Rear Bumper Applique vs Rear Bumper Protector

congrats! mine is black too ... I got the rear bumper applique - the first was crooked so I made the installer/ dealer do it again with a new piece and it is perfect (center and no bubbles) ... sorry no pics - will try to post later ...

depends on usage I guess - I like the near-invisible applique with the prius lettering ... if you haul mucho stuff or have dogs etc. then i would go with the protector otherwise for normal scuffs the applique is fine .. hope this helps!

 

I have the rear bumper applique. It was installed again after I got a new bumper from getting rear-ended. No problem with the installation (no bubbles and perfectly in the center). Just have them re-do the installation if you're unsatisfied.

Not a fan of the rear bumper protector on the Prius. It ruins the clean line of the Prius just like the side body moldings.

 

A question on the rear bumper protectors ...
If they are removed in a year or so, will they take the paint off???
Thanks ...
Bart in SoCAL

 

I bought the protector at the PC Shop for my Winter Gray V. The applique seemed non-protective, relatively speaking. The black protector is very complementary with the car color, as are the mud flaps, and both are easy to self-install. Might think differently with a different car color. I also have the gray side moldings.

Looking at other hatchbacks on the road, a protector is very common, but to each his own.

 

i got the rear bumper "runaway prius" applique. multi purpose!

 

Yes, go with the decal. I have a pearl white Prius II, and I put the black OEM plastic protector on (well waxed first underneath) because I do carry a lot- a lot of in and out of the back- so for me it is protection. It goes OK with the white (works with the other black elements on the body trim and spoiler). Sorry no pic- too much rain.

 

If it is "less noticeable" and not for protection, why do you want to install it at all?

 

OK, I got it. But I bet any protection from a decal would be minimal. In fact, I bet it might get marred more easily than the bumper might, but then again, I haven't experienced the decal, only the hard rubber one, which seems to do it's job quite well. I don't even notice it there anymore, it seems like part of the bumper, and my car is blizzard white.

 

Funny thing about that "applique" - you really need a protector for the applique sticker (a protector for your bumper protector)...

Took only a few weeks to get a few nicks (visible). It takes very little to mess it up - though it makes you remember to be careful...

I ended up getting the heavier plastic - and replaced the nicked applique. Now more worries or issues...

 

I would got with the hard plastic one if you are installing it yourself. It is easier and you don't have to worry about bubbles. I have the hard plastic one since I installed it myself.