2018 Grills

So it seems to me that Toyota has caught on that many of us want to swap out our Grills. And I'm guessing they are nervous about the radar sensor malfunctioning on the after-market grill replacement and making it difficult for dealers and vendors to sell us these grills?

 

It appears that way. I don't have an 18 yet, I almost purchased one prior to them restricting the sales based on what I went through back in the day trying to get trail team wheels (which had the same restrictions). I'm kicking myself now.

 

I don't think it has anything to do with that at all. In business, it's all about the money and profit. 2016+ owners can now get a complete 2018 Pro OEM grille for a little over $200 vs. $400 for a 2017 Pro OEM grille. They don't care about malfunctioning radar sensors on an aftermarket grille. Once you put that cheap knock-off grille on a 2018, they are released of any liability. They want you to pay the $400 if you don't actually have a 2018.

 

Toyota isn't offering the Pro grille anymore, so they don't want you to have it anymore period. Not even at their markup.

 

Haha, that's ridiculous. Who told you that?

 

It's all over the grille threads. They are requiring Pro vin's and proof of ownership. Started a couple weeks ago. They've been known to do this in the past.

 

Just picked mine up at local dealer. 257.00

 

Yeah, I've seen the posts. In what part of the country is this? That still just sounds ridiculous.

 

Imagine that! @toyotatacomaTRD

 

Incorrect. They are simply restricting it, requiring a Pro VIN to order.

I would venture a guess that they are concerned with the sudden increase in demand resulting in decreased perceived exclusivity of the Pro's. The grill is the single largest identifier of a Pro and now everyone with $200 can have an OEM grill or a knock off for $150.

This a combination of a brand marketing and parts pricing issue that Toyota is trying to tackle. Unfortunately for them, they'll just push a ton more volume to the knock off guys.

 

I imagine it's because some dealer's had some in stock. I've seen this over and over on special items like this. A few months from now, I bet it's near impossible to get from the dealer. Call me out if I'm wrong, I'm guessing I won't be.

 

My dealer special ordered were super cool. I pulled vin off the internet....part has to be overwritten manually at the depot.

 

Is yours in hand yet? They'll get to the point where you will pay for it, then the dealer will have to give your money back because Toyota blocks the sale.

Anyone new to this or thinking I don't know what I'm talking about, look up what people used to do for the Anthracite or Trail Team wheels 4-5 years ago. This is identical. Everyone was buying them, then Vin needed, then proof of damage including Vin.

 

Yeah we have it covered....

 

Every time I asked if the 17 and 18 TRD grill were the same , a bunch of people jumped in and inflamed me and said yes ! 16 and 17 grills already have the TSS spot you idiot ! blah blah blah

 

So I guess if toyota won't sell the 2018 Pro grill everyone will have to pay the extra money and get the 2017 Pro grill

 

They can be had....

 

What do you mean?

 

One dealer local shot me down. The other was super cool said call me with a vin from a pro and a “reason” for replacement they have to submit that to Toyota. 2 days later picked up the part

 

I just bit the bullet and bought the 2017 Pro Grill. It was more money but at least it was available. I also picked up the last Garnish I could find (overpaid for that too, $95) All I need now is the wiring harness and from all the different posts I read a couple of clips.
On another not, it looks like the sensor is actually mounted a little lower in the Pro grill. I wonder if I can level the truck now and not have the sensor recalibrated.