1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

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

    Joined:
    Aug 22, 2009
    239
    13
    0
    Location:
    Raleigh, N.C.
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    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?
     
  2. B2FiNiTY

    B2FiNiTY Active Member

    Joined:
    Dec 17, 2012
    979
    226
    0
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    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
     
  3. joeman

    joeman Member

    Joined:
    Aug 22, 2009
    239
    13
    0
    Location:
    Raleigh, N.C.
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    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?
     
  4. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2013
    16,464
    8,377
    0
    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II
    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 ?
     
  5. B2FiNiTY

    B2FiNiTY Active Member

    Joined:
    Dec 17, 2012
    979
    226
    0
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    A used one will have another vehicle's vin on it. And a new one will have no vin.
     
  6. Joe 26

    Joe 26 Member

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2008
    242
    42
    0
    Location:
    Columbus, Ohio
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    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.
     
  7. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

    Joined:
    Mar 8, 2008
    18,198
    6,461
    0
    Location:
    Green Valley, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    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.
     
  8. joeman

    joeman Member

    Joined:
    Aug 22, 2009
    239
    13
    0
    Location:
    Raleigh, N.C.
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    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.