I bought the new 2018 Camry with the two tone look, thinking the black top and trim above the doors was actual paint. I stopped at a detailing shop and the manager thinks that it may actually be vinyl. You can feel an edge where the two colors meet and the same edge inside the door jambs. Anyone know for sure? It seems odd that it would have vinyl from the factory, since the vinyl won't last but a few years depending on where you live. Everyone would be returning the car to get it replaced under warranty in that time frame.

 

Toyota apparently is offering a factory two tone black top as a custom order. My guess if really a factory paint job then its paint.

Having a edge on a two tone paint job is a reality. The base color must be taped to protect it when spraying the other color on top.

To find out what you have, suggest contacting the dealer that sold you the car or Toyota customer support.

Read the owner's manual to the effect if there is info on how to take care of the exterior paint.

If vinyl, the owner must be informed as to how to care for it or the unknowing can cause major damage and lots of complaints!

Toyota does offer vinyl (appliqués) for trim areas such as bumpers.

 

I work at the San Antonio plant (Tundra and Tacoma) and helped launch the Camry in Georgetown last year. The answer to your question is yes the factory tow tone is definitely paint! Now with that being said we have a dealer here in San Antonio that is taking the base model and adding a vinyl overlay to make it appear to be the top model but you can easily indentify the fakes. The vinyl wrap does not go all the way down into the rain channel around the rear window so you will see the base color there. The factory paints the second color before assembly which allows the window channel, front fender gap to have full coverage. The factory black two tone top has metallic in it, the vinyl I have seen does not.

 

Thanks. I received an answer from Toyota also, stating the same thing. I originally thought of buying the SE and getting vinyl, but it seems vinyl does not last but a few years, so I went for the XSE.