There is a small white decal/applique on the rear bottom corner of each back door. There is also one on the edge of the body where it meets the door. This is on each side. Was the dealer supposed to remove these during dealer prep? I haven't tried peeling them off yet, just in case they are supposed to be there. I can't tell if they are clear or white. I think that they are clear. Thank you David
I have the same stickers, and they seem to be the same color as the body panels. I'm assuming they are to keep those areas from getting dings, but that's just a guess. I've left mine on.
I believe every Toyota has a few sticker's placed strategically in areas that are prone to paint chips. Usually if you look on the bottow 2-4 inches of the vehicle you will see that it looks like orange peel. Anti-chip primer.
Having seen the 3M coating on other people's Prii, I'm really considering having my next Prius covered the day after I get it.
I got a quote for the 3M covering... for the front bumper, 2 mirrors, 18 inches of hood, and mud flaps... it was 800.00, that is a lot of money.... worth it?
To me it honestly depends on how much cash one has laying around and how long they plan on keeping the car. If your the type of person who trades every 3 maybe 4 years why spend that kind of money unless you have it to spend freely... I trade often but don't have it laying around to spend like that so I just maintain my vehicles to the best I can and when I trade, I trade...
I had our 2000 Outback treated with the 3M film from Xpel. It worked great, but after many years you should remove it before it breaks down from sun exposure. I didn't and the sun eventually degraded it and made it brittle - sort of. One winter an ice storm coated the car and the film failed with hundreds of little splits/blisters all over. I then tried to remove the film but it only tore off in tiny pieces. I left it hat way for a couple of years since I didn't know how to get it off - looked horrible. Eventually I used plastic razor blades and 3M adhesive remover (Xylene mostly - wear gloves) and after several weekends in the blazing Texas sun I got it off the hood. The sun made it soft. I'm going to leave it on the bumpers - too much trouble to get it off. Now I have to compound polish the hood to get the formerly protected area to match the rest of the hood - or vice versa I guess. Sound like it's worth it?
I have had a clear-bra film on my Gen II Prius since January '05. Cost me $400 to do the front bumper, 1/2 hood, headlights, mirrors, and door edges. My car has over $115K miles now and the car still looks almost new. I say shop around for a shop that wants your business. I would imagine $500 would be a good price today. When I get a new Prius, the first stop for the car will be window tint and clear-bra. For me, with the miles I drive, it is well worth the money.
Nope - definitely a guard of sorts. Imagine opening your door and hitting a curb - these guys should protect the paint - at least the first few times.
