To remove, or not to remove? Fender flare, can't decide, opinions?

Greetings folks! Newish member here looking for some opinions.

EDIT:
Hmmm, well decision has been made for me I think. I definitely can't take these off, dudes must've had them on since day one. There is definitely prominent rubbing, scratches, and paint damage where they meet the body. Maybe if I'm very patient I could touch up paint the line where they rubbed, and if it doesn't look good, throw them back on, idk. I don't trust that solution.

I doubt the OEM style reach the same distance out so might just have to deal with it for now, and maybe buy new wheels and tires sooner than later

Bought my truck (used) and the previous owner had a few things already installed such as the stock chrome running boards and some aftermarket fender flares. I removed the running boards pretty quickly after getting it home as they were just in the way with how it's currently setup, but leads me to my next question.

Should I remove the currently installed fender flares and go for the OEM style instead? Is this possible or even worth it? I am honestly on the fence on whether or not the current flares look oversized and gaudy. The previous owner had larger wheels and tires for sure (I can tell from the UCA rub marks) but most likely removed when he traded this in at the dealer, since these are brand new wheels and tires on a 3yr old truck. Kinda nearvous about removing incase any paint damage around the trim where it touches paint.


So, remove em? Leave em and just deal until I get better wheels/tires? Opinions (good and bad) welcomed.

 

The factory ones would look much better.

 

remove them? But if you do and don't put the old ones back you will have holes where the old clips went unless you put the old ones back on.

 

Alright, might take one off and see this weekend. I'm still new to the different models/variants of the Tacoma and wasn't sure if the stock '16 TRD OR came with the stock black flares or not.

 

I'd remove them. Makes your truck look bloated/frumpy.

 

I would leave them and just get a lift and some larger wheels and tires to fill them out. If you don't want a lift though I would go back to stock.

 

Just have them painted the same color as the truck. They wont stand out so much. Later get some larger wheels and tires and it will all come together.

 

This. I think these bigger bushwhacker flares require additional drill holes that the stock flare will not cover up. If you look up on YouTube ‘installing flares on tacoma’ there should be videos that will give you a better idea.

 

Would love a lift but all honesty it would be for looks and not function, definitely not much offroading going on with me. I go on some trails here and there when a few of us go ride the four wheelers or motorcycles but that's it. Would definitely like a slightly more aggressive tire and some wheels eventually. Just trying to be honest and not tack on things I wont actually use/need.

 

I think the truck would look muuuch better without those flares.

 

Hmm, in Florida....giant fender flares, running boards, bug shield, vent visors....that's the default AARP accessory list for sure.

Was the previous owner between the ages of 65 and dirt?

 

If only I could like this post more than once...damn. XD

I do have to admit those window wisors are a friggin life saver in Florida heat, nice to let the truck breathe.

 

That shit is fugly, kill it with fire.

 

Maybe I'll try popping one off when I get home, see what's under it and see how the paint looks Hopefully where the rubber meets the body, there isn't much out any damage

 

those are the worst fender flares I have ever seen

take them off

 

I have no opinion on fender flares in general, but this set? You should remove them.

It looks like the truck version of bad limp plumpers.

 

the stock flares could be under them too. it just depends on the model.

for me i'm not a fan of the bolts look. if they were solid and you had some aggressive wheels then maybe keep em.

 

I like them. They facilitate bigger wheels/tires with a clean removal of the mud flap bump. And their other purpose is they catch branches and door dings on replaceable plastic.

Those may be from RDL and if so no non OEM holes were drilled.

I know others say they are “fugly” but isn’t it your opinion that counts...

 

Sorry to break it to you... but I don't think that's an Off Road.

 

These style of flares look good on full-size trucks, like a RAM 1500, but they look a bit weird on tacoma IMO.