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Noobie here looking to buy a 2016 GS350 FSport in near future. Pretty much decided at this point, there are however a few items that are still bugging me a bit.
This is not another one of them like/dislike new grill threads. It so happens that I actually do like the new grill.
My question is regarding general durability of the front bumper setup on 2016+ GS350 FSport. I live in NYC, where sadly, bumper to bumper contact during parking is quite common. How solid is that front mesh section where the bumper used to be in on pre-2016 models? How likely is it to crack? Am I going to be buying grills in volume quantities? If so, then perhaps I should go with the 2015's instead.
It is pretty flexible, so I would imagine just gentle nudging during parking won't break the grille. Although NY is one of those states that require the front license plate, so that may end up breaking off if it continually gets "nudged".
Contact point for SUV's is quite a bit higher than your red box.
Fair point, but grill its self is not expected to be impact resistant and will likely cave if something applies anything beyond firm pressure to it. Thats not unique to this grill, pre 2016 grill, or any other grill for that matter. Mainly wondering if this particular setup which looks to be optimized for aesthetic considerations is actually any good as a bumper. To put it plainly, with a regular painted bumper, you could end with a nick or scratch but will this mesh thing actually crack and need to be replaced?
I am very careful parker, but sadly, I've had cars damaged by others over the years.
My co-worker and I were just talking about this the other day. Lots of Toyota models have more grille than what seems to be bumper (Camry, Avalon, and basically all F-Sport Lexus Models). I've seen lots of methods to protect bumpers...esp here in NYC. More importantly, I don't think you should make your buying decision about the 2015 vs 2016 based on the design of the front bumper getting damaged (i'd go with the 2016 if i was in the market).
Made specifically for Lexus owners living in New York City
Ha! Thats exactly what I have on wife's RX350. Right before it was installed, I came home one day to discover a hitch shaped hole clean thru the front bumper!
More importantly, I don't think you should make your buying decision about the 2015 vs 2016 based on the design of the front bumper getting damaged (i'd go with the 2016 if i was in the market).
Absolutely agreed. There are other reasons why I was considering a pre 2016 model besides the redesigned appearance. Most important of which was lower cost. At this point, I've just about settled on the 2016+ which I will likely pickup in the next 3-6 months. Still have a few nagging concerns remaining, this being one of them.
Not something I would want to be driving around with obviously. But perhaps, I can put in on if I have to leave the car someplace for longer than a few hours or maybe in what you would call a "higher traffic" area.
OMFG I could never drive a nice car in an area like that! People suck ***!
Whenever I’m forced to go to Portland I drive the off-road 4runner (not the Lexus or Tundra) and put in my stinger hitch/shackle.
My wife used to get her hair done down town, and one time she received a note on the windshield that read “I’m really sorry, but I backed into your truck. Fortunately for you it doesn’t look like anything happened - my bumper didn’t make out so well”.
I refuse to drive my nice cars anywhere like that. I couldn’t live with nicks and dings in a luxury sedan.
That’s part of considering what to buy as a DD vehicle.
Thankfully, the outer boroughs are not anywhere as bad as Manhattan. Where the roads are currently populated almost exclusively by taxis, ubers, bicyclists and delivery trucks. Streets are packed and parking is limited to paid parking lots which are super expensive. Also, it will take one at least twice as long to get anywhere vs other much cheaper and readily available transportation options. Ohh... and lets not forget the high likelihood of damage to car.
Hence, IMO it makes absolutely no sense to drive into the city.
In my experience, one CAN maintain a relatively clean car in my area for an extended period of time. Just takes a bit more patience and care while parking on streets. For example, if one were to squeeze into a tight spot especially in an area with high turnover which could be anywhere you see hourly parking meters. I can almost guarantee that this will result in bumper damage due to the spot in front or behind opening up and various people whose cars are too big to fit, still attempting to get in... and in some cases succeeding! In my experience, best way to avoid this predicament is to simply find parking far enough away to avoid high demand/high turnover spots all together. In most cases, this means walking a distance of no more than a few blocks.
Other little things like door guards, which I believe is an extra cost dealer installed option ($900!!) are a must. Plus, front and back bumper guards for SUV's is a no brainer.
Ohh... and research the durability of bumpers when purchasing new car!
09-10-18, 07:48 AM
2016+ FSport Grill
