Hi All,

Over the weekend, I had my first fender bender with the S. Going south on Rt 28 in Sterling, I was behind a food delivery truck. In a split second he slams on his breaks. I found out that the light turned yellow and the person in front of the truck didn't go through the light and slammed on its break. And I didn't see the light because the height of the truck blocked my view. I wasn't tailgating but I wasn't far back enough to see the light. Luckily I was able to slam on my breaks and therefore was able to avoid major damage. However, I did nudge him at 1 mph. I thought I hit him with the license plate holder, but when I got out, I saw that the top of the bumper had a little ding on it and scratches on it.

I was planning to switch it out with a 04 bumper anyway, but I wanted some suggestions as far as what is the best way to fix this problem. I have three possible choices. One, take it to a body shop, fix it and repaint it. Two, get the new 04 front bumper, then take it to a paint shop and paint it. Three, (I don't know about this idea but was suggested by a friend) get a car bra and "hide" the scratches. The costs for all three should be around the same (I'm assuming; but the bra choice would be the cheapest)

Thanks!

Mike

 

Car bra will just add additional "scratches" over time as crap gets down behind the bra and rubs the paint finish. This comment is offered assuming that you're intention with a bra would be to cover the front end all the time to hide the scratch from this weekend's boo-boo.

Getting a paint/body shop to fix the current damage would undoubtedly be the cheapest alternative. Ordering an '04 bumper (at its cost) and then having to prep/paint it to match your car is *at least* the additional expense of the new bumper (if not also the respray of the entire new bumper). Can't say from your post...but as yours is Berlina (non-metallic paint), I would think you could have the scratch touched up rather than even having to repaint the entire front bumper.

 

I would love to use just the touch up paint and langka to cover up the scratch but the top of the front bumper (left of the badge) is dented a little bit. I guess I'll have to get it fixed up and repainted.

The ideal thing will be to find a 04 Belina owner who is selling their OEM bumper...

Anyway, I'll see what my bodyshop quotes me for the job.

Thanks Dave

Mike

 

I just came back from the body shop that I used before and he is quoting me $390 for the job. (take off bumper/emblem, fix the dent/scratch, reinstall bumper/emblem) Does this sound reasonable? Does anyone have a body shop recommendation around Sterilng/Herndon area? (Or Centreville/Chantilly/Reston) Thanks!

Mike

 

My family has been using Precision Collision in Newington for years now and they have done a great job...my dad had >$5k worth of hail damage repaired there on his 2 week old CRV several years back and it was very well done. Might be a small drive for you though..

 

Call Kevin at D & V Automotive, he was at the Evo meet if you were there. His reputation and work are excellent.

He can be reached at 703-478-9431, he's painting my spoiler now.