So how much will this cost me??

TJLack · 11-23-2004, 07:37 AM

Please don't ask - suffice it to say I AM an idiot...

Gotta get an estimate. See attached for pic of 2 inch gash behind rear wheelwell. Minor collateral damage above the seam that I think could be buffed out...

Any ideas on repair costs or options? Trying to prepare myself!

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guy321 · 11-23-2004, 07:47 AM

My guess is about 350 - 400 bucks from a bodyshop.

Howard · 11-23-2004, 07:51 AM

It is really difficult to tell from those pictures how deep the scratches are. I would try a rubbing compound followed by a good polishing compound before taking it to a body shop if it was me. As for a body shop fixing it if it needs to have the paint touched up it would vary considerably depending on the body shop. You might have to check several places and maybe a detail shop to get the best price. I don't think any estimate anyone can give from a photograph will be very accurate.

irish8 · 11-23-2004, 07:52 AM

The damage does'nt look to bad!! I would guess about $300-$400.

Good luck...
- Irish

guy321 · 11-23-2004, 07:59 AM

That dent there is in the urethane right?

If you wanted to DIY you'd need a 2 part urethane repair kit.. and probably need to repaint it..

I really don't know anything about cars though..

And if a bodyshop were to do it they would remove the bumper cover, repair it , then repaint that section..

That's about $350 - $400 of work.. depending on what the other minor scratches were.. I had similar damage , that's how I can give an estimate from a pic.. Of course it isn't precise.. just a ballpark.

TJLack · 11-23-2004, 08:06 AM

all i was looking for was a ballpark. thanks. i plan to get at least two estimates.

the scratch is in the urethane vs. metal. it's not that deep but to me seems too deep to consider rubbing out

thanks for the feedback.

guy321 · 11-23-2004, 08:12 AM

It may be cheaper if they can do the repair without removing the bumper cover.

RotaryNoob · 11-23-2004, 09:32 AM

A little brake fluid and elbow grease should take that right out.

TJLack · 11-23-2004, 10:45 AM

Got two estimates:

Schmitts Garage (reputable independent collision shop - have used before and been satisfied) - $386. They said they did not feel need to remove bumper and would cut off the clearcoat on the rear roof pillar and blend in. Work guaranteed as long as I own the car.

Northtown Mazda (dealer) - $1100!!. They say they need to remove bumper, all the side and rear aero flares and the rear window and then clearcoat all the way to the front window. They claim if they don't there is a risk of peeling down the road?

The Northtown estimate seems way over the top for a minor damage. I talked to Schmitt's again and he said he has no worries about his recommended repair and it is something they do all the time.

Does anyone think it makes any sense to go with the Northtown repair?

guy321 · 11-23-2004, 10:49 AM

Option number one will look flawless , i'm sure!!

I would see if you can get examples of thier other work etc.. too and maybe get a 3rd estimate.

DOMINION · 11-23-2004, 01:30 PM

Why not get a MS kit?

foxman · 11-23-2004, 01:45 PM

Dealers are often in the business of selling repairs as opposed to just making them as is the case with most body shops. I have used both many times, the dealer seems to be upselling you for more work. If it were me I would get a 3rd estimate from a reputable body shop for the same basic work the dealer is trying to sell you. I have had much worse damage on urethene fixed for much less than $1000.