2016 Prius Bra/mask

Why not just have the front end filmed? Then you never have to fuss with it, and there are no issues with dirt between the bra and the paint, bra rubbing on the paint, etc. 3M makes a couple of versions:
Protect your vehicle's paint with Scotchgard™ Pro Series Paint Protection Film
That's what I did to my Gen 4. You can hardly see it.

Filming is also listed as a Toyota Accessory for the car. I looked into that option and it turns out that the dealer subcontracts the work out to an installer in their area, who applies one of the lower quality films. I googled and found a top installer and got the Scotchgard Pro. Owners of high end cars often have this done, as well as custom graphic appliqués, etc, so if you can find a place that deals with that crowd they probably do high quality work.

Forgot to mention additional suggestions for the clear film bra for anyone who goes that route. Ask them to cover:
- headlights: had them filmed on my Insight-I, prevented hazing/abrasion of the plastic headlight covers which was a common problem
- doorsills: Gen 4 doorsills lack protectors, ask them to film those to prevent scrapes from grit on shoes
- roof above the top of the windshield: an area which took a lot of hits on my Gen 3
- rear hatch sill: if you do not plan to put a Protector or Appliqué on it

Longevity was not a problem: the 3M film on my Insight-I looked fine after 10 years.

I waxed right over it, now 3M recommends a special wax which of course they're delighted to sell you.

 

You being careful won't stop the car in front of you from randomly kicking up rocks.

 

Could always Plasti-dip front bumper.



If you want to install the full kit, the hood is not bad but the bumper is a complete pain in the .....

2016 Toyota Prius, two, three, four, ECO, Touring 3M Scotchgard Clear Bra Paint Protection Deluxe Film Kit

 

Do nothing? That, and keep a good following distance. No matter how careful you are, your car will get the occasional ding. Not all in the front, from various mishaps. Get the touch up paint too, and just live with it.

I'm a little surprised there's no door sills, is that the case? Door sills take some abuse over time.

 

I would go the invisible bra if I could find someone good to install it for $300 I would gladly buy the kit. $600 would be a great price compare to what I have seen some owners here have paid.

 

So I go and get a quote on a partial hood with the 3M paint protection film... 800 dollars??? Whoa! HUH!!??

 

My quote was $600 locally.

 

At least in the 2 ECO the sills are just painted. Maybe the other models are different. I can shoot and post a photo if you like

I paid $750 for 3M Scotchguard Pro on the front bumper, half the hood, partial fenders, headlights, mirrors, and door sills. 3M VentureShield would have cost $100 less. I usually keep my cars 8-10 years.

The 3M website has a search tool to find approved appliers.

It's expensive because the film and the process are both costly. It isn't just some dude with a roll of Saran wrap and a scissors. The applier downloads computer-generated patterns and cuts the material on big (expensive) computer-controlled machines. The car must be scrupulously cleaned before applying the material to avoid trapping dirt between the film and the paint, and air bubbles must be avoided.

Obviously it's best to apply film ASAP after purchase. I did it in the first week. No point in spending money and protecting dings that are already there!

 

I was looking in a demo, didn't notice the door sills though. Our 3rd gen:

 

I have the film on my front end. I believe it was installed at the port as it is listed on the original Toyota window sticker not on the dealers add ons.

 

When I asked my dealer I was told that they sub it out locally. So perhaps it is done both ways. My 2011 Gen 3 came with film on the headlights and maybe on the mirrors and a few other spots as well. Unfortunately not on the nose, front bumper, or hood. I did not see anything about it on the 2011's window sticker, which I kept.

My Gen 4 Model 2 ECO came with no film anywhere (as far as I could see).

Mendel, my 2011 Gen 3 had a piece of plastic like that stuck to the doorsill. My 2016 Gen 4 does not have that plastic piece. Perhaps one could buy that piece for a Gen 3 and stick it to a Gen 4?

 

Hmm, maybe because ours was Canadian "Touring" model. I believe all the Canadian model had some sort of molding. All levels were fairly substantial, I think, but not completely sure. The lights on ours was really a big whoop, just runs the battery down faster if you leave a door ajar

 

I should have gotten the front paint protection film installed on my 2016.

I live near a golf course and while I was driving about 40mph down the road, a golf ball hit my hood. Now, there's a white scrape through the paint and a nice sized dent.

I had a bra on my 2005 and then I took it off after about 6 years. Bras are very ugly

 

I just had film added on my car this Saturday. It's self-healing so it should be good esp on freeways. I think Mr. Tint used Formula One film on mine. They run about $800ish for the entire front and several inches up your hood. Look for deals though. I got mine on Groupon.


iPhone ?

 

Just a rant, but hey: Go back 30 years, you'd have a metal bumper on the front, mostly chromed metal, with a black rubber contact strip. Mounted with shock absorbers. Then they switched to black plastic fairings, painted to match the rest of the car. And now we're putting plastic skins over these.