Repair or replace the bumpers

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

V

vilasman

Joined
Sep 6, 2010
Threads
100
Messages
359
From what I am hearing... the bumpers on the cruiser that I think I am going to buy are scratched up and one corner of the rear bumper is somewhat broken off. The used car dealer said the previour owner took some rope and made some holes in the bumper and tied it to the frame so it wouldn't flop.Sounds like the previous owner has been running through the woods.
At best I will have to replace the rear bumper and refinish and paint both bumpers to get the LC's body into a condition that my wife wont turn up her nose at it.
My question is this. I want a front winch some day. In terms of cost. Is the cost of a after market winch ready bumper a lot more than the cost of replacing both bumpers from the junk yard or painting the front and replacing the back?

It is a blue 2004, with meticulous service records, it went in every 5000 miles and the timing belt is done.

They are also telling me the tires are 70% gone. I am trying to search through the forum to get info on what kinds of tires to get... but the truck will be 90% highway and 10% either on grass or bull dover /tractor paths.
 
You're looking at $500 to replace either the front or rear bumper cover with labor and paint time included. While bumper covers can easily be repaired, if they are missing plastic corners and tabs, it's often cheaper to just replace it. Especially when a factory cover is only $250. Aftermarket is avail, but is only $25 cheaper. Used might be an option, but they likly will need some clean up and paint to match. And that's IF you can find a used/clean bumper cover.
As for the cost of ARB bumpers and such, I'm not sure, but I've always used $1k as a rule of thumb w/ heavy aftermarket bumpers.
If the bumper covers are that torn up, how is the rest of it?
 
I know you mentioned in your other thread that this truck is priced below market, or at least very aggressively.

Ya know, I'd just be wary. Clean CarFax? How far away are you from the dealer? Do you have a walk-away plan if it turns out to be a basket case? Not trying to rain on your parade, but anybody that drills holes in the bumper cover they tore off because they're too cheap to put a new $250 cover on their 65,000$ Cruiser is unlikely to have sprung for TB change. Have the dealer fax you the service records to prove the maintenance has been done.

I just paid $24k +TTL and transport for a mint 05 LX470 in Orlando, and had it shipped to Michigan. From a Lexus dealer, service records included, belt has been done. 108k miles. Price was the best I could find for year, color of my choice (black) and it truly could pass for a 30k mile car.

Not saying your rig IS too good to be true, just be careful

Cheers!
 
Car is in Jersey I am in Maryland. I am taking mechanic with me, he is holding the money and he has talked me out of 3 cars so far. I used the link on the toyota wbesite to check the service records and it was changed at a dealer. When I started this process I never new it would be so hard. It is getting to the point that I almost wish I could find a wrecked 2008 or so and just let him rebuild it.
 
I would tend to agree, that anybody that ties their bumper on with rope is immediately suspect of other goofball stuff anywhere on the vehicle. On the other hand, if it is otherwise nice, the plastic part of the bumpers is far cheaper to replace than buying steel bumpers. It is easy to price the aftermarket steel - expect to put the better part of $3000 into a pair of bumpers, depending on whether you want them painted, installed, etc. If the stamped steel and styrofoam crap underneath is in good shape, then replacing the rubber is a quick snap on job. Just need to get them painted first.
 
Ok, I won't be doing a steel bumper this year. The main reason I was considering it was I wanted a winch. I have a 'portable winch' gas powered winch and a tow strap already. That has a tow hitch mounting accessory. Maybe I will get a front mounted hitch reciever and make do for awhile.
 
Have you looked at LXs also? Just curious if that opens any options up. How about local classifieds or local listings on EBay?

Fwiw I would rather have a mint pre 04 that someone took great care of than a rougher 04 or 05.

I got lucky on my 05.

Don't stress yourself, you will "know" when you've found the right one. If it feels squirrely when you get to look at it, uneasy feeling, unanswered questions, don't be afraid to walk away.
 
I found my cream puff '05 on cars.com. Most dealerships and some private sellers advertise on that site. Easy to filter out exactly what you're looking for.
 
vilasman said:
THANK YOU! I totally forgot about Sandy
Click to expand...

I am in NJ and we did get hit with Sandy. Depending on where this 100 is it either saw no water or alot of water. If you want PM me with the location and if it is close enough I would be willing to go check it out and take pics and give my feedback on it if that helps. I have a mint 01 100 and am not in the market for another one. If this can help you, I would be willing to assist.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Back
Top Bottom