My TL is a big scratch on the left side panel. Should i do it myself or take it to the shop? My friend's shop gives me a discount price, which is 250 dollars. I personally think it's too expensive for that small spot, approximately 10cmx5cm area. Just wondering if anyone know how much does it cost for DIY from the filler to paint to clear coat.

 

post pics ... it will be easier to tell you what to do

 

Do you have any experience with paint? Do you have all of the tools needed? If not, take it somewhere otherwise it will end up looking worse.

 

Take it to a shop its your best bet

 

If you have no experience, pay your friend. The cost of time (prep & paint), materials, and likelihood to f-it-up far exceeds $250. Without knowing which exact panel your damage is located, it's hard to say but just because your scratch is small doesn't mean you only paint that 10cmx5cm area. The whole panel will need to be repainted.

 

Are we talking bare metal or just through the clear coat? HUGE difference. If it's just through the clear, but not through the base, it can be wet sanded and buffed out.

 

Well it really depends on the panel and the repair. IMO, leave it to a competent shop and have them do the repair properly by painting the whole panel. A picture would be greatly helpful and maybe you can buff it out!

 

i wonder if i should spend <$300 to get an aspec front lip to cover up rock chips/scratches on the bottom part of my bumper or spend a bit more and get the whole bumper repainted

 

well if you have chips and stuff further up, it isn't going to cover those up and your going to be in the same conundrum. I'd say if you are bothered by the chips that much, repaint it and then get some clear-bra put on. If you have a spare 300 dollars, save up a bit more and get the whole kit for a complete look!