Fender Flares

I recently went through a car wash and some of the paint on my right front fender flare washed away ... about 3" in diameter. Unfortunately and not surprisingly, no paint recalls on my 2015 Silver Taco. I went to a body shop for an estimate and they recommended I replace the fender flare because there is a slight texture to the factory flares and they couldn't match the paint unless they started from new. Has anyone else run into this issue? (I should add my truck only has 25K miles and is otherwise in like new condition.)

 

Let me guess, you went to a body shop for a $50 problem but now it is a $400 problem?
My poor man's recommendation would be to buy some Duplicolor spray paint and fix it yourself.
Buit it is your money and nice truck.

 

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... I would be happy if it was a $400 quote

 

I'd get a couple more quotes.

 

I can't speak for every body shop out there, but I've heard the same recommendation echoed from others. I believe the problem lies with when they go to prep (sand) the fender they risk removing some and/or all the texture, making it a smooth(er) surface, which in turn alters the way the finished paint will show when compared to the other textured fenders and adjacent textured front bumper.

Also note, Toyota has a storied history with their paint matched textured fender flares and bumpers, both on the 2nd and 3rd Gens. The 2nd gens (mine included) had numerous issues/complaints from folks about the flares having a dull finish compared to the rest of the truck. There was a TSB (BO003-05) addressing this early on where Toyota recommended the flare's clear coat to be redone/refinished. Regardless, the issue still existed on later 2nd Gens, including the 3rd Gens (my dad's 16 has this issue).