Got this discounted with no apparent signs of use. Easy to maintain, no surface rust  as reported by others  when kept clean. In fact no tendency of dulling after 2 months of use. The step comes handy to get in and out loading the huge cargo area in our Sienna. Gives more expensive look to our Ltd. trim, as well. I remove it only to couple the trailer. It sits low, so I cannot say how will help, if I get rear ended. Top molded plastic piece  provides adequate grip for me. Overall is worth every penny spent.