Rear Spoiler: Should We Refit It Or Not?

[bokkie]

My wife's iQ was the ex-dealers car. Being a company promotion-!Removed!-demo vehicle he had the rear spoiler fitted when the car was dressed. The car developed a rather irritating rattle-!Removed!-buzz which we originally thought came from the rear seatbelt and airbag area in the back. Mr. T took the car for a spin and is satisfied the problem is caused by vibration at the corner of the spoiler. Indeed, it does seem a little flimsy. They want to have the car in the workshop so they can remove and refit the spoiler. My wife never really liked it but has sort of got used to it. I told her that if removing it leaves any residual marks to show it was once there it must be refitted again. If there are no marks she's in two minds about having it refitted or not.

From what I can see the dealer had the leather seats, satnav, possibly upgraded wheels (though I'm not sure) and of course, the spoiler fitted when he got the car. I'm wondering then if removing the spoiler would affect the value of the car if she ever wanted to sell it? That is, would someone look at it and think what happened to the spoiler when the car contains all the other things to "bling" it a bit if you get my meaning?

Certainly, she'll decide when Mr. T removes it first and maybe you well informed chaps could give her a compelling reason to retain it. After all, if spoilers are intended to improve downforce then I seriously doubt the iQ can reach the speeds where you'd think it was useful. It seems therefore to be ornamental rather than functional.

Comments appreciated.

[johnan]

My wife's iQ was the ex-dealers car. Being a company promotion-!Removed!-demo vehicle he had the rear spoiler fitted when the car was dressed. The car developed a rather irritating rattle-!Removed!-buzz which we originally thought came from the rear seatbelt and airbag area in the back. Mr. T took the car for a spin and is satisfied the problem is caused by vibration at the corner of the spoiler. Indeed, it does seem a little flimsy. They want to have the car in the workshop so they can remove and refit the spoiler. My wife never really liked it but has sort of got used to it. I told her that if removing it leaves any residual marks to show it was once there it must be refitted again. If there are no marks she's in two minds about having it refitted or not.

From what I can see the dealer had the leather seats, satnav, possibly upgraded wheels (though I'm not sure) and of course, the spoiler fitted when he got the car. I'm wondering then if removing the spoiler would affect the value of the car if she ever wanted to sell it? That is, would someone look at it and think what happened to the spoiler when the car contains all the other things to "bling" it a bit if you get my meaning?

Certainly, she'll decide when Mr. T removes it first and maybe you well informed chaps could give her a compelling reason to retain it. After all, if spoilers are intended to improve downforce then I seriously doubt the iQ can reach the speeds where you'd think it was useful. It seems therefore to be ornamental rather than functional.

Comments appreciated.

Not everyone thinks the rear spoiler does anything to enhance the look of an IQ and aerodynamically I imagine the only benefit may be to help keep the rear screen clean, which the wiper does well enough anyway.

If there are no marks visible when it is removed and you don't decide to have it refitted, just hang on to it so if you do decide to sell the car you can offer it for sale as part of the bargain/deal.

They seem to cost an excessive amount of money so don't let the dealer keep it!

[craggle]

Personally I love the spoilers and think they finish the car off but understand people have different tastes.

If the dealer fitted it properly to the instructions using the supplied fittings there will be 2 large holes in the tailgate frame. The UK spoiler fits with self adhesive tape, body sealer / adhesive and 2 plastic clips into the metal work.

The American, Scion spoiler that I have on my car and the Japanese one fit in the same way but with 4 holes in the lid and a couple of bolts to pull it down tight.

Craig.

[mwilson]

If you don't like it being there, jst get rid of it. Let's face it you don't really need one an iQ for any aerodynamic reasons and it will only cause extra drag and so increase fuel consumption (prob not by a lot looking at them). There may be some holes which need filling but any paint marks will probably come off with a bit of T-Cut.

[bokkie]

Thank you gentlemen. It never occurred to me that the dealer might keep it if we choose to remove it. In case we don't want to refit it we'll definitely ask for it back and keep it. Hopefully Mr. T will make good any removal if Mrs. Wife wants to have it off!

[surfcitylocal]

Here's what it looks like when you remove the rear wing from the Scion iQ, probably the same for the Toyota iQ.

[DFish]

Have to say that the OE rear spoiler doesn't do much in the way of keeping rain off the rear window.

Fish

[PaulWorthing]

Was thinking of getting a spoiler on mine but having seen one in person now I am not sure it adds anything to the overall esthetic of the car so think I will give it a miss

[tarquin]

Hi Bokkie

I don't know if the vibration has been resolved. It might be an idea to un-clip the the bolt covers and see if the 10mm bolts are nice and tightly done up

David