RIPHRaPH

First a little background. After driving Accords for years and years I just got an 08 TL 5AT with Navi in December. NIghthawk Black with ebony interior. Has an upgraded Acura chrome wheel set. Bought it and love it.
After being on this sight, in 3 short months I have installed superbright LEDs from V-LED, got weathertechs for front, rear and trunk and a low profile trunk spoiler.
OK.

Last Saturday I was at a stoplight and a lady tapped me from behind (don't worry, her triple chocolate mocha chino wasn't spilled)
Anyway, after an estimate yesterday, it was determined that I am going to get a new rear bumper. The quote was $310 for an Acura OEM plus prep time, etc. Her insurance co is good and will completely pay to restore the car to it's previous beauty.

My question is: should I use this opportunity to upgrade with a kit? Can I just do the rear bumper or do I need to do a full bodykit? Have you ever heard of anyone paying the extra for this upgrade? The body shop does excellent work, and have been set since 1958 - I know the guys personally.

If so, what is a cool upgrade for me? I am a 46 yo commuter who wants a little something extra special, but nothing over the top pimping.
The only other upgrades I was considering was a Cold air intake, subwoofer and LEDs for the side markers and rear lights.

Any ideas? Or should I just leave it be.
Thx in advance.

CLtotheTL32

iTrader: (3)

Your best bet is to let the shop fix the bumper as planned. After that's done, order the A-Spec kit to add some extra "spice" to the TL.

Just my

ervin1128

ditto ^^

jhumbo

iTrader: (1)

The other option to consider is a Type-S bumper. You'd have to get a Type-S front bumper and Type-S skirts as well. It's only a subtle difference from the regular bumpers and side skirts, but I prefer it. May not be worth it though. Adding the A-Spec kit is a more aggressive look whether they are added to base bumpers or Type-S bumpers.

cicacci2190

iTrader: (1)

If you take your car to an independant body shop, such as a macco, Im sure they will work with you numbers wise - atleast im assuming so since they charge less for labor than a dealer, they will have more room to work with you.

Mention your plans about wanting to get an aspec kit for the rear and that you would let them install it, and see what they say.

In the end, there the ones responsible for putting the paper work into the insurance company and can adjust the invoice as they so please. By this, I mean that obviously the bumper will be the same cost, but maybe they will offer to install the aspec kit for free for you if you get the work done there. Youd still have to purchase the rear aspec but atleast youd save install fees.

Just make sure you dont let macco anywhere near your car with a paintsparyer or whatever they call it. They are known for low quality paint work.