Side Steps cancelled on a new order

[ToyotaGSL]

Hi,

I ordered a new RAV4 PHEV GR Sport in September 2023. Due to get delivery in the next 1-2 weeks (postponed until new reg.).

Just been informed that side steps weren't fulfilled on my order (usually a factory-fitted item) due to supply issues and this has affected several dealers. Apparently, Toyota are working on a "solution". Anyone else experienced the same issue and know what's happening here?

Thanks

[Nick72]

That's a disappointment for sure. 

I decided not to include the side steps on my current R4P and my new order for the GR Sport PHEV after folks saying you get your trousers dirty getting in and out on them. 

Sounds a bit dodgy as an excuse TBH. I'd also be reluctant to let the dealer fit them after the fact.

[Station]

Collected my GR Sport PHEV yesterday.

Same here, told side steps are on back order and will be notified when available ☹️

Thankfully, I did get 2 key fobs though 😃

[Nick72]

2 hours ago, Station said:

Collected my GR Sport PHEV yesterday.

Same here, told side steps are on back order and will be notified when available ☹️

Thankfully, I did get 2 key fobs though 😃

What colour 

[Station]

1 hour ago, Nick72 said:

What colour 

Silver Blade + Black + Pan Roof 👍

[Mike2222]

I've often been curious with respect to optional extras like these (that can be specified at the time of order or added later via the dealer, but I either case are usually fitted at the dealer anyway, like mudflaps, side steps and so on), whether they count as a "modification", for insurance purposes? 

 

Likewise, I presume if you add a towbar later, even if at the dealer, then is it an insurance modification? Is it anything that wasn't specified on the origin order form, anything they was added after car left the factory, or just those things that were not potentially an option at pointier ordering? 

[philip42h]

14 minutes ago, Mike2222 said:

I've often been curious with respect to optional extras like these (that can be specified at the time of order or added later via the dealer, but I either case are usually fitted at the dealer anyway, like mudflaps, side steps and so on), whether they count as a "modification", for insurance purposes? 

Likewise, I presume if you add a towbar later, even if at the dealer, then is it an insurance modification? Is it anything that wasn't specified on the origin order form, anything they was added after car left the factory, or just those things that were not potentially an option at pointier ordering? 

They count as accessories - they are not modifications to the homologation state of the vehicle. Whether an individual insurance company needs to be advised of specific 'accessories' fitted to the vehicle is a matter for that insurance company.

mats, flaps and steps could be added by the owner or the dealer (or any competent third party).

A towbar generally needs factory fitted wiring that is best added at build time. The actual 'tow hook' could reasonably be added by the owner or the dealer (or any competent third party).

[ToyotaGSL]

Managed to get my side steps sorted in the end.

Like others who have replied here, I wasn’t keen on these being fitted at the dealership as I was expecting this to be a factory install. But I checked the installation thoroughly by cross-referencing against the installation manual (attached) and also seeing how the steps were installed on the showroom model (guessing this was done in factory). All looks okay to my eye. Glad I got it sorted in the end — took a fair bit of negotiating to get it sorted!RAV4 Side Steps Installation.pdf