jre002

2006 3GS bumper has some scuff marks that annoy me and needs a respray. This would be an opportunity to spend a little more and put on the 2009+ front bumper and grill. I'm guessing a bodyshop will charge about 500-600 bucks to respray the old bumper with the labor costs. In contrast, I think a 2009+ bumper with grill will cost about 500-600 just for the parts. Would you all do it? I like the 2006-07 bumper as is, but I'm thinking maybe to freshen it up.

Thoughts?

And anyone have a recommendation on where to buy a bumper and grill? I looked at Sewell, but I wouldn't mind getting a used set either. I have to get it painted anyways so it doesn't bother me.

Ice350

iTrader: (1)

Last time I checked, it was approximately $1100 for all the parts for the 08+ front. Then there is paint and install cost. I say go for it. We did this all the time with the old SC. No one has done it with the GS. Do it man!

Stormforge

another consideration you need to take into account: are you planning on getting a lip kit in the future? if you are, you should be aware that there are more lip kit options with the 2006-2007 model year GS. By going with a 2008+ bumper, you are reducing your choices on lip kit availability. just a thought....

Mesca

iTrader: (28)

^ Stormforge makes a really good point. I say buy an aftermarket bumper for the model year 06-07!

jre002

This car is going to stay stock, so that is why I didn't want to go with an aftermarket bumper. I'll probably sell it within a year, so I want the bumper looking fresh and clean for the resale, plus I just don't like driving around with scuffs.

1100 parts plus labor is a bit much for a stock bumper. If it really is that much, I'd probably just get the current bumper resprayed. That seems high for a bumper cover and a grille. The bumper is 387.00 new from Sewell. Are the upper and lower grilles really 700.00 bucks! damn!

locmonster

iTrader: (2)

why sell? getting bored?

jre002

I guess... A lot of new technology is out and the 2006 is getting older now. Still runs and feels great though! I'm also frustrated that I can't lower my car and add wheels to it without wobbling and vibrations since it's AWD. I've had BC coilovers collecting dust unused for over 2 years waiting on a solution.

Ice350

iTrader: (1)

I had a list of all the parts with corresponding price but can't seem to find it. Inaddition to the bumper cover and 2 grills, don't forget the fog lights. There's also some type of foam backing that goes behind the bumper. I can't remember what else there may be but that seems to be all.

jre002

Fog lights and foam backing are the same, are they not?

Ice350

iTrader: (1)

I don't remember about the foam but just looking at the fogs between an 06/07 to 08+, they look different to me. The guy who quoted the prices said they were different part numbers.
I don't remember the details, this was 3 years ago when I checked. Call Carson Toyota, they usually have the lowest prices and they are accustomed to selling parts to private owners.

jre002

I think the fogs are the same, but the bumper makes them look differently, if I remember correctly. Yeah, I'll have to check with Carson.

imjohnphan

I actually prefer the 2006-2007 better than the 2008+. I don't like how the grill and bumper lines meet up on the sides or rather non-existent on the 2008+ models.

Stormforge

the spacers help in reducing the majority of the vibration. you should try this and see if the minimal vibration that can't be fixed is something you can live with. if you don't try, you'll never know.

Ice350

iTrader: (1)

I completely disagree. The proper operation of the car is more important. We know there will be vibration. Even minimal vibration would bug me to no end. I say let it go.

You don't buy a nice car like this and deal with vibration that you caused.

Stormforge

jre002's comment was: "I've had BC coilovers collecting dust unused for over 2 years waiting on a solution." well the solution is using the spacers as mentioned in this link below:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sus...rs-needed.html

my understanding is that the spacer solution reduces a majority of the vibration issue. IF jre002 can live with the minimized vibration, then he can enjoy his car lowered with coilovers. But he's not going to know if he doesn't try it.

minimal vibrations may bug you, but it may not bug him. only jre002 can decide for himself whether to try the spacer solution or not. and if jre002 decides to try the spacers, only he can decide whether the reduced vibration is worth having coilovers installed (or not).

we can give advice and opinion; it's up to the individual what's best for him.