TRD shift knobs - how to tell legit vs replica apart
 

Hi guys

We've recently been "had" by a seller on eBay called Xtreme.Auto-Salon.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=321274545603

It looked legit but after receiving them and comparing to one bought from a dealership there are some telltale signs and differences.

I've open a case with eBay, the seller insisted that it was genuine and that he's bought it wholesale from a dealership (Carson Toyota which is also a member here). Contacted the dealer and they said they don't do wholesale on Japan parts and even if they did, it wouldn't be that cheap. Seller is still insisting it's genuine, even after presenting him with the evidence.

He's offered a refund on return but I had already paid tax & duties plus shipping back to the USA would be expensive so not worth it.

Don't get me wrong, this is a very good replica and the quality feels good, it just annoys me buying something "genuine" and then getting scammed.

So here is my guide, I hope this helps:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ps6444a7fd.png

Also check the lettering on the knob - it shouldn't be painted on.

If its' too good to be true it usually is, but I've also seen ones >$130 that are fake so best to buy from a Toyota/Scion dealer if you want a genuine one.

Or buy from JapanParts! :)

Now we know. Thanks for the post.

Only a pleasure.

Anyone selling these lower than $100 USD doesn't make sense.
(Hint: FAKE ONE)

There is a lot of FAKE TRD Parts.
TRD Push Start Button
TRD Carbon Front Sturt Bar
TRD Battery holder
and a lot more.

Like I said, if you have never seen the real one, you don't know they are fake.
And I've seen a few people in here, internet or Facebook selling FAKE TRD Parts.

Or NigelJDMParts LOL:laughabove::laughabove:

LOL! Problem is, price is not always the best gauge. I've seen fake knobs on ebay for around $130. Crazy.

All of that being said, looking at a good "replica" and genuine TRD side by side it's not easy justifying the selling price.

And the FAKE one will make adjustment…..
In the future, they might fix the pink TRD, Made in Japan part...:iono:

Like the Philips HID Bulbs, there is a lot of fake one out there and they always improve/update their fake packaging…...

That is very true. Plus, by helping you guys they now also have a nice guide. :bonk:

For something not safety related and that is going to wear out in a few years time from use....it might be a better idea to get a replica and have a real one for shows if youre into that sort of thing.

while it might not be the real thing i've seeing them go for about 70 bucks on ebay. how good is the fit and finish on this replica? is it worth getting the replica for pretty much half the price? it seems you cant tell the differences unless you have a real one right beside it.

Depends on the seller. There are some very good ones out there and they're very cheap on aliexpress.com

Ha this thread made me curious and nervous as I just bought a TRD knob for $150 from a really reputable source here in Aus.

Went home and checked it against this thread and it's all genuine.