05/V8 w/dash crack Need info/input 2 buy/wait please

[TrexRunnerGirl]

Hey y'all, I've found that unicorn of a 4Runner I think.
it's an 05, V8, 116K, clean car fax but the only hinge is there is about a 3" crack above the glove box. And a broken front skid plate.
I have read up on the issues with these dashes and looks like someone got a cover from Rock Auto that worked instead of replacing it and someone used superglue and it stopped progression.

Questions - in the end do you have to replace the dash either way or dependent on severity mostly? Noxious fumes as some have said?

I'm more worried about this dash issue and I've read up and see the Class Action thread also. Maybe it's a buy it and wait and see or move on to the next unicorn?
The skid plate should be easy enough to replace correct? factory or otherwise?

I think it will sell fast even with a few tiny flaws. I'm not in a terrible fix as I do have my 3rd Gen, just want to get rid of the Sonata for a Runner.
OH and the TB/WP were done in 2015 @ 89K. so that's done.

Thanks!

 

[MikeinNH67]

From what I've read the best type of dash cover is something like the Coverlay version below. In the $150 range from Rockauto.

As for the skid plate, unless you off road a bunch you can just remove it. Mine are all off because they rusted out.

More Information for COVERLAY 11308

 

[Jdevtac]

I don’t think you have to replace the dash by any means, it just looks ugly and will continue to crack.

I have a Coverlay on mine. There is a thread on here about it. Mine personally fit crappy near the passenger AC vent, the passenger airbag cutout, and also at the junction of the center silver trim/driver gauge hump. There were some noticeable gaps that have driven me nuts, most have been fixed by adding extra adhesive using a syringe in those areas. I think for 150 it’s still a good deal though, unless you can source an OEM dash for that price. The OEM dash will also be way more involved of an install that slapping a Coverlay on.