right in, and only takes a couple hours to install. There is a thread here with very good installation instructions. I bought my camera on ebay for about $120, if I recall.

Body side moldings and mud flaps are essential. The paint on the new cars is easily damaged. Moldings and flaps help to reduce that. Those can be bought from the dealer, or added later without much labor.

Get a good tire-pressure gauge. The "dial" kind, not the "stick". They sell for about $10. Use it every few weeks, and set your tire pressure somewhat high (40+ pounds). That will improve your FE more than almost any other accessory you can buy. There are several good threads here re tire pressure.

 

Is body side molding something that is easily attached (I'm all thumbs) or would it be best to leave it to a pro? Do the aftermarket one's ever lose their stickiness or are then on for ever?