mlb585

The picture shows it all. It was a 5-7mph impact with a new accord ex. Her bumper has scratches and a dent too but doesn't look as bad as mine. It might be able to pop out and re-align and such. The side of the headlight got a little scratched too...I don't know if that would come out. I am soo pissed about this!!

Chopsie

May need a new bumper, not sure on cost. Sucks, none the less. Who was at fault ?

mlb585

Here is an after pic. I cleaned up the bumper, got all the other's car paint off of it but there are scratches to the plastic and the one place it creased in the front there is a crack/hole showing. I really couldn't clean up the headlight anymore. As you can see, the bottom/right part of the panel isnt' totally flush as well as some of the other areas. Is this repairable and paintable or will I need a new bumper. Any help on this??

CLver

You can get a used black front bumper for about 250-400 and bolt that on.

If you were to do everything new, as insurence would, than i would say damn near 1g

mlb585

Let me try reposting the good pic again.

mlb585

ok, here it is.

mlb585

I really don't want to report it to insurance...i'm hoping that a good local shop I go to can fix the crack/crease and repaint the bumper and get everything to fit right.

Chopsie

Here is your title in the Black market forum
WTB: NBP Front Bumper

May want to check Ebay also.

mlb585

you really think so after what I was able to do with it??

mlb585

Should I get an estimate and if it is under my deductible ($500) just get it fixed....OR....if it is over $500, should I just take it to Acura and have them fix/replace all necessary parts? Does the dealership always to a great job on fitment and painting??

Jonesi

You seemed to push everything back out pretty well.. I can't tell from the pics if there are any other dents.. But if you're happy with the way it came out then just have it repainted.. Should be around $300 if you don't need a new bumper..

Jonesi

I do see it's a bit misaligned with your fender but a good shop should be able to paint it and fix the smaller sections for under $500.. I wouldn't report it.. Not worth it..

mlb585

Yeah, there is a little bit of alignment issues here and there on that side but nothing huge. On the bumper cover (where one of the creases was), there is a crack/hole about 2 inches long that is sort of protruding outwards. I don't know if that can be fixed properly. I want the car to look like it was before the accident and I'm starting to think that they only way I can do that is to have the bumper replaced/painted and having the other issues taken care of. The light is scuffed some on the side and it's enough of a scuff that buffing/compounding won't make it any better. Is that worth replacing or just living with?

Jonesi

You're best bet would go to a shop you trust first thing Monday and get their opinion/estimate.. If it will cost more then you'd like then report it right away..

123456SPEED

Wow, our CLs are as good as Saturns, just pop and go! woohoo! since you don't state fault, I'm assuming you're paying for the other car too? If it was their fault, make them pay for your repair.
to do it right, as new, will be close to $1000.

joebennz

i got hit in the exact same spot with very similar damage and the guy who backed into me offered to pay for the whole thing. with tax the bill was 636.xx. thats with a new bumper, which the body shop guy sed i didnt need but i cut something so i needed one for when my lease is up

mlb585

Ok, I got three quotes with info...here goes:

1) First quote was from a very reputable place. They were going to charge $620 plus tax to replace/repaint bumper, re-align any body panels, remove/polish out scratches/re-install headlight. They offer lifetime warranty and lifetime gaurantee on everything (if I don't like it when I pick it up, they will redo it). This place has been in town for over 30 years and people love their work but sometimes are a little more than others.

2) Second place was a place I took my girlfriend's civic. The work looked great eventhough they didn't replace parts (you could still see a crease on the back of her bumper though). Wanted to charge $472 plus tax to replace/repaint bumper, realign body panels, polish out scratches on headlight and done. Their warantee is either 3 or 6 months on the work they do. I asked about paint matching and he said that wouldn't be a problem at all since it was just straight black. I said woah, that is actually nighthawk black pearl, and he said sure, we can do that too. That made me a little nervous. The place does excellent work (does body work for (mercedes and vw dealership in town).

3) Last place I went was where the Acura Dealer sends all of their cars. This place wanted to charge $700 for REPAIRING the bumper, repairing and painting another body panel (the guy felt they couldn't bend it withought having to repaint it), and do all the other work the other companies would do. He said it would be an extra $150 if I wanted a new bumper. That's over $850!

What does everyone think about these places and what they charge. None of them said I needed to replace the headlight...only if I wanted to. Does anyone think I should have the insurance handle it and replace everything with new parts? My deductible is $500. Any help here would be greatly appreciated!

Jonesi

I'd go with choice #1 and pay the $100+..

123456SPEED

Wow, must be overpriced here. Some **** lady scratched up my rear bumper (no tears and punctures) and my quotes were from $500 to $800.

mc222

1 or two...If you can get over the "black" slip up....#2

mlb585

Do you guys think I should just pay out of pocket for the repairs or go through insurance. I'm thinking if I go through insurance, my rates would go up. But they might go up anyway because the other person has Allstate as well and in-house claims work differently than others. What should I do on this matter??

mlb585

Ok everyone, I decided to go with choice #1. The went ahead and ordered a new bumper and I will be bringing the car in Monday morning to have the work done. They say it will be finished Wednesday afternoon which is nice. I think i'm doing the right thing.

Hobo

good decision

mlb585

One more question, should I remove the factory road lamps (I installed them and did the wiring) or should I just let them deal with it? I just don't want them to mess something up with them or the wiring I put in.