I'm hoping to find some guidance on ways to "re-fasten" the plastic-like front bumper shroud on my 2010 RX350. I haven't gone to a dealer yet, largely because I suspect they will say it must be replaced at a cost beyond my reach. My car has only 96K miles on the clock, and I'm the second owner. When I bought it, the front bumper shroud appeared to be a little loose on the left side, with no other visible damage, but it has since loosened further, almost to the point that I'm wondering if it will eventually fall off altogether if I don't find a cost-effect way of shoring it up. Any suggestions, fellow drivers??? All will be welcomed!

 

This video goes through steps to remove and install 3RX bumper;


If you can't work on bumper yourself any local autobody shop can reinstall bumper corner in few minutes or some areas have reasonably priced mobile autobody service which come to your location and who often advertise on facebook marketplace. Ask for applicable discounts, service member, senior, cash, AAA etc.

 

^^ Excellent video, thanks for posting it.

 

If unsure what to do just go to a few local auto body shops for some opinions and free estimates. Just drive up and ask for an estimate.
All the dealer will do is send it to their body shop and charge twice as much. So skip the middle man.
This bumper is held on the same way as any other Toyota or Lexus bumper and I am sure every body shop can handle this simple repair as they have done many similar repairs..

 

Great video, 6runner, and good advice from all of you. I couldn't have asked for a better (as in less expensive, yet effective) outcome/solution!!! It's off to a few body shops around here tomorrow for estimates, as I am too old to attempt this myself. (They tell me 78 is REALLY old!)

 

Unfortunately, I received an assessment from a service garage that I trust with my vehicle over any others in the area. Verdict: the front bumper cover was evidently caught when the previous owner pulled over the top of a high curb, and when the driver backed up, the clip supports and cover itself were damaged beyond repair. The previous owner attempted to glue the cover back in place, and the damage was not obvious until the glue began to break down, and the cover began to sag. So, it's off to a local body shop for an estimate to replace it. Any further suggestions?

 

If available locally, a used one in the correct color may be cheaper. They should present options at different price points.

 

After market bumper cover [that is the right name for the plastic] starts around $200. I estimate it to be 1/2 of OEM at least. The biggest issue is shipping so you have to procure it locally.

The cover is attached mostly by clips. So depending upon how fastidious you are and keep spending for OEM clips, I would add another $80.

Next line item would be damage to the body side [skin - fastener clips - body]. Damage there [though unlikely] but at times it can be there.

Prime-paint-finish of the cover. This is where you will see major difference ... starting from $350- $1200. Mom & pop repair place to high-quality body shops. Note the high quality body shops labor rates are much higher and I estimate 6-8 hrs of labor. I expect the high-quality repair shops to provide better color match and promise of fading matching the factory paint. Mom & Pop stores would do a reasonable job at the point of delivery. it is the skill of the tech and quality of product used.

Taking the cover off and installing it is another 2hrs of labor. Sensors and head lamp washer adds a little bit too.

Many ppl will say it is a bumper and in few months/yr use it will be full of pits and scratches.

If plastic repair is all that is needed [no painting] then do the hidden plastic repair and call it a day. If the cover needs repair and paint, then just get the non-OEM cover. You can save by reusing the clips.

Best solution OEM, best-body-shop, replace most of the clips will be around $1800-2000. Mom & pop non OEM cover 850-1000. Patch up repair 500

Let us know what you find out [I certainly need recalibration]

Salim

 

Thanks to all of you! You're the greatest!!! I'll receive my estimate from the local body shop (comes highly recommended by several dealers). I have a complete body fastener clip set already; I bought that months ago, not knowing if/when I might ever need it, but...the time has come, and I'm that much closer to "ready." I researched front cover bumpers online, and found that prices now run between $130 to $150, shipped for free with free returns. The problem with each and every one of these is that the sellers heat the cover to allow them to fold the ends into the middle, in order to meet maximum shipping dimension requirements. I clearly DON'T like that idea, because I have to conclude that bending, and then unbending, will weaken and/or distort the cover. I haven't checked with OEM yet; the local Lexus dealer is infamous for his HIGH prices, but even if his price is 2X the online offerings I've seen, at least it will not have been bent to ship (I hope!!!), and the dealer will stand behind it (again, I hope!!!).

In my next post, I'll share the complete price workup from the local body shop for comments/recommendations when I receive it on Monday. Thanks again!!!

 

By the way, a 2010 with only 96K miles is well worth the investment, according to at least one dealer whom I know personally. So, I'm more inclined to pursue the course that appears to be the best I can afford (less than $1.2K or so).

 

The body shop will have their own parts sources, including places not available to the general public.

 

According to a body shop friend of ours an OEM bumper cover will fit better than aftermarket, noticed that reconditioned oem front and rear bumper covers are available from this company;
http://www.genuinebumper.com/searchr...&Submit=Search

 

In auto repair industry, you will run into lots of issues if you purchase the parts and bring it to the repair facility. It is better to let the repair facility procure the parts and then they will give you complete warranty, else it will be impossible to determine who covers what.

Salim

 

I would say, follow what you want. Enthusiast like me, even use OEM clips.

If you were to turn in your 96K miles 2010, they will give you wholesale value if cosmetically everything checks out or less if visually there are imperfections.

Salim

 

To "ClutchIess," Salim, "6runner," and others who contributed to this thread:

I received my estimate today, gave the body shop the "okay" to proceed, and posted my deposit. For the sake of information and improving estimates for others, I provide the following workup on estimate:

Parts (all are OEM parts!) -- $522 (includes bumper cover and both left and right side retainers)
Body Labor -- 3.6 hrs -- $280.80
Paint Labor -- 3.9 hrs -- $304.20
Mechanical Labor -- 1 hr -- $110
Paint Supplies (guaranteed match) -- $253.50
Body Supplies (OEM parts) -- $8.40

GRAND TOTAL (w/tax, etc.) -- $1,566.97

This is pretty much in line with what I expected, based upon the inputs from all of you. The body shop agreed with me and my service garage that the car "deserved" OEM parts, especially since both Lexus and the body shop would guarantee all of the work, parts and labor, and because, in many instances, aftermarket parts never seem to fit right.

Parts are now on order. The body shop will prep and paint all body parts, and call me for installation day when all parts are in their hands. More to follow, including pictures if anyone is interested.

THANKS, AGAIN, FOR THE KIND AND HIGHLY-VALUED RESPONSES!!!