I just purchased a 2000 XLE, when I got home and didn't realize that the bolts that hang the back license plate have been cut. I believe they were cut because the bolts were rusted over and couldn't remove the old plate any other way.

What is the best way for me to install a license plate since the cut bolt is flush with the trunk.

http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/5177/img0113oa.jpg

 

It's probably too late, but for future reference a bolt tapping kit works great if you have a drill. It's inexpensive, quick, & easy. Penetrating oil's a good idea as well.

 

I don't know if you fixed this or not, but I had a similar problem. The car was in an accident (no names or finger pointing), and the bolt was busted. I took the Tapping kit, and a drill, and decided I would drill through the screw to make a new whole, then reTap the new whole. As I did that the old bolt/screw, screwed itself right out of the other side. That was weired, but all I did then was screw in the new bolt/screw and unscrewed it, and put the plate on.

So you understand, I just screwed it the same direction (righty tighty, lefty loosey), and it popped out the other side.