[BigHog]

When I took a test drive of the 2013 Corolla I plan to buy, I noticed something I thought was odd. After the test drive, as I poked around, checking under the hood, brakes, exhaust, etc.... I noticed the bumper covers seem to have a little play in them. I mean, if you take hold, you can wiggle them a little bit.

Is this normal?

I owned a Corolla a few years ago but I can't recall ever noticing this. I asked the salesman to put it on the very short list of things I would like checked before delivery. I tried doing this on a Dodge Dart, for example, and there is almost no movement.

Is it just the way these parts are attached on the 10th generation? Anything to be concerned about? The allignment of the parts looks perfect and the car is Carfax certified one-owner, no issues.

Thanks.

 

[heartdisease]

I would go wiggle a new one and see. I know my 09 Camry has a lot more movement than any other vehicles I've had. Also noticed they will flex going down the road a little at speed. Just looking at others on the freeway. I'm inclined to think that it's normal.

 

[Rebmo]

They should not be loose if installed properly. I have replaced rear bumper covers on Camry's (2005 & 2012) and both were snug as could be using Toyota fasteners and installed per the originals. One possibility is they may have been replaced after a respray and hastily installed not snugging up the anchor bolts or lower fasteners. There are also interlocking tabs on the covers on the sides that can be broken if a sever enough impact occurred. This could leave the bumper cover loose fitting since the tabs may no longer be securing to the body. Check the seams for evidence of respray, and check if all the lower fasteners were installed (some may have been left out). IMO the bumper covers should be snug fitting especially at a stand still. Nothing wrong with a respray for minor finish repair, but it should go back together snug if the panel is intact and correctly installed. Ask and investigate possible accident history. Steer clear of a damage repair vehicle IMO unless a minor panel repair.

 

[Zembonez]

Should not be loose but there is a lot of flex in the plastic cover. If you grab and pull, you can move it quite a bit.

 

[BigHog]

The movement I noticed is not the plastic bending. It's clearly some movement between the cover and the body. The seam looks good but I can wiggle the cover at least an inch or so up and down if I grab it at the bottom.

I know it's hard to "diagnose" on a forum based on my description. But does this sound OK?

(The only other Corolla I had the chance to try since my first post was a 2014. It only gave a tiny bit of wiggle by comparison- maybe half an inch?)

I just don't want to make a stink and/or walk away from a good car over something if I'm mistaken about it.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[Zembonez]

I just don't want to make a stink and/or walk away from a good car over something if I'm mistaken about it.

Thanks for the advice.

You are correct. It's hard to give a helpful answer in here without more info. I'd find another similar example car and see if it does the same for sure. Many newer cars use thinner (lighter) and more flexible plastic covers since the cover is actually just a visual item.