what are those plastic flares?

i'm researching tacomas, trying to find my perfect one, really wanting to go for the all-black look. so i'm seeing this rugged trails package which i like, especially those baja wheels, but they all have those rubber/plastic wheel well/fender flare things. just wondering what people think of those? are they going to fade to grey after a few years or just get covered in wax and be a pain the in butt? or are they really functional at protecting the outside wells from getting pitted and scratched?

or would you suggest just sticking with the regular models? i'm thinking long term, i plan on having this truck forever. thanks all.

 

I have a black tacoma with the black fenders. My truck is parked outside everyday. Been more then two years and I have not had any problems with them. Wax doesn't seem to turn them white like other plastics, but when you do wax you have to run your finger down the seams where the fenders and body touch. They seem to be very scratch resistant and if you do need to replace it's probably cheaper. I like my black fenders alot.

 

They are the same flares as the others just unpainted. Mine seem to be holding up well to fading, you just need to make sure you keep them waxed or protected. I also use the synthetic clear wax (Turtle Ice) for the ease of use and that I can go right over all my plastics.

I love the look of the black flares on my silver truck, but if you are buying a black truck I think the painted flares will look better.

 

I've had my rugged trail for a little over a year and I like them. When I first went to the lot and saw one I didn't think much of them, but I went back a week later and decided it was the truck for me. The flares are pretty durable, don't seem to be affected by the wax, and pretty scratch resistant at this point. I haven't taken it out too much off road yet, but they seem to do the job. Here's some pics pre TSB and the thumbnail is after painting my badges black to match...

 

I like the look of mine unpainted. no need to worry about paint chips! the bottom of my rear flares are kinda banged up from driving on gravel roads all the time, but when my truck is nice and clean you cant even tell.

 

Had mine for 2 years now and no fading, scratches or any issues. I use Mothers Back to Black on mine.

 

TSB? Please tell me the "rugged trail" model did NOT have the shitty 3 leaf spring pack on it. That would just be so senseless!

 

The silver trucks with the black flares look awesome! Lovin it

 

Here's one more....................

 

I've yet to see another truck like mine oh and those rims are black!

 

Here is a picture of mine.