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Got into a minor accident...what does the damage look like $$ wise?

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Jatt89

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Got into a fender bender at an intersection a few nights ago. The car drives (needs a new strut) but the damage otherwise isn't too bad.
Here's some pics:


Image

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Is there anyway a body shop can just pot out the dents? It seems like 1 dent running from the fender into the bumper. I'm not really to concerned with the paint I just want the bumper and fender to fit as good as possible once I put the new side marker light in.
 
#3 ·
There is usually more wrong than appears at first glance. Most reputable shops will give you a free estimate...try asking them?
 
Discussion starter · #5 ·
Yeah I went to a shop for the damage. Besides the cosmetics it needs a new strut and new tie rod end. They quoted me $340 for the parts and labor but I'm searching for cheaper parts online. I'm just wondering if those dents can be repaired without having to change it.
 
#6 ·
Are you paying out of pocket, and what are you willing to accept cosmetically if so?

I'd bump that to about $1600 for complete repair.

...but if the fender wrinkles are minor and you're paying out of pocket, you could bring that down quite a bit with just lights and a bumper cover.
 
Discussion starter · #7 ·
I'll be paying out of pocket. On rockauto I found the strut for $60, $20 for the tie rod end, and $25 for the light. This is all shipping included. I'm trying to source a mechanic who could install the strut and tie rod end for a reasonable price.

Cosmetically as long as it looks halfway decent I'll be happy. It looks like an eye sore now, granted once I put the side marker in it'll look much better. The car has 150K miles on it so I don't want to put money into car.
 
#9 ·
Omnilith said:
Are you paying out of pocket, and what are you willing to accept cosmetically if so?

I'd bump that to about $1600 for complete repair.

...but if the fender wrinkles are minor and you're paying out of pocket, you could bring that down quite a bit with just lights and a bumper cover.
Click to expand...
1600??

my brother (has 2001 Protege) got into something worst (bent frame and everything) and it cost him just over 1K. No body work to be done, just many mechanical parts.

I would guess 800 out of your pocket, bumpers and lights can be found for pretty cheap (used) if you can find them
 
#11 ·
It depends on whether you want to "make it fit" or actually make it look good. If you just want everything to bolt back together, you can get a body hammer and anvil from Harbor Freight, take the fender off and have at it. If you get it very close, you can even try doing some filler work to smooth it out and then paint. But, it will never look like new that way. It might be better to check yards for a used fender...you might get lucky and find one in the right color for $50.

-Andrew L
 
#12 ·
I would do the tie rod and strut myself. Those are fairly simple to knock out on your own.

After that, a new bumper cover and a turn signal. Go aftermarket on the bumper and its probably going to cost you around $100.

Paying a body shop to paint and fit everything will be the most expensive part, unless you know someone.
 
#13 ·
A shop will probably charge a little over a grand to put that corner right. I know that the cover for my MKV was $360 and the spoiler underneath was another $150 or so without any paint. If you are patient though you could source almost everything you need from a dismantler and might not even have put anything in the booth. Thankfully it looks mostly superficial and you may only have to replace a couple of supports and brackets underneath. Good Luck.
 
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