Front End Bra

The mpg effect will be negligible. If you get one that fits well and doesn't flap AND you keep your car clean then there should be no negative effects. I'm considering getting one because I cannot afford the full clear bra and I'm already getting nicks on my one month old car..

 

Most front end bra’s do more damage to the car then not having one. There are many threads on this.

 

I've always looked at a bra like seat covers. Am I trying to keep the car in pristine condition for the next owner, or am I going to experience the look and feel of the car?

My v came with the clear bra. Good thing I saw it on the window sticker. I was going to peel it off thinking it was some type of PVC protection put on for shipping.


iPad ?

 

I had a full clear bra installed on my 10 for $600. It covers the entire bumper, complete hood so no line at all, headlights, front fender edges, side mirrors, door edges, & inside of the door handles. I saw that the dealer ones only covered the front edge of the hood for around $400, what a rip-off!

 

If it is an used car, don't bother.

Once you have any nicks or chips, even after touch-ups, they will make the clear bra look awful.

 

My dealer won't install the Paint Protection Film from Toyota's Accessory line anymore, as they claim they've had too many issues with the film yellowing and peeling at the edges. (This was originally $389.00 installed.) Keep in mind this is in Arizona with 110+ summer temps for weeks on end.

Luckily,(haha) they have a 'better' solution, some sort of spray-on clearcoat chip protectent for the new and improved price of $600.00. That did not include mirrors, door pillars, or headlights.

Do the back bumper also, and you could conceivably spend $1000.00 in an effort to protect your car from rock chips. (At the dealer I talked to) Seems like an incredible amount of money to me.

 

That's a bit much for me, but hey, I understand that some people are extremely anal about rock chips and stuff like that.

 

Bras look horrible and are used so the paint underneath looks good. Meanwhile you have to stare at an ugly vinyl cover for five years or however long you keep it while the road grime that gets trapped underneath it sands the paint away. So you either stare at ugly vinyl or stare at a good looking car with a few chips. I'll take the chips. I'm too cheap to spend $500 on the clear bra.

 

I'm all for minimizing rock chips, etc. that occur on front bumpers in particular too.

I guess what's irritating for me is I would have been satisfied with Toyota's version of front-end protection, but now I can spend even more at my friendly Toyota dealer for a spray-on version if I so choose. Lucky me!

 

I'm real anal about my cars and will spend an entire weekend in the garage detailing, but I have yet to be able to stomach the thought of covering my car in plastic. Reminds me of seventies plastic sofa covers. It just ain't right.

 

I've actually had every single one of my cars clear bra since 2003. The material has come a long ways since. The installer also has a lot to do with making it look like it's not even there.

Both cars have clear bar on the whole hood, quarter panel and front bumper.

 

Nothing like the same. A nice clear bra is hard to see but protects the car where the plastic sofa cover is very noticeable & ugly.

 

1980's style fabric or vinyl bra...definite NO.

Modern Clearbra? IMO not a bad purchase. I've had one for two years. Good protection nearly invisible.

 

Now when you say 'clear bra' are you talking the film that's laid down, or a sprayed-on type of product?

 

Stay away from the spray on stuff, as my understanding is that it can never be removed.

MB860 ?

 

For normal driving, I wouldn't worry about. I need to get it because the Prius is my ski mobile and Oregon puts gravel on the roads instead of salt. Prius is 5.5" ground clearance vs. 8" of my Escape Hybrid so the Prius is going to getting stoned all winter.

Local detail shop quoted me $667 for the Escape using VentureShield and they do include mirrors, rocker cover, around the fenders in addition to full front end. I'm guessing the Prius will be about the same.

 

Film..3M Clearbra is what I have.

 

Could you post a picture of it? or describe the actual area that it covers. It's sounds like you're saying the Toyota Film is very noticeable. Is there a visible line and does it get worst with dirt and dust? How well does it wash off and does it interfere with your ability to wash/clean the car?