xA, xB, Echo, Rav4 ONLY.
Purolator Cabin Air Filter: Cat. No. C38188/ Cost: $12.88/ Good for: 1 (recommended ~8-12mo replacement). I think Purolator is the manufacturer of the more expensive Toyota boxed version (~$20).

3M Filtrate: Cat. No. ? (Purple one with ~1250 rating 1"height)/ Cost $15.00/ Good for: at least 4 (replacement: when ever you felt like it)

My thoughts: No worries of puncturing yourself. The 3M is a better value. It is a bit taller than the Purolator (Toyota spec). Also, the 3M version has an arrow telling you where it should go. Not sure if there is a difference how it should be installed as a cabin air filter. The purolator contains instructions. There is only 1 way to fit it on. One side is longer than the other. The 3M version seems to spread a lot more lint than the Purolator. You may have more lint in the vehicle than normal or w/o a cabin air filter. Purolator smells better than the 3M right after installation. I did the 3M mod for a year with three filter changes. No matter what you choose get a cabin air filter.

The contestants:

Purolator C38188, Made in Israel:

Height/depth difference: 3M= 1" C38188=0.86"


Purolator is protected by plastic at the edges. Arrows point where the plastic edges should go under. There are two sides to the filter holder. Total of 6-slots. There is only one way for the filter to go in...one side is longer than the other. Plastic edge down.

 

I use the cheaper 3m version because I change the filter very often. I'll ***** my fingers to save a few bucks.

It's crazy, my filter gets FILTHY after only a couple of months! I can't imagine what I'd be breathing with no filter. Everyone should really look into this mod.

-THE DON

 

i might try the Purolator Cabin Air Filter

right now i'm strutin the 3M DIY model

 

Did the car come with a filter, or just a place to put one?

 

none of them come with them
but the dealer will sell you the TRD filter for $20.oo
when you can cut 6 your own for less than $10
still slightly cheaper than the Purolater filter
I mainly worry about fan speed and air output
the blower motor in tha xB is kinda weak anyway
and this filter is a big restriction if not done right with good flowing material
you can easily have very crappy AC perfomance if done wrong

 

Instructions I found (installation):
http://www.pureoil.com/documents/Cab...Fs/6944265.pdf

 

where do you buy the purolator?