Someone pulled out in front me, not my fault and I swerved out of the way and went over a curb. Most of the damage is underneath mainly, radiator, power steeing pump, radiator support, left side suspension. I'm told around $5k to fix.

I've used a place in the past called, Tom Brown Auto Body, in Mechanisburg, PA. They do a lot of higher end cars, BMW, LEXUS, Audi, Ferrari, etc. They are very meticulos, very professional, very anal with everything being perfect - to keep their reputation going. They are a smaller operation, and seems more hands on with things. They've had the same 6-7 guys there for the past 10+ years. They've done a handful of s2000's, and I trust them.

BUT, then there is the other choice of bringing it to the "Honda dealer". The only one around here that has their own body ship is "Faulkner Honda". Which I've heard good and bad about. It's a huge shop with tons of people working there. I'm sure they've done more s2000's than the other place, but again most dealers don't do that much work on s2000's since there aren't that many.

There is another place called Delingers, which used to have the best reputation around. They are super busy, and the wait is 2-3 months just to get your car in. I used them once, and wasn't happy. There are so busy that they just want to get your car and and keep going. This wasn't how there were years ago.

Anyone have any thoughts?

 

What Insurance company is it going through? Has the insurance company written an estimate yet? Keep in mind if there's a lot of damage underneath that the appraiser can't see, you're probably going to have a couple of supplements. As they work to fix your car if they find additional damage, the insurance company will still pay for it

Take the car to a place YOU feel comfortable with. Ask to take a look around the shop, and possibly see some of the shops finished cars, or cars that are getting ready to leave.

A good body shop will not only have the right people in place to fix your car correctly, but will fight with the insurance company to get it fixed the RIGHT way.

I know my shops probably too far for you. But they pride themselves in perfection. Here's the website: www.cavalloautobody.com We have 3 locations.

And personally, I wouldnt take it to a Dealer, I'd take it to a high end body shop.

Good luck with the repairs! If you have any questions about going through insurance for repairs shoot me a pm... I deal with it everyday.

 

2-3 months....ddd ddddd damn thats a long time to wait just to get the car in, and by the time you get it back summer will be over.

My suggestion (coming from a daily driver of my S) is to take it to a good place, and keep in mind, if you are going through your insurance and you have rental coverage the insurance company has it in their best interest to light the fire under the shops a$$ to get your car finished ASAP, or else their stuck with the 2-4 month bill for the rental. My family member went through this, and the insurance company paid the body shop more money to get the car bumped up in line, so they wouldnt eat these bills.

I know that high end shops have great reviews, but have they ever dealt with an S2K? Ask for references and to see live examples, sort of like what Heather suggested. When its all said and done.... how soon do you want to be back behind the wheel?


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Mike GL man, sorry to hear this happened to you.

 

Erie. I've decided to go through Tom Brown. I just feel comfortable and they are know as one of the "High End" body shop/collision shops in this area. The adjuster from Erie wrote the estimate today. He did tell me it's possible they may find some other things, and it would be covered if they do.

Below I'm pasting the adjusters estimate with a friends help. There are 3 things that I don't like. The ac condenser and evaporator aren't listed as OEM. I will not accept aftermarket parts on this car, and will let them know tomorrow! Also, they have down a used OEM wheel, not accpeting that either! I treat this car as a show car and don't want non oem parts. This is a car built in Japan and should stay that way.






Comments welcome.

 

When I had my accident, I worked it out with the body shop and saved a bit of money by buying all the parts myself and having the repairer install it. Even if this meant used parts from other S2000s.

 

Yea I wouldn't be putting aftermarket stuff like that on my car either. I would definantly bring that up to the adjuster.

Used isn't as bad, but especially in the case of wheels you need to check and see if the used wheels they want to use are really reconditioned wheels.

 

I use a good body shop I know rather than taking it to the dealer. I know the guy (part owner) that works on mine and he is a pro. Insurance has always accepted him. I agree with the comments on using non-OEM parts as I ran into the same B.S. and the adjustor backed down.

 

Ok, just got a call back and now they are doing brand new OEM honda Radiator, condensor, and brand new wheel.

ANother question, I can buy a lot of these parts through Majestic honda for hundreds less. Wonder if I can. I know the insurance company sends the check to ME, but I wonder if the body shop would let me supply some, and not order them, themselves.

 

It would depend on the body shop.

I know a lot of shops have preagreed discounts, sometimes up to 20-30% off of listed parts. Discounts will vary depending upon the relationship the shop has with different vendors. This is one way the shop makes money off jobs. Also high end shops will want to know where the parts will be coming from, so if there's any issues with them, such as shipping damage, etc, they can deal with it quickly.

Another thing to keep in mind is that if you need a rental car, the insurance company WILL NOT extend the rental out for parts delays, or because you would rather order parts yourself. Just FYI so you dont get burned.

The insurance company will send the check to you, but most shops will want you to sign the check over to them. If you've told the Insurance company which shop you're taking it to, they may even make the original estimate check out as a two party check to you and the shop.

Also, keep in mind any additional work needed, which is a supplement, that check will go directly to the shop.

 

Ok, talked to body shop, everything is good now. I can't order parts myself or have them shipped there, which I understand now. If things come in wrong, or are damaged it just makes a hassel for everyone. They are ordering everything from a local dealer, and that's fine. They did let me get the front chin spoiler myself, which has saved me quite a bit of money! Anything that I say I don't want, and that I do myself, they will allow, and that's the front chin spoiler