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Front Bumper Cover/What about aftermarket?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by joeman, Apr 12, 2014.

  1. joeman

    joeman Member

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    I eventually will replace my front bumper cover, I will look on here and places like ebay, local salvage, etc.
    Just wondering if some of the aftermarket covers are worth buying?
     
    #1 joeman, Apr 12, 2014
  2. B2FiNiTY

    B2FiNiTY Active Member

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    I usually stick with OEM for a couple reasons:

    1) resale value of the vehicle down the road
    2) fitment
    3) overall quality of the product
     
    #2 B2FiNiTY, Apr 12, 2014
  3. joeman

    joeman Member

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    Good advice.
    So finding OEM in paintable shape would be my choice, hopefully used.
    In wanting to keep price down .
    Not for sure how easy a body shop could work out a corner crease, it's not serious.
    I would think the OEM has a number VIN number stamped on it, if I go that way?
     
    #3 joeman, Apr 12, 2014
  4. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    How's the rest of the paint on the car? A newly painted bumper might not match your car. It'll look like you got into a front end accident and needed your bumper replaced.

    If it's not that bad, I would leave it. Just my 2 cents

    SM-N900P ?
     
    #4 JC91006, Apr 12, 2014
  5. B2FiNiTY

    B2FiNiTY Active Member

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    A used one will have another vehicle's vin on it. And a new one will have no vin.
     
    #5 B2FiNiTY, Apr 13, 2014
  6. Joe 26

    Joe 26 Member

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    The body shop that repaired my car after a minor accident used an aftermarket bumper cover and it was visibly misformed. from new. I recommend a factory part, or a used one, if you can actually find one that is not scarred in some fashion.
     
    #6 Joe 26, Apr 13, 2014
  7. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    I agree that aftermarket body exterior parts are to be avoided if you care about the cosmetic outcome. It probably won't be easy to find a used front bumper cover due to high demand.
     
    #7 Patrick Wong, Apr 13, 2014
  8. joeman

    joeman Member

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    I will look into best source for OEM, when that time comes.
    I am assuming that if cosmetic issues are small on my existing bumper cover, a good body person could make it look great.
    Thanks to All.
     
    #8 joeman, Apr 13, 2014
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