I went on the waiting list for the Prius at ToyotaTown in Stockton CA - as Arizona Charlie heavily recommended them - I was super glad to talk to Asif who seems very friendly. He did mention that the Prius at their dealership comes with the Bumper Protector - applique and I really don't want to spend any extra $$$$ on plastic that looks not so good. He said it came from the factory that way - but if it's just a plastic adhesive - isn't it no more than an upward bumper sticker? No thanks - I hate to pay for that. I am really looking forward to taking delivery sometime in the near future from ToyotaTown because it will be a ncie road trip from L.A. to stockton and then I will stop over in San Francisco for a mini-vacation. Yay. I doubt it will only take a few months to get the prius, even from ToyotaTown though.
It has been gone over here before, use the search function. It is thin and will take some abuse but not a lot. If you don't routinely drag things over it, it might be fine. Some who didn't get the factory installed one have used the black bumper protector designed for the Matrix. It apparently fits fine and is heavier duty.
I know it's been gone over here - I wasn't clear about what I didn't like about it. I don't like the look of it from what I have seen on the web. I like the wholesome naked prius without the addons. If you really think it is worth having - I must listen to you folks as you are the Pioneers. Im sure I could live with it.
He's selling you a bill of goods, it doesn't come from the factory that way, they probably put it on at the dealership. I have a few small scratches on my rear bumper and plan on getting an after market rear bumper protector. I'm guessing it's a lot cheaper than what the dealership wants to charge you for it.
My silver no. 3 came with the bumper applique already installed, but I don't think I noticed it for several days. While I can't say that it's been useful, it's also quite easy to ignore. That might be a result of how it appears on a silver Prius, though. While I guess I'd have preferred that it not be there, it's not that much of an issue to me.
I've never seen it, but I'd probably just regard it as paying that much over MSRP. If the amount is a deal-killer for you, pass it up. If you are willing to pay that much extra for the car, take it. Just as though it didn't exist and the dealer was demanding that much more for the car. Just my thoughts.
Whoa! Thank you all for your thoughts. I agree with you! The salesman told me that it looked like a thin piece of plastic and they're charging $65 for it. I told him I don't really want it. Certainyl NOT a deal breaker. I want my Prius soooo bad. I just don't like paying $65 for plastic that I can do without. Oh well. Thank you all again!
It came on my Salsa Red Prius and I can say it does stand out bit. More than one person I was showing the car to asked what it was. That being said, I don't think that is a bad thing. It is just one more interesting feature among many on this unique vehicle. Cheers, Mike V.
I ordered the bumper protecter. When it arrived I took one look at it and decided not to pay 65. for a sticker. I'd like something alittle more substantial.
I had no choice in the matter... if I wanted the available prius then I had to get the bumper guard. It's price does seem in line with the 3M ScotchGuard invisible mask material/installation.
You can buy this aftermarket for $45. It's actually a very tough piece of Mylar that is pre-cut to the bumper shape. Frankly, the extra $20 that the dealer charges is probably worth it since the application has to be exactly right, requires a lubricant and it really easy to ruin if you don't know what your doing. It does not come standard from the factory but a lot of dealers and/or distributors will add it as an option to improve their margins but this item does have some value and is relatively low cost. Go along with this and focus on bigger ticket items.
i got mine aftermarket from invinca shield (they use 3M), was package deal with front bumper, hood, mirrors, and fenders
I bought a factory OEM one and applied it myself. It took about 30 minutes and does a pretty good job of protecting my bumper. I will say that if you plan on putting a lot of heavy loads or dragging stuff across it on a regular basis I would look for an alternative.
Our Prius did not come with a bumper protector. I had already seen the plastic applique and diidn't like it, so we had the dealer order us the black Matrix bumper protector. I believe we paid $35 for it. Very pleased with it so far (3 months of use).
Wow you guys are great! I was just thinking today that my car really needs a bumper protector, and now thanks to you I know to look at getting the one made for the Matrix. I think a bumper protector is a must-have, at least for me.
We got the rear decal as a free "throw-in" that the dealer put on after we bought the car. I guess it helps protect the bumper but I haven't given it much thought. For my husband and I, Foxy is a car, not an life-accessory.
