Hello Everyone,

I have a 2004 Acura TL with a manual transmission. 243000 miles and still driving well

I recently had a close call on the highway - started hydroplaning / fishtailing and the rear drivers side hit the guard rail causing a dent in the rear quarter panel. Thankfully I was able to slow down and get the car relatively under control prior to impact and no one was hurt.

Considering the high mileage of the car, I'm opting not to have any body work done / as I have largely been able to bang out dents and wheel clearance is fine. Generally rear suspension components, etc appear to be undamaged. Pulled the wheel/ fender liner off and took a closer look.

Upon pulling back the trunk liner I noticed some slight damage internally and wanted to get another opinion or two on the significance. Is this damage structural, warranting major repair or generally OK to leave as is and continue operating the vehicle?






Thanks in advance for feedback.

 

Do an alignment check to see if there has been any structural frame damage, no way we can tell from a picture.

 

For what it's worth I see lots of TLs in junkyards with this exact damage and not much more. Rear quarter is a killer on labor to repair, and not necessarily because of structural damage.

Get it checked out, but be prepared for insurance to want to total it regardless.