Ever since i inherited this car, there has always been some damage on the passenger side of the front bumper, and now its finally time to get it fixed. The only problem is, which way is the best way. I am not sure if i should get the original bumper refinished and repainted, or just buy the front Aspec lip, get that painted, and cover the damage up. I was planning on getting the lip anyway, im just not sure if it will cover all the damage, particularly the damage directly under the license plate. I have attached a few pictures of the damage. Let me know which is the better option, refinish or cover up. Thanks

Note: Sorry about the aspect ratio of the pictures, had to resize them to upload them

 

the lip will cover most of that damage.

your only issue if there is any paint fade on the original bumper compared to the lip which will be factory painted.

 

I would have it refinished. I had mine done about a year ago due to several paint chips and scratches and looks a lot better. I think if you just try to cover it up some of the damage will still show and will look bad. If you can, I would suggest taking the bumper cover off yourself and take it to the body shop, it will save some money.

 

I can't tell for sure, but looks like that bumper has had previous repairs. Paint doesn't just fall off like that, you see that thick layer of yellow/white in the first picture? That's Bondo. Paint doesn't just fall off like that. That's the reason for the flex additive they mix into the paint.

If you're going to get the spoiler, get it. It won't match anyways. But, it will cover up the damage, until the rest of the paint starts flaking. If you want it to look good. Verify the bumper is OEM, repair properly and refinish both the bumper and spoiler at the same time to ensure paint match. Of course then it probably won't match to your fenders. But, you probably won't notice.

edit: expect to spend between $300-$500 for refinishing alone on the bumper/spoiler.