My wife backed into my car and did some damage. It looks like the bumper should be fine to repaint, but the guy at the body shop said there may be damage behind the bumper. I'm not sure about it because she wasn't going very fast as it was only about 5 feet behind her car.

They can replace it with a non-oem bumper that won't have the acura logo for $100 less than an OEM. Would there be any issues putting the a-spec from lip on an aftermarket bumper?

Also considering just getting one of the pre painted non-oem bumpers that are sold on ebay for around $350.

Suggestions? Thanks.

 

Just paint it. Of course the guy would say something to that extent, he wants/needs to make a buck too.

 

no issues with aftermarket bumper and aspec lip kit.

bumpers do not come painted...
you would have to buy bumper for ~$250 then get it painted.

i briefly looked on ebay, aftermarket ones are not painted and cost $200.

or you could get a used bumper in same color for less.

or you could re-paint current bumper

 

I would repaint

 

I know they don't come painted from Acura and usually don't, but this auction says they will paint and ship:
New Painted to Match Front Bumper Cover Fascia for 2004 2005 2006 Acura TL | eBay

 

1 rating at 5 stars....

to repaint your current bumper, it would be about ~$250

the cheapest option is to pick up a junked TL bumper in good condition in the same color.

 

just repaint and you will be fine

 

Lucky for you, that color paint isn't crazy expensive!

 

Looks like that bumper has been repaired before....paint shouldn't be chipped like that. I see cracking around the headlight as well. I would replace with an aftermarket bumper if you don't plan to sell because an Acura person will know there's been damage based on non Acura logo. I'd put the kit on and call it a day.

 

The labor to prep the bumper may be considerable as the paint needs to be completely removed where there are any chips/hairline cracks, and if the bumper is cracked, additional work will be needed to repair from inside and outside. If you have time, you can always prep the bumper yourself, and if cracked, use fiberglass on the inside and Evercoat Maxim on the O/S, then have it painted.

The shop is probably talking about damage to the bumper absorber but probably no concerns reusing.

 

The bumper seems to be damaged on the passenger side, looks like clips were snaped off. The grill may need repainting as well along with a new A emblem.
IMO I would try my best to keep the OEM bumper, if it can be repaired and repainted for a good price. Sounds like your mechanic seems to suggest its easyer to replace it. If the price is right to replace it with a non oem bumper ill say do so. BUT if you see its not a big price difference. Stay OEM

First thing I would check is a junk yard. You might just get lucky and find your same exact OEM bumper with color match and install your self

 

Replace her.

 

haaaaaaa

 

Just because you can't see it doesn't mean there isn't deeper underlying damage. Replacing it may not be necessary, but you should check to see that everything behind the bumper is still intact. The bumper panel is basically just cosmetic, the important stuff is what's behind it.

 

There are a few vendors that will ship a painted bumper on eBay. Not many, but they're there. I looked into replacing mine that way for color continuity before I decided I was going to change the whole exterior color scheme anyway

 

As an autobody tech, from my experience, aftermarket bumpers can be a hit or miss depending on the one you get. The bumpers should look pretty much identical next to eachother. What does differ, is the fitment of the bumper compared to oem. Some aftermarket bumpers have issues with fitment on the top/bottom not fitting front to back, the sides not fitting completely flush to the fenders, or in the wheel wells where the fender liner clips in.

As for the paint that all really depends on the shop who does the painting. Ive seen oem bumpers that have been repainted worse than aftermarket bumpers. So hope the shop you get a quote from does a quality job.

That being said, from my experience nothing beats oem. And just glancing at the picture. That looks like a pretty simple refinish. Depending on where the paint is chipping off, it could be as easy as just sanding out the edges of the cracking paint, and repainting those areas with a matched color. Reclearing the whole bumper, and nobody will know the wiser. At least thats the route i would go if i were to be paying for fixing that.

 

I have similar damage to my bumper and I am working with a body shop now. Anyways if you are going to do the prep yourself then I would repaint but if you are going to have the body shop do it you may have close to $250(cost of bumper) just to prep it let alone pull if off the car. Also I have been told the paint does not bond as well to the bumper if it is repainted so there is another advantage to a new bumper.

 

Thanks for all the replies. I think I'm going to risk buying one of the prepainted non oem bumpers on ebay. They are now on sale for $297 with free shipping. I got estimates from 3 places in town and they all want around $500.

Just hope the paint matches and that I don't miss the acura logo on the bumper too much.

 

OP if you are handle with a tool, just remove the bumper cover and inspect the back. If there is no cracks; just have it repainted. Also, silver is the hardest color to match (trust me I know) so make sure if you don't like the color to have them redo it again. It wont be perfect, but close enough is better than being way off.