jean

OK, I'm still pi$$ed at myself.. I just put in some MAJOR scratches on the passenger side rear quarter panel.
I got some on the driver side last year in a parking lot, but if I walked fast enough, I was able to ignore them.
Now these new ones are just too noticable......
This is a paint issue, no body dents involved.
I'm gonna start looking into some estimates to repaint both rear panels tomorrow.

For those who have been down this road, is it better to go to the dealer for the paint job or a independant shop like Maaco or the likes. I'm paying for this one - no insurance involved.

Thanks for your input
J

Mark Larson

Don't some dealers subcontract work like this if they don't have an in-house paint specialist or something? You should probably compare the prices of an independent shop with good reviews and the dealer. They'll probably be very similar.

RickRoush03

it depends how bad it is. i wouldnt go to any maaco type place. i'd get a few quotes from a few dealerships, acura, honda, etc. the paint is a no brainer, computer spits it all out. just gotta make sure the shop does good work. usually, dealerships will be a better bet since they will do OEM repair. also, look in the phone book, alot of detail shops can maybe work those out or a high end paint/detail shop.

LuvMyTSX

Most dealerships don't do any body work. They farm it out to other shops, but you can call your dealership for a recommendation.

jean

Thanks for the input so far guys,
Just called my local dealer (Camco) where I bought the car, and they have their own paint/body shop. I'm gonna go in for the free estimate. They also have a loaner, but I dont know if they will lend it to me for just a minor paint job.
Keep you posted.
J

jpadilla

David McDavid Acura's Body shop (in Austin Texas) sucks ... I might was well have just went to Maaco!

jean

OK .. so here is the final result. Got 3 quotes 1- dealer 2-a body shop affilated with a dealer - both estimates were within 50.00 and the 3rd at independant paint/body shop which was recommended by the CAA.

The independant shop was the choice. The guy at the counter generaly seemed to care and made an effort to keep the cost down. Came to 635.00 the others were at 800.00.

Got the car back late yesteday and it looks great - like new...

J

optomos

Did you have the whole car painted or just the 2 panels?

jean

They painted/clear coated the right side bumper and panel. They buffed out most of the scrathes on the left.
J

9600Gator

What did you bring your car in for? I got rear-ended last Tuesday, and am looking for a good body shop. Was considering David McDavid's collision center because they're listed in the gold class business directory (link ).
If anyone else has any suggestions/warning about other body shops around Austin, it'd be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

jpadilla

I got rear ended and made me rear end the car in front of me ... damage to front and back. I can show you all the gaps in the body panels and gaps between headlights and grill. They think there is nothing wrong with it. The Manager there (I forgot his name but have it some where) has an "I don't give a shit" attitude and is very unresponsive to complaints.

Oh yea, there was even a missing body part (splash sheild that goes under your car to keep dirt/water of the engine compartment). I had to agrue with them that the car had it one when they took it in. They also don't use flatbeds to bring your car in, they hooked it up with rear wheel rolling and magnetic brake lights sitting on your trunk lid .... this after I specifically asked for a flatbed.