Buying a car out of state

Fermn

Fermn

Member
Not 4Runner related but - I’m buying a vehicle out of state and have to drive it about 1500 miles back home. What can I use to protect it from rock chips on the way back ?

I’ve come up with 2 options:

1) Purchase a leather bra (about $80-$100) - I’m just hesitant about the fitment as I can’t find any pictures or reviews on the product.

2)Track tape - (about $50 for 2 rolls) Just seems a little expensive for tape in my opinion and for a $30-$50 difference I can get the cover that I can keep.

Any other ideas ?

Thank you !
 
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Would not do a bra as it might cause micro scratches from from rubbing dust or other contamination between it and car. This would be especially true if it is a budget option that does not fit well.

Track tape seems to be obvious choice.
Key to rock chip avoidance is leave a decent gap...most rock damage is pebbles picked up by a tire and tossed up....ideally enough room for the rock to arc to its apogee (word of the day) and return to the pavement.

So distance is key...plus don't follow gravel trucks or any flatbed trucks with earthmoving equipment on them.

Curious...what vehicle are you picking up?
 
I'd personally go either track tape, or blue painters tape (less protection, easier and cheaper). Make sure there aren't any loose ends/edges that could flap around and scratch the clearcoat/paint.

Alternatively, if you're going to be putting paint protection film on the car when you get it back home, you could search for a quality shop where the vehicle is currently located and have it applied before you land and pick the vehicle up.
 
lewdog998 said:
Curious...what vehicle are you picking up?
Click to expand...

Just a RAV4 for my parents. Got the car at invoice through my company so it’s worth the drive considering my local dealer has them at 10K over MSRP.


Thanks for the information on the bra !
 
mc813 said:
I'd personally go either track tape, or blue painters tape (less protection, easier and cheaper). Make sure there aren't any loose ends/edges that could flap around and scratch the clearcoat/paint.

Alternatively, if you're going to be putting paint protection film on the car when you get it back home, you could search for a quality shop where the vehicle is currently located and have it applied before you land and pick the vehicle up.
Click to expand...

Thanks ! You think painters tape would hold ?
 
Fermn said:
Just a RAV4 for my parents. Got the car at invoice through my company so it’s worth the drive considering my local dealer has them at 10K over MSRP.


Thanks for the information on the bra !
Click to expand...

I have always gotten the paint protection film on my new cars, applied by the dealer. But it requires about a day to install and you need an appointment. You should be able to have it done at the selling dealer before you arrive to pick it up; I know my dealer would do that.

Since it is a RAV4, you might consider looking over the RAV4 Forum: Toyota RAV4 Forums
 
Fermn said:
Thanks ! You think painters tape would hold ?
Click to expand...

As long as the surface is clean/dry it should hold, I've used it during track days before PPF was really a thing and it held on at 100+ MPH speeds. Granted, it's thin tape so a sizable rock could still break through the tape and chip the paint, but it's better than nothing IMO.
 
Fermn said:
Not 4Runner related but - I’m buying a vehicle out of state and have to drive it about 1500 miles back home. What can I use to protect it from rock chips on the way back ?

I’ve come up with 2 options:

1) Purchase a leather bra (about $80-$100) - I’m just hesitant about the fitment as I can’t find any pictures or reviews on the product.

2)Track tape - (about $50 for 2 rolls) Just seems a little expensive for tape in my opinion and for a $30-$50 difference I can get the cover that I can keep.

Any other ideas ?

Thank you !
Click to expand...

Hi! Just thought I would let you know that I did the same thing recently. Had to drive from WY to OR. Just about 1100 miles. Flew in, drove home same day and did it in a straight shot. Through snow, rain, sleet, etc. Got it home filthy, cleaned it up and it was still perfect! Surprised that I didn't get any damage.
 
The front end of the Rav4 is all plastic. The leading edge of the hood is even behind plastic. Don't drive right behind other vehicles and you will be fine.
 
to the op, you are overthinking it. i drove my new 4runner for a year and half for 22000 miles and never had a scratch, only a lot of dead bugs. :) cleaned it up after coming home and it looked like new after. drove long distances for the last 2 summers on that one and a daily driver.

just fly and drive home and don't follow too closely to other cars.
 
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