Hey guys, my gf just bought an 05' RX330 in flint mica. Since it's a dark color, I figure chrome door handles would add a nice touch. So it looks like I have three options:

1) OEM full assembly for $140, which isn't bad at all considering it's the entire assembly made by Toyota.

2) Full assembly aftermarket, for $75. Half the price, but does anyone have any experience or feedback with them? What are the drawbacks?

3) Chrome handle covers for $35. Personally I wouldn't consider a half assed mod, but for the price and saving myself the hassle of taking apart 4 doors I just might.

Feedback and pictures would be greatly appreciated, TIA.

 

plates aren't bad. I helped a buddy install a set. They stick out a few mm's but nothing too crazy.

One thing i suggest is getting additional 3m Tape for the covers.

All in all a few minutes to install and of course cleaning before hand is a must!

 

The transplant for option A and B aren't possible.
A Lexus tech told me that the door pull mechanisms and hardware mounting from the 04-05 and 06-beyond are different in design. I was going to do a transplant as well, but this put a stop to it.

 

Hmm, I never heard of this. So 04-05 RX330's only option is taped on chrome covers?

 

I'm sure this is something you'd like to investigate further on your own, but it's what I had been told. Sorry, guy.

 

No, you can change to chrome handles if you want. There's a DIY writeup here in the forum : https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...ndles-diy.html

 

I did the write up for the DYI. I have had the chrome handles now since last Sept and have gone through the winter with them. No problems and still look great.

This is the only way to go IMO. It was a little bit more work than the stick on but well worth it. I also think they add a bit to the flint mica.

My cost was in CAN $. I had no problem in dealing with the Ebay seller from Japan. In fact, they arrived faster than many of my purchases in North America.

 

Thanks for chiming in G2SSM, great write up btw.

Does anyone know the difference between the OEM and aftermarket handles?

OEM:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/TOYOT...Q5fAccessories

Aftermarket:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Camry...Q5fAccessories

 

Chrome plating plastic is tricky. I would go for the OEM. Up to you on how much you want to save. The difference is not a whole lot. OEM's are better because they have been validated for so much cycles.

Aftermarket, you might be taking a chance. Typical defects on chrome are pitting, bubbles, discoloration and peeling off.

 

And dullness, water spots. I have direct experience with plating. Interior parts are different, these are exterior parts and are subject to UV and the the weather.

 

I would agree with mandyfig and go with the OEM ones. Too many things can go wrong with the aftermarket. I purchased my handles from another ebay seller.

His auction is here --> http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/LEXUS...Q5fAccessories

I can't speak for the seller you found but the guy I dealt with had great communication and the handles arrived in 5 days from Japan. I've had stuff take longer within Canada

 

G2SSM, How much did it cost for the shipping?

 

I paid $163 US including $28 shipping. Not sure how much I would have paid at a lexus dealer. We don't have one locally so I just went the eBay route. I guess I could have gone to the Toyota dealer but sometimes it's just easier from the comfort of my desk

 

just curious....
i actually want to change mine chrome handles to body color, but obsidian black was not available earlier
i think Toyota has some other models that has similar door handles in obsidian black
do you guys think that they would fit??

 

Not sure. Maybe buy another color and have them painted? Not sure if you can do that.