Today I made the critical mistake of stopping for a red light instead of running it like every other Boston driver. Sure enough, some clown in a Astro van rammed into my back end.



The damage is surprisingly minor considering how hard he hit me. My GF and I both had our heads slammed hard into the headrests and we were driven all the way into the intersection. I'm afraid we'll be pretty sore tomorrow.


I'm also concerned about getting my S back to pristine condition.

Does anyone have any experience with having a Sebring repainted? Is Sebring Silver difficult to match? Is there anything I should know before I take her into the bodyshop?

Thanks in advance!

 

I was hit, head-on, last week. My car is still in the shop (just over 3 grand in damages) so I'm keeping my fingers crossed they're able to make it like new again. One thing I'd suggest, have it taken to a body shop that's approved/recommended by your insurance company, I did this because with my insurer, USAA, having it done at one of their approved places means I have a lifetime guarantee on the work done, anything's not perfect and back it goes until they get it right. That helps me feel a little better about my car going under the knife. Otherwise good luck. I'm starting to think that having such a car in a densely populated area means contact with another vehicle is inevitable. Oh and mine's Silverstone so I can't help with the paint question.

 

well I can say I had my sebring rearended about 2 weeks ago. Took it to the body shop at the dealer and they matched it perfectly. It looks like it's the stock bumper (but really it's a replacement bumper). I don't think you need to tell them anything special (just to do a good job.) one more thing - you might want to get the black piece of your rear bumper painted (if it was damaged) because imo it does look good.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by djohnston

 

Yes it's true, at least in my case, the shop I'm using will use reconditioned parts or non OEM when they can as a cost saving feature, this is a known procedure to cut down on insurance premiums. This is a policy of my insurance company, not the particular body shop if I understand it correctly. I was fortunate that my repair will be entirely OEM (I've been keeping in close contact with the shop foreman) with the exception that I may get a reconditioned wheel. The foreman said if the wheel looked in any way not perfect he would refuse it and request a new one.

Also, almost any body shop will have some kind of guarantee on the work they do, but the less reputable ones will only give you a year from the date of repair. Lifetime says to me they intend to get it right the first time, they don't want me making return visits because it'll be a money losing scenario for them.

Bottom line is talk to your insurer and find out what their policy is on repairs using non OEM parts. Chances are you'll just have to accept their methods.

 

I also was in an accident last month (Silverstone)

Ugly details here
Mikes2k crash

I don't think non-oem parts are an issue for our cars (yet). The production of our cars are too limited for any aftermarketers to justify making panels for it! (thank goodness for that)

If it was the insurance companies policy I would argue this all the way up the corporate ladder! It is disgusting that they can ever get away with this type of policy. HECK, the car came with OEM why SHOULDN

 

Sebring silver I believe isn't difficult to color match. My match was perfect when the car was returned to me. However, painting on urethane, like a bumper, and painting on a metal fender is different. The fender just doesn't look as good as the bumper.

 

As a general rule you have the right to have your car repaired at the shop of your choice, not the insurance carriers. My car goes to the dealership for any work for at least the first 5 years. They will use OEM parts, it won't cost you any more and they know the product (or should) better than any other body shop.