2011 Highlander Body Damage: take it to dealer vs collision shop

[sj7000]

Hello,

We were hit in the rear passenger side of our 2011 Highlander last week, no injuries, but the car needs body repair. See pics below.

We have State Farm insurance and they have some express options (local collision shops, no paperwork, they pickup/drop off the car) and of course we can always opt to go to an outside of the network shop, or dealer.

I am wondering if anyone has any advise on the following:

1) The bumper has minor damage, is the dealer more likely to replace it, rather than "fix it" as is? I assume a collision shop would try to just "fix it". We'd prefer a new bumper, but realize that might be a dream.
2) The paint: I am assuming the dealer is more likely to use Toyota paint. Fair assumption?
2) Are there any other general advantages when it comes to dealer body shop vs standard body shop.

[Zembonez]

There is really no such thing as "Toyota" paint. The dealer will use whatever paint company they use just like any other body shop. Frankly the dealership body shops I deal with are some of the worst at actually repairing cars. If this were my vehicle, I'd find out who has the most highly recommended shop in town and go there without hesitation.

Most shops use paint systems (SIKKENS, PPG, etc) that are as good as or superior to the OEM finish. It that bumper cover is just scratched, it is likely that they will smooth and refinish it just like they will that quarter panel. That job should be invisible once finished.

[Tech1984]

^x2

[camryvn2011]

my car was accident in July , insurrance total loss
some pic :

[summerwind]

Originally Posted by Zembonez

If this were my vehicle, I'd find out who has the most highly recommended shop is in town and go there without hesitation.
.

+3

Decision in my area is easy as there are no dealer body shops and if you took your car in to a dealer they would just subcontract it out.

[MikeyD25]

Originally Posted by Zembonez

If this were my vehicle, I'd find out who has the most highly recommended shop is in town and go there without hesitation.

It that bumper cover is just scratched, it is likely that they will smooth and refinish it just like they will that quarter panel. That job should be invisible once finished.

X-4

Never had a problem with State Farm paying for repairs. In fact with them it's painless...they deal directly with my collision repair facility via computer with no need for an estimator to assess the damage (at least in my case).

And yes, they will do as described above. Remember, get a warranty from the collision shop too! My guy gives a 1 year warranty on ALL repairs. Also, ask for/demand non-China made parts...the fit isn't the same. Ask your collision guy about that.

Good luck!

MD

[sj7000]

Thanks all. Great to know

[highlander123]

if no dent, try use cleaner wax to buffer, that will look a lot different.

[nick1sp]

Can I have your 3rd row seats?

Originally Posted by camryvn2011

my car was accident in July , insurrance total loss
some pics....

[matt0420]

Originally Posted by highlander123

if no dent, try use cleaner wax to buffer, that will look a lot different.

Looks like the quarter panel is dented...

Do your homework and find a good bodyshop in your area.

Like others have said, your dealer's bodyshop is probably one of their own approved shops, not a actual Toyota shop.

My friend is a tow truck driver, and he tells people all the time that there is no such thing as a manufacture specific shop...and ultimately you pick where your car goes.


Judging from the pics it doesnt look like you need to much work. If there is no paint damage in the rear quarterpanel I would look into PDR (paintless dent removal). I can almost guarantee the end result will look a lot better than re-painted bondo. PDR will likely save you lots of $$$ too.

The bumper can likely be saved, and the rim I would want new from Toyota. (you could also just bring down your spare rim :P)


But the main point again, if you don't need that quarterpanel re-painted I wouldn't do anything but PDR. Your colour is a little trickier to match as well

Good Luck with the repairs

[thenebula873]

Banged up my bumper last year and brought it to a local body shop I was friendly with. Replacement cover and light were just fine but the paint will never look as good as OEM, as hard as they might try...something you should be aware of with any repair unless they repaint your whole car.

[nov0798]

Originally Posted by thenebula873

Banged up my bumper last year and brought it to a local body shop I was friendly with. Replacement cover and light were just fine but the paint will never look as good as OEM, as hard as they might try...something you should be aware of with any repair unless they repaint your whole car.

Have to disagree with this statement. I had my HL repaired 2 years ago, and I cant tell where they painted it at all. You would never be able to tell where it was damaged or painted. A good shop will blend it with no problems.

[Zembonez]

A good shop with a good painter can make a repair disappear. If you don't get that result, it's time to look elsewhere.

[GreatAvalon]

ur going to need a new rims also...the body shop will be able to get a new oem toyota rim not a reproduction?