Brake pads Carbotech or OEM Toyota

Carbotech is the way :) Seriously though, I have XP-12 front and XP-8 rear on my Elise and had XP-12 on my Focus ST and they are great. Tried the Hawks on one car, and hated them. Downside of the carbotech is the insane squealing on the street.

Second the recommendation for the Carbotech 1521 compound, good choice for the street.

I've had very good results using Carbotech pads. Their street pad compount 1521 is comparable to OEM but without the brake dust and their various XP track pads have been very consistent and predictable.

I have the 1521’s, and will add another data point - less initial bite, great modulation. No dust, No noise. Overall I’m happy with them, but will continue to experiment - next round of braking components - floating/2 piece rotors and new calipers.

I have used the Carbotech 1521 pads for a while and have been very satisfied. They are also made in the USA.

Received the brake pads today. They look pretty massive.

I had a set of the Carbotech fast road/track day pads in my AW11 before I had to scrap it and they were amazing.

If your just daily driving then OEM is fine, if you're looking for a slight upgrade then I recommend Carbotech 1521 Bobcat pads. I have the Carbotechs and they are nice.

I just had my sister-in-law's 2008 Highlander in my garage on Sunday after she professed that at 150k miles that the brakes were finally making some noise. I ordered a round of rotors and pads and intended to spend a few hours replacing the brakes and the blower motor for the front, as it has been a bit inconsistent in operation. I put the Highlander up on jackstands and pulled the wheels off, and the brakes looked like they had about 10k miles on them.. I was just stunned. I ended up just putting some brake squeal compound on the back of the pads and sent her on her way. They are truly robust and under-rated vehicles.

When I had my mini cooper, I ran the 1521s on stock rotors and never had any issue in the rain.