Salesman bulls@#t...??? Are front bumpers cut when removed to install a bull bar?

[Aspiring Outback Jack Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Aspiring Outback Jack]

Prado point community, I recently purchase my vehicle from an apparently reputable new and used car dealer in Adelaide. I have had lots of issues with them since my purchase and am now seeking the advice of the Prado Point community regarding some feedback that I have received.

I had a soverign bull bar fitted to a 120 series when purchased. Since that day (two weeks ago) I have been asked for my original bumper and have been told that they will try and find it for me. Today I am told (by text - the only way this guy seems to want to communicate if he does at all) that the bumpers need to be cut in order to put a bull bar on.

I am far from a mechanic but with all the design and thought that goes into new vehicles this smells like bulls@#t to me. I would appreciate any advice.

Am I out of place asking for my bumper back? Just thought it may come in handy down the track...

[Guest Close Guest]

I installed a Sovereign bullbar on my Prado recently with the help of 1coolbanana. The bumper was removed intact. Nothing was cut apart from the trimming of the guards on the wheel arches i.e. the lining.

[John Member Find all posts View Profile Close John]

You'll probably find your intact front bumper on Ebay, or sold to the local panelbeaters when a non-bullbar Prado damages one in a prang. That would be a cheap source of "new old stock".

Never thought about asking the dealer to return mine back in '05.

[Syzprado Member Find all posts View Profile Close Syzprado]

On some new cars these days (ie Navara... shh) the bumper is required to be cut. However on the Prado this is not the case.

[Guest Close Guest]

Since that day (two weeks ago) I have been asked for my original bumper

Who is asking for your bumper?

[wooley Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close wooley]

Who is asking for your bumper?

typo I think. from what I made out, he wants his bar back.

I had this issue once, I had a spare so gave it to a crash repairer to fit to my vehicle, he fitted a new one, and then never wanted to give me back the old one...

[Aspiring Outback Jack Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Aspiring Outback Jack]

amts, I am the guy who purchased the vehicle from the yard, paid for a new bull bar tobe fitted and just want the original bumper back to pop in the shed. I figure Ive paid for it so why not? I just can't believe what this guy is telling me being that these bumpers need to be cut in order to fit a bull bar. To me he's implying that these bumpers cant be removed without being damaged. I simply dont believe him!
I get the feeling that they are trying to cover up that the bar has been either damaged by them or as John suggests, its been sold to a crashy.

[sapradogxl Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close sapradogxl]

Name the dealer, let us all know which dealer you are dealing with

The 120 series does not require any cutting of the bumper, only the 150 series requires this. You are in your rights to ask for your bumper back.
Text messaging, what a poor show of after sales service

[Guest Close Guest]

OK, I understand now.
It is possible to damage the bumper especially the fixings on the sides behind the headlights and just where the wheel arch flare starts. This part is the hardest bit to remove and if they used excessive force, the plastic bracket behind the bumper will break. I couldn't work out how to get it off until I took a look at 1coolbanana's bumper which was removed to fir his ARB bar.

It is also possible that once they removed the bumper, they chucked it on the floor and dragged it around, therefore inflicting lots of nicks in the paintwork. The bumper is surprisingly flexible once taken off the car.

[wooley Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close wooley]

Name the dealer, let us all know which dealer you are dealing with

The 120 series does not require any cutting of the bumper, only the 150 series requires this. You are in your rights to ask for your bumper back.
Text messaging, what a poor show of after sales service

I agree! Name and shame! Dave will send some of his boys around...

[Guest Close Guest]

I'm putting $50 on a northern suburbs dealer, starts with P and K.

[wooley Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close wooley]

I'm putting $50 on a northern suburbs dealer, starts with P and K.

I was thinking southern suburbs, starting with J.

[Aspiring Outback Jack Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Aspiring Outback Jack]

Not prepared to name and shame but I do have a good friend at a diiferent toyota dealer (service manager) that has just told me that there is no need for the original bumpers to be damaged and that they occasionally have customers ask for them back. There policy is to keep them for two weeks before moving them on.
Theres a long list of unprofessional behaviour from this company that has led to me insisting that I get my bumper back. Deep down had my buying experience been a good one I probably wouldnt care either way.

[Aspiring Outback Jack Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Aspiring Outback Jack]

Sorry men, no winners just yet. Think more red and white in the local league!

[Matty80 Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Matty80]

You'll probably find that at this point you wont get your bumper back. Perhaps give them the oppertunity to reimbuse you for the "loss" or your perfectly good bumper.

Unfortunately I don't like your chances at this point, if they refuse the a name and shame may be in order, warn them or your intention first maybe?