My 2010 TL SH-AWD was backed into by a friend's neighbor:



I do not believe the rear bumper to be original, as the vehicle history report showed left rear damage in a prior accident. I think the bumper was replaced during the repair. Is there a way for me to tell without removing it?

I have two estimates of repair - one that will replace it and another that will repair. Under the presumption that the original bumper was already replaced once before, is there a reason why I should NOT choose to go the replacement route (versus the repair)?

 

Check if a VIN sticker is on it. If it's not original anyway, might as well replace it with another non original

 

If the guy's insurance will pay for replacement, then yeah go for it. If they'll only pay for repair, it looks like it's just paint damage. A good repair will be unnoticeable.

 

@dregsfan there is some damage to the bumper, right side of the pic you can see what looks like a tear. I would 100% for the replacement, even if it's non-OEM. but do it by someone who will warranty their work for at least 1 year. My brother's car was run-into w/ damage to the rear bumper and tail lights. we did OEM replacements (other guy was at fault, we were parked, so 0 deductible and 100% covered). Did it at honda because the work would fall into the OEM warranty. We were happy with that because about 3 months later the bumper was chipping at a corner. our dealer repainted it for us and it's been ~2yrs and so far so good.

 

That's what I was thinking, too.

There is a tear. Insurance has stated that they will pay for either one.

Correct. I think the corner of the underlying beam created the tear.


Thanks for the responses, everyone.