I went to the dealer yesterday to pick up some oil filters, wiper refills, and some PCV valves for the T-100 and the Sienna. Conveniently enough, they use the same oil filter. Aside from acting like helping me was a complete inconvenience, they told me that they don't stock wiper refills ($3-5/ea) any more, only the entire blade ($8-11/ea). The display that they used to have for the refills was completely gone. What?! That answer took almost 10 minutes to get. After he disappeared for another 10 minutes and counting looking for the PCV valves, I left for the other dealer.

When I got there, I got a similar story on the wiper refills, however they did have them in stock for the Sienna. They could "special order" them for the T. What's up with that? Is this a product of the same marketing research that has done away with a full sized spare in their minivans? Folks would rather have a little more room than a spare that they can count? It's easier to replace an entire blade than just the small expendable rubber bit? Is this widespread?

Also, I didn't realize til checking out, I paid *over a dollar more* per filter at the second dealership ($5.95 vs $4.90!). I guess that pays for the deli, day care, and free "gourmet" coffee in the waiting room. At least they acted like they wanted my business.

Grrrr.

Customer service just about everywhere being what it is, sometimes that in itself is worth an extra buck.

Actually, I'm not surprised. Most folk really can't successfully install the replacement since you have to hold the rubber, install two metal strips, hold it all together, and get it into the assembly. Many people are defeated and simply replace the entire unit.

Bosch has their premium wiper blades sold as an unrepairable assembly with no inserts offered.

I lost my driver's side blade last month 600 miles from home; the local hick town NAPA had 'universal' wiper replacement blades for $6 each, just picked the proper length and they fit and worked fine. The T100 has the 'U' shaped wiper arm hooks in case you need to choose.

Wiper Refills

Still, with shipping not a lot of savings