Hi all,
DW recently got into a minor fender bender. The front passenger side bumper is a bit banged up and separated from the body and there is a small dent on the fender right above the wheel well. No significant damage. Car is drivable.
I received quotes from the first auto body shop today - I plan to go to at least another one or two.
Here are what I see as the three options:
1. Have just bumper replaced ($600). Risk early onset of rust if paint flakes/chips from around dent. If that happens, DIY the paint scraping, sealing, and repainting to avoid rust.
2. Have bumper and fender replaced. ($1200)
3. Have just bumper replaced now and if the DIY paint job seems too difficult, have fender replaced later. ($600 now, $600 later.)
I do not plan to file an insurance claim as the damage is minimal and I'd rather pay out of pocket. That's the correct decision, ya?
What do you think?
UPDATE: Received a second quote: $750 for just the bumper and $1500 for the bumper and fender. In the ballpark of that first quote. This mechanic strongly suggested a do both the bumper and the fender as the dent in the fender will lead to rust soon and the car is a 2014 car with just over 100,000 miles.
I'm thinking I will most likely do the $1200 bumper and fender fix from the first mechanic.