My wife and I bought an '07 prius back in November. Last weekend some arse in a parking lot backed into it and creased the hell out of the front bumper. What I'm wondering is if I choose to replace this myself will I void any warranty on the car?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Md_dingo @ Mar 22 2007, 02:16 AM) [snapback]410057[/snapback]</div> No chance whatsoever - EXCEPT if you make a warranty claim directly associated with the bumper AND it can be shown that the defect arose because you did the work in a faulty manner. There is no relationship between the warranty and who does any kind of service / repair... whether it be a non-Toyota repair shop or yourself. Of course, in the case of getting repair done by a Toyota Dealer they can't use the excuse that faulty workmanship of the repair or service is the reason for a warrantable failure. That's the only extra protection you get by having Toyota do the work.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(John in LB @ Mar 22 2007, 06:47 AM) [snapback]410064[/snapback]</div> Well thanks for the reply! Now I just have to see how much it costs for a replacement and see how much the estimates would be from a couple of bodyshops. Thanks a bunch!
There's a big block of energy absorbing styrofoam behind the plastic bumper which is important to crash protection. Please make sure it isn't damaged.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Md_dingo @ Mar 22 2007, 05:04 PM) [snapback]410414[/snapback]</div> The bumper cover is about $155 and the energy absorber under it is around $40 if it is also needed. Having the thing painted before putting it on is liable to be the main cost. There are several on-line parts places. Here's one that I've bought parts from. Remember, shipping on a bumper cover is liable to be pricey. http://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/ind...amp;catalogid=2 Another source: http://www.toyotapartscheap.com/ You might try calling metropolitan and see what they can do for you. Perhaps you can get a prepainted bumper cover like you can get for mirror housings or door moldings?? http://www.metrotpn.com/ - Tom
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Bill Merchant @ Mar 22 2007, 03:28 PM) [snapback]410435[/snapback]</div> Is there any chance of a do-it-yourselfer setting off the airbags when working on the bumper?
I got smacked by a freeway tire tread when the car was 2 weeks old. To have an independent bodyshop (not Toyota) replace the bumper, fog light and lower grill was $1300. The passenger door also got smacked and needed a repaint, too. I paid the deductable, and was on my way. I have done bodywork. Unless you really enjoy it, why bother?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(MrK @ Mar 29 2007, 10:00 AM) [snapback]414225[/snapback]</div> No, not if you disconnect the 12V battery and wait an hour. Same thing for swimming...
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Bill Merchant @ Mar 30 2007, 06:50 PM) [snapback]415183[/snapback]</div> Good advice. Never swim with a 12V battery.
We took it to a body shop. Total price, including painting and installation was $540. My deductible is $500, so I'll just fork out the extra $40 and leave my insurance company out of it. I didn't see any damage to the styrofoam pad behind the bumper. I'm assuming this got smacked in a parking lot at a very slow speed. It hit on the very left edge of the bumper cover. I couldn't see anything behind this after taking off the lower valence and the wheel well cover. I don't think there's anything else damaged. Thanks for the replies, I'll let you know how it turns out!
I just completed mine with a helper. $203 from Toyota for the bumper, $350 to have it painted, 1.5 hours to replace - taking our sweet time. It's a very easy task that anyone can do.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(valand_krisban @ Apr 6 2007, 09:59 PM) [snapback]419165[/snapback]</div> I agree. It certainly looked easy enough to get off. But I couldn't find a place that could paint it for any less than the body shop would for both the paint and swap. So I'll just let them do it.
