Advice re. Mud Flaps appreciated...

[Leo the Lion]

Hi all,

Due to pick up the Tig we ordered in a couple of days. Very excited Will post a separate post in the newcomers' section once car has been delivered...

Am presently agonising about mud flaps, however.

The dealer we went through was an absolute joy to deal with. Can't speak highly enough of them. But the original front & rear mud flaps were costed at close to $300 fitted. Having already over-spent our budget getting such an awesome car, I am hoping to save some pennies if possible.

Fingers-crossed fitting should not be a problem. A mate is a panel beater so it should make a good weekend arvo project over several cleansing ales.

I've had a look on the Net:
On eBay aftermarket flaps from Hong Kong are available for $40-70 delivered
- Has anyone had any experience with these?
- How did they fit? Would they fit on the 2012 face-lifted model?
- Any sellers/sources anyone would recommend?

Genuine flaps from the UK appear to be acquirable for $90-150 delivered
- I understand the genuine ones are likely to be made better, better materials, etc., but just how bad are the aftermarket ones?
- Would anyone strongly advise getting genuines, as opposed to aftermarket flaps?

Apparently there is some discrepancy re. whether the flaps intended for the pre-face-lifted model will fit the post-face-lifted (2012) model:
- The dealer did a check for me and apparently the parts look exactly the same and even shared the same VW parts numbers
- But listings on eBay occasionally specify their flaps would NOT fit the 2012 face-lifted model - why?
- In my understanding, there has been no body/panel changes pre- and post-face-lift, so can't understand why they wouldn't fit?

If anyone has any advice or anecdotal experience they could share, that'll be awesome!

Can't wait to pick up the Tig...

Thanks!

[MGV]

Hi Leo & welcome!

Though i don't have the flaps on mine, the only thing that comes to mind from earlier threads is that the cheaper ones may not have or retain the same 'blackness' as your wheel arch plastics & bumpers... May not be a perfect colour match.

You'll love the ride regardless! Enjoy!

[aussietig]

If going the HK route, I'd recommend this mob for what are purportedly original parts made for VW China.

Mud Guard - Tiguan - Oriental Parts

So a bit of middle ground in terms of price and quality.


WARNING: Chinese Tigs have a longer wheelbase, so not sure whether it would affect what look like standard mud flaps.

But best to get them to confirm their part numbers to you, since you know them.


FWIW, I have had them give me a full refund on door mouldings that didn't fit.

[Leo the Lion]

That's really helpful advice aussietig, thanks a lot!

Will keep researching...

[zchoanyy]

My tiguan should be delivered at the end of next month.And I am planning to get mud flag from china. What's the vw parts number you got from dealer?

[philsan]

Just a warning from personal experience.
Dont bother sending for the mudflaps from oriental type suppliers,as they decidely inferior to the genuine VW ones.I went that route with my Tig and because of the inferior fitting attachments I wasnt happy and then had to fork out more money for the genuine mudflaps.Much stronger in their construction,are the right colour and they fit as they are meant to although it's a afternoons work to fit them as all the wheels have to be removed to do the job properly.
Anyway good luck with whatever you go with
Phil.

[Leo the Lion]

Hi Phil,

Thanks for your input - exactly the kind of info I was after!

Still hesitating before ordering cheap aftermarket mudflaps from Hong Kong or China, out of concern for exactly the points you raised.

Might try and convince myself to fork out a bit more and order genuine parts from USA or UK. As with everything else they seem to get identical commodities for cheaper over there

Have you found the mudflaps to be a worthwhile addition? ie. do they help significantly with keeping the bottom of the front doors and tailgate/rear quarter panels clean and protect again stone chips?

Picking up our Tig tomorrow! Can't wait! Super-excited. Also will see how the car looks as is and if adding mudflaps might significantly detract from its cosmetics.

Thanks again!

[brad]

i ordered cheap ($30 for 4) aftermarket units for the Skoda. They looked the part but the rear attachment method was pretty lousy (but same as OEM?).

The rears fell off after 2 years banging into kerbs when parking tail in but the loss of $15 didn't overly phase me & I think the OEM would have gone to God as well. I'll order another set for $40 (current price) & be happy.

[tastig]

I had geuine VW fitted at time of purchase -as part of haggling over changeover price. Have been good keeping gravel & mud splash from doors but are hardly noticable as blend with rest of trim.
Steve

[philsan]

The genuine flaps have been good so far for keeping crud off the car extremities as such.
Just for your info though if still undecided about the cheaper mudflaps as opposed to genuine,the cheaper ones i sent for from HK are still sitting in their bix somewhere in my garage.The moulding on them is way inferior [dags of plastic hanging off the edges etc] and the colour match and texture of finish as well.
The genuine vw flaps came with full fitting instructions, torque screws, spring clamps, bolts and the works. The el cheapos came with a few self tapping screws[just screw into the plastic wheel liner] and not a mention of any fitting instructions at all.The amount of money over and above the cheaper ones is money well spent if you want a good lasting fixture.I know we get ripped off here in this country by vw for any accessories but generally quality wise they are excellent.
Just my two bits worth
Phil