Interior Build Quality 2016 SR5

Hey all. Have a question about interior build quality. I noticed that I have already possibly blown my rear passenger speaker even though the volume never went above 40 (the speaker seem to be bass heavy). This is a suprise as my 2011 Yaris got abused by a friend who drove it once and his 2006 regularly played at max or near max with no issues. I have never even hit max on the Tacoma speakers.

The second thing is the plastic shield of the instrument cluster. I was cleaning the inside of the truck and using a microfiber cloth managed to put hariline scratches on it. I verified that this cloth did it by testing out in a corner. Queue today when I noticed it was dusty from leaving the windows cracked while, suprise suprise, the lawn crew came by with a blower. I used my hand to brush the dust away and it left bad scratches. At this point I am about to replace it but has anyone else seen this issue?

Overall I am happy with the truck and would buy another in a heartbeat; just that the interior quality appears to be lacking compared to a vehicle that costs half as much...

If people want I will upload pictures of the scratches. I am aware of scratch repair solutions and will probably look there first.

 

Have not seen this issue of a microfiber towel causing scratches. Hope that.....helps?

 

Yea, unless there was some potent dust there, i just don't know. I am particular about scratches on stuff that look at regularly so my cellphone keeps screen protectors on it. If it was the outside of the truck it would be fine but it is that shield. Anytime the light catches it just right BAM!

 

So you're questioning the build quality of the cluster, when it was your dirty cloth that scratched it? Sounds to me like the cluster quality is fine and you should use a clean cloth next time.

 

Wow ... now I am confused? Just some dust and you wipe it with micro fiber and it scratches? It should be MORE durable than that. Are you sure it wasn't a wire brush. What should someone do? Replace the instrument panel when dust is on it? Check your micro fiber, I use a good micro fiber EVERYDAY on things ... monitors, cell phones, TVs, blu ray, dvd etc.

Something does not sound right? How would you get the dust off. Use a vacuum? My cluster gets smudges from my wife having to touch it when she .... ugh drives it. I use mico fiber to wipe it and it is fine. I will double check mine today as well, I have warranty, Toyota will need to stock them in a pack on ten if it scratches that easily.

 

Don't let your wife drive it anymore

 

i did the same thing on my 15. had some dust, smuge, took mircofiber towel wiped it. next thing i know i got scratchs on the center gauge. i'm bummed, how hard is it to replace?

 

Try buffing the scratches out with plastic polish (made for motorcycle wind screens or convertible tops with plastic rear glass) AND a clean microfiber towel. Replacement would most likely be expensive. Make sure no grit is on the lens before you start, you can use a soft bristle brush to dust before polishing.

 

thanks man, i'll try that

 

It's cheap plastic. The instrument cluster on my '06 has had scratches on it from the get go.

 

On a build quality of 1-10 I give it a 6.. I feel my 2006 was better. This is the new norm being made as light and cheap as possible.

 

We are talking about a truck....right.

New broom sweeps clean syndrome I think. After you spill coffee on the seat once or twice the scratches will hardly be noticed.

 

$11 Meguiar's Quik Interior Detailer Wipes - This Non-Greasy Formula Cleans and Protects All Interior Surfaces - Easy Cleaning and Detailer, All Surface Car Wipe with UV Protection, 25 Wipes

http://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-G13600-Interior-Detailer-Wipes/dp/B000EORRXK

I like to use these wipes. States on the front "Great for Nav Screens."

 

Don't buy Cheap microfiber towels. They are not created equal,Use the right microfiber for the right job''

http://www.incrediblydetailed.com/microfiber-manifesto-everything-need-know-microfiber-towels/

Why Does Microfiber GSM Matter?
A towel with a density of 630 GSM is generally softer, always thicker and plusher than a towel with a density of 350 GSM. The 630 GSM towel would be best suited for delicate, scratch sensitive surfaces and for drying due to its higher level of absorbency. The 350 GSM towel would be best for general cleaning purposes such as wheels, exhaust tips, carpets and door jams. The higher the GSM the more expensive the towel, it is good practice to match the characteristics of the towel to the job at hand, which will also help to save you UC Davis Pioneers Use Of Microfiber Mops In Hospitals.

Summary of Key Benefits of Microfiber Towels:

• Locks In Dirty And Dust
• Highly Absorbent
• Lint Free
• Strong and Durable
• Soft For Delicate Surfaces

• Light Weight
• Resistant to shrinking and stretching
• Wrinkle Free
• Quick Drying
• Versatile

 

Don't use cheap micro fibers and be sure to not RUB the dirt and dust into the cluster.

Wipe and then flip the towel to a clean side to clean the clear plastic.

Try a plastic polish you can get at any auto parts store to clean the cluster.

 

Give them some time down there in Baja to get familiar with the new interior.

 

My cluster on my 13 scratched as soon as I used a microfiber cloth to clean it. Don't mind the cluster fucks here giving you a hard time about it since it has never happened to them the problem doesn't exist.

 

Same here, and no plastic polish will take them out. It just makes the scratches shinier. Cheap plastic.

 

The plastic is cheap just don't abuse it and you'll be fine. The polish may hide or fill the scratches but they will still show over time.