[Thormaxx1234]

In general, I have seen more features as stranded in Canada for the same trim/model, compared to US. Especially Japanese does it all the time.

Apart from legal regulations and environmental conditions, there is definitely people's preference at play here. What one is willing to pay for some features, before one starts thinking it's over priced.

Might be one reason why Canadian prices are so much higher than US pricing...the other is our dollar being worth crap.

 

[KevinB]

Might be one reason why Canadian prices are so much higher than US pricing...the other is our dollar being worth crap.

Where are Canada spec cars assembled, Alabama like the USA models? Import duties, transportation charges and notoriously high Canadian taxes might be playing a part in this too.

 

[Thormaxx1234]

Where are Canada spec cars assembled, Alabama like the USA models? Import duties, transportation charges and notoriously high Canadian taxes might be playing a part in this too.

I think it depends on the model.. for 2023 Hybribs and PHEV were coming out of Korea... but I think gas powered cars are coming out of Alabama

 

[Thormaxx1234]

notoriously high Canadian taxes might be playing a part in this too.

Yeah... we pay too much in taxes up here.

 

[D2s]

A hitch and an ambient lighting setup, has been sitting at my house for the past few days now. Could not get time to install either of it.

I got busy with my kid's car project.

Good to have another car enthusiast in the family.

 

[KevinB]

What mods does he have planned for each of them?

 

[Thormaxx1234]

I'd love to update the rear backup lamps with LED... and maybe the cargo lamp as well. I have seen youtube videos of it being done and does not look too bad...

 

[D2s]

I'd love to update the rear backup lamps with LED... and maybe the cargo lamp as well. I have seen youtube videos of it being done and does not look too bad...

I too followed those videos and it was very easy. Minimal tools required.

For the backup lights , buy a set close to the size (especially height) of the factory one.
The longer they become, harder it is to install. The connecting wires and opening for the bulb, don't give much wiggle room.

Also I didn't separate the tail light modules completely (video shows to remove the connector with a nose plier) from the vehicle.
I was able to manage removing and installing the LED alone, but to do that, keep the tools, LEDs closer to you.

 

[shrinkwrap]

What do folks recommend for reducing the chrome on the Limited, especially on the grill?

 

[D2s]

What do folks recommend for reducing the chrome on the Limited, especially on the grill?

We are on the same boat

I'm going to Plasti-dip it mat black. Most cost effective way for me. The masking is going to take some time and need to cover the internals to avoid over-sprays. It's not going to be as nice looking as a factory, but it will do.

For best quality, You can always get the dark finished grille from calligraphy (with the camera opening) and switch it with the chrome one. Need to remove the full fascia for installation.

I also looked at eBay grille options and custom mesh grills. But looks too crude in my opinion.

I don't think vinyl wrap is an option, due to the complicated grille pattern.

 

[shrinkwrap]

Thanks for your reply. I agree. I'm reluctant to Plasti-Dip with the grille on the car. Replacement grilles can be had for about $350. I may just live with it.

 

[D2s]

Accessory: Ambient lighting
Cost I paid : 14$

I just wanted some lighting in the carpet area and I went with cheap one with a good rating on Amazon.

Fitting it required some DIY thinking and took few hours, because I wanted to have a particular type of illumination. (Neat look after installation, not distracting night driving and no dangling wires). So I fitted all the four LED strips on to the fixed portions of front seats. Had to be careful routing the wires, so that nothing gets pinched when the seats move.

But the end result and the mobile app really surprised me. What you get for that price is amazing. Tons of adjustable settings and there is music mode which was a big hit with my kid's. (It's really distracting while driving though). Good part is you can completely switch it off. Need to see how long it lasts.

This picture shows Max and Min brightness.

 

[D2s]

This picture shows Max and Min brightness.

Now that I look at the picture, it doesn't capture the real difference. May be my phone camera compensated for the brightness changes. For the naked eye, there is a noticable difference.

 

[D2s]

Chrome Delete & Black Out - Rear Stain silver trim.
Cost: 4$ ? used half of a 8$ Plasti-dip Spray Can
Time: 30 mins for masking and 30 mins for 5 layers of spray painting. (20 to 30 mins gap between each layer)

Top is the final look. Some minor cleanup is pending. I left a small silver line alone, just give it a 'silver lining'

Below picture Shows the before and WIP stages.

 

[D2s]

Long term Blackout plans.

Since the rear is almost done. I thought will try out front options.

Also some trials with lights.

 

[KevinB]

I like it.

Not sure about the lights though.

 

[D2s]

Not sure about the lights though.

Ha ha, the last thumbnail was for fun. Yes, I don't like the looks either.
I am not able to find any good location for functional fogs.

That's why I do digital visualization first, before spending the $s.
Might go with some discrete (behind the grille / Smoked) marker lights. (like the 1st thumbnail)

 

[KevinB]

Ha ha, the last thumbnail was for fun. Yes, I don't like the looks either.
I am not able to find any good location for functional fogs.

That's why I do digital visualization first, before spending the $s.
Might go with some discrete (behind the grille / Smoked) marker lights. (like the 1st thumbnail)

I was surprised that the 2023 didn’t have low mounted front fog lights. Our 2012 Limited had them.

I also miss the sunglasses holder above the rear view mirror that the older car had.

 

[D2s]

I also miss the sunglasses holder above the rear view mirror that the older car had.

I have detailed comparison list of features missing and features I like, between my cars.
Many of these are subjective and its a still evolving list.

 

[Thormaxx1234]

I was surprised that the 2023 didn’t have low mounted front fog lights. Our 2012 Limited had them.

I also miss the sunglasses holder above the rear view mirror that the older car had.

The LED headlamps are really intense... I am not sure fogs would really be necessary... I had them on the 2015 and not sure I really miss them TBO.