gregruns

I haven't even had my 2013 RX for a month and I found a rock chip on the hood already! I know you will eventually get them, but it still stings! I dabbed it with some of the touch up paint, but I can still see it, very small, but still there....I'm sure I will get over it once I get a few more, but I just wanted to vent a lillte. Anyone else here want to chime in?

GoHuskers

Got the 3M hood protector installed for $240 after a couple chips on the hood.....a lesson learned....YOu may want to do the same.

RX35011

Was it done at local Lexus dealership or do-it-yourself? I recently bought a 2011 RX 350 and thinking of installing this to protect my car. Thanks!

UCSB

Not sure what color you have, but there are touch-up kits for the three level paints ... like Starfire Pearl. They have all three paint levels plus the clear coat level. Driving slower or a clear front mask are the only way to reduce the effect of road rash.

sarhento

I hear you greg. I also have a less than a month old 2013 RX and I'm so protective it's crazy :-). I park far away from everyone else if possible; do a daily walk around it to make sure no major chip marks; wipe off stains and dust; etc.

You're right though, everytime you see those stone chips, it stings and bothers you.

UCSB

I've installed clear mask kits on two cars (not my 450h, yet). If you are careful and have a second person (with some DIY skill), you can do the project yourself. The hood is very easy (about $125). The full front-end is a two person job if you want to play it safe because it is a large piece of material to handle. The only risk with the project is if you are not careful, you can get small bubbles under the material. I have been able to avoid that problem by just taking my time and working in good light (I have a high intensity shop light that I use).

TexasRxh

Ha! I used to park way out there to avoid careless people dinging my doors. Then one day I walked out of the store, saw my car all by itself out in the distance and noticed that a front was just moving thru the area. To my horror I saw the wind begin pushing this grocery cart faster and faster toward my car. I thought: surely it's not going to bang into my car! Alas, it did. And it was quite a bounce when it hit. I was too far away to do anything but hang my head and shed a quiet tear.

These days, I put on the body side moldings, the door edge guards and park up close! I figure I'm surrounding myself from that wandering cart ever getting me again. . . .

GoHuskers

Dealer wanted $699 retail, $599 when you bought the from them, will do it for $499 "just for me" since I am a loyal customer. I went to the local shop who does all the tints and bras for the Toyota store for $224+tax. They use 3M products and the hood is LARGER than what the dealer installed, maybe 2-4 in larger.

For the OP since you are in NE, call the Tint Shop place. Mod, if this is not allowed then please remove it.

gregruns

Thanks Huskers, I will look into it.

User 41924

LOL. I can imagine that helpless feeling as you watched the cart attack your car! I had a similar event years ago when my son came to give me a hug good bye as I was going to work, and accidentally hit the garage door button. I panicked as I watched the door close on my hood, as I couldn't reach the button to stop it without freaking my son out, because he had no idea what had happened. I just enjoyed the hug as I watched the door hit the hood. Sigh.

Anyway, to the OP, pay an aftermarket installer to put on a clear mask. It's worth whatever the cost compared to trying it yourself! I failed to put one on our last RX, and regretted it every time I washed the car. Our new RX had the mask installed yesterday.