Auto Repair back quarter panel

[Bucky]

Our 2010 Mazda 3 was parked on a street minding it's own business when someone backed into the car right at the driver side back wheelwell. It damaged the the body just back of the back door. I have two estimates for repair on the car, one for about $2000.00 and the other for about $2300.00. The difference is the $2000 dollar outfit is suggesting cutting the back quarter panel and replacing it while the other place says they can repair the damage without needing to disturb the factory welds.


Any one have any comments on these two options?

The person who hit us is saying they will pay out-of-pocket rather than have the incident go on their insurance record. I will not be paying for the repair, thank goodness.

Thanks,

Buck

[Ketou]

[Taro Toporific]

...The difference is the $2000 dollar outfit is suggesting cutting the back quarter panel and replacing it while the other place says they can repair the damage without needing to disturb the factory welds...

I have done many times this both ways.

Cutting and welding will give you a smoother finish.

Pulling and pounding the dent is less invasive to the factory welds, but will require more body filler to smooth it out and body filler can crack or flake over time.

My guess the reason you were offered two different solutions is that the extent of the dent's damage makes it a toss-up which method is "better." In such "toss-up" situations, the repair guy goes with method he is more skilled at: An super-skilled welder would cut/weld whereas a body guy would pound and Bondo.

BOTTOM LINE: If I had to hire somebody for the repair, I would rather have the cut-and-weld since I HATE it when mondo-Bondo body filler cracks after 4 or 5 years in the sun.

[Taro Toporific]

[Bucky]

(Just joking Ketou -- The "resale" value of my 8-year old, 20Km Benz was 50,000yen.)

You didn't give me a ride in the Benz.

[American Oyaji]

You didn't give me a ride in the Benz.

Did you give him a happy ending? (adult swim style)

[Greji]

You didn't give me a ride in the Benz.

He never rode in it either. Mrs. Taro wouldn't let him drive it. Now he has the "Fugu", so it doesn't matter....

[Taro Toporific]

He never rode in it either. Mrs. Taro wouldn't let him drive it. Now he has the "Fugu", so it doesn't matter....

[Greji]

I knew you couldn't resist that Taro, but you are fast!

[Ketou]

I never thought of resale value? Do cars have resale value in Japan?:wink4:

(Just joking Ketou -- The "resale" value of my 8-year old, 20Km Benz was 50,000yen.)

Yea...you got ripped off...give me a yell next time you are selling.