Front end damage

[ArchitectOn20s]

Well my girlfriend wrecked her 2004 corolla le. Since it was her fault, the insurance company got a quote from toyota and subtracted the $500 deductable. Looking at the damage do you think i could come out ahead buying all the replacement parts online and putting them on myself, only thing i see that maybe a professional will have to do is replace that bumper reinforcement? that is bent down.









opinions please.

[rocke86]

What is the cost and list of repairs toyota will do?

I'd go through toyota in most cases like this, to make sure they fix everything, I'd hate to fix something myself and realize I did something wrong or had more problems. See if there is also a warranty on the repaired damage, in case something happens soon after.

[JasonA]

You could not fix that for $500, if that's what you're getting after.

[ArchitectOn20s]

Originally Posted by JasonA

You could not fix that for $500, if that's what you're getting after.

no way i was trying to do that for $500. I expect to pay more than that in parts. I have to get the exact list, but its like $3,400 in parts and labor, and refinish paint. but i just browse the list of parts and prices given, for example they want to sell a hood for $160, and i know i can find a oem hood for much cheaper. I was just thinking maybe i could get them to do the most important stuff, like putting all the bumper brackets, radiator support and things like that back in place, and i come and bolt the new bumper, fender and hood on myself. and send it to a paint shop of my choice.

[JasonA]

Maybe I don't understand; if she has full coverage on the car, and if the deductible is $500, that's all she pays: $500. I thought you were trying to fix it for less than the deductible, and just not go through the insurance company.

[Slaander]

so far I see you need to replace the

Bumper aborber
Air Bags (if it pops)
front bumper
front bumper cover
paint job

Hood yes or no, depends you want the look or not.

[cny03owner]

Looking at the pictures, those repairs are best left to a pro. Find a good body shop (not necessarily the dealer), and have them give you another estimate. You might be able to get the work done a little more reasonably.

I see potential issues getting things to align properly from those photos, if you do it yourself. Looks like the grille and driver's side headlight will give you some issues, besides the bumper. Paying the $500 to get it done correctly is worth it, IMHO.