Off-Road Scratches?

[jwarthman]

Hello! I'm a newbie, so please be gentle! ;-)

I'm considering a 2003 V6 for "light" offroad use. I live in Arizona, and would like to get out to some of the wilderness areas - both here and in surrounding states.

But I'm concerned about getting a brand-new $35,000 vehicle full of scratches!

My question is, how do others approach this? Does the body cladding of the SR5 and Sport make a difference? Does the colored cladding of the Limited (or the appearance package) scratch more easily? What about brush guards - any good?

Thanks in advance for offering your wisdom!

Enjoy!

-- Jim

 

[Dream Theater]

From what I understand the cladding on the SR5/Sport models have a scratch resistant coating. Also, since it's not painted I'm sure any scratches you do get on the cladding will not be as obvious. The appearance package SR5's & Limited models will get damaged just as easily as any other painted surface.
Hope this helps!
-Scott :arrow:

 

[Good Times]

I have the non-painted cladding on my sr5.

It's gone thru some rough trails (by my standards). Anyway the cladding holds up well considering it was sliding off the rocks( took off running boards): passenger side (the sound is very bad though, as if it sounds like someone is just sanding down the sides) but after looking at it, it held up well but it does show some damage. good thing is that it didn't damage the body (which is key) but i did loose a few clips though (shows by the cladding popped out).

The rear driver quarter panel had some loving from a brush i didn't see while i was in reverse, let's say it just looks like scratches but nothing major! atleast it's not paint.

So bottom line, the cladding does work if you work your 4runner!

The cladding is pretty durable so no problems

 

[Neech]

Sratch the shit out of it! :50cal: it adds character

 

[Thai]

You can always put those "bullet hole" stickers to hide the scratches!:uzi:

Or...

 

[jwarthman]

Heh! Good feedback!

Thai, I especially like your stickers idea. Heck, what's a few dings when we're not planning to unload the vehicle for a loooong time? ;-)

But seriously, do most folks just not worry about it when they go off-road? Or do they bring along pruning shears.... ;-) Or are the brush guards actually helpful?

Okay, we haven't heard from anyone yet with the painted cladding. How's that hold up?

Enjoy!

-- Jim

 

[Good Times]

I don't think those bullet holes are gonna cover up the cladding scratches I have!

Maybe I can use that dino one horizontally and it might work!

Brushguards won't work well. if you're gonna want a real front bumper protection, ya gonna have to go w/ an ARB or TJM steel bumper!