hello. i got some quotes to replace/fix my bumper and headlights. one of the brackets is broken so that needs to be repaired on my 05 pontiac grand am. its not major but i want to get it fixed before the weather changes. so one place quoted me 930 bucks and maybe more when they take the bumper off. if i go with that then i will face a 500 ded. and possilbe insurance hike as i am a new driver. so i went to two other places to get estimates. they are charging me substantialy less than the first place. they looked at the car and said it shouldnt be that much to repair the lights and refit the bumper. its not hanging or dragging. its almost unnoticeable but i just got it and i want to keep it as close to new as possible. what should i do? does it sound the the first place is trying to rip me off? what about the second place? if i dont have to get the insurance comp. involved if dont want to. plus i am a new driver. anything i should be wary of?
2006-09-18 04:54:03 · 10 answers · asked by MiaDiva28 6 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
yes i was in an accident. may car sustaned more damage than the car i hit. i did hear something about the shock absorbers. im glad it wasnt as bad as i thought it was. im told it could have been worse. im also glad that i wasnt hurt nor the other person
2006-09-18 05:09:04 · update #1
both headlights work fine. my grill is intacted. no other damage as far as i can see but i am no mechanic. i can only report what i see. the car still drives fine.
2006-09-18 06:24:28 · update #2
always be a little leery of really low prices,,because they might not be going to do all the work necessary to make it right again,,also be cautious of real high prices,,i had a fender replaced,and repaired and it cost me 900 bucks paint and all,,but it was fixed back perfect,,id check the reputation of both places before i decided on any one of them dong any repairs for me,,the lower one sounds OK,,they,ll probably do OK on it,,just make sure you get it in writing,so they don't add to the amount,,good luck with it,i hope this help,s.
2006-09-18 05:12:18 · answer #1 · answered by dodge man 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sure sounds like they are. I don't like hearing them tell you that it may cost more when they take the bumper off. What, did they just open for business yesterday? An experienced and professional body shop should be able to tell you an approximate total without taking the car apart yet, especially when it sounds like a relatively minor repair. Shop around and patronize the business which you feel most comfortable with. Especially today, you can go on the Internet and find reviews on local businesses before you even leave the house. Good luck!
2006-09-18 05:02:20 · answer #2 · answered by 3kewenay3 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Was your car in an accident? If so, then you will need new absorbers in the front bumper due to their 5 mph 'crash' rating. Kind of sounds like the first place is trying to take you to town, and the other two are in need of business. I would get about 5 estimates and go with the middle one.
With these prices, don't get your insurance involved, it would jack up the rates. Even if they have "accident forgiveness". This claim would stay on your record for three years and if you did have a bad accident, you just wasted your one forgiveness.
2006-09-18 05:01:22 · answer #3 · answered by dooter686 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A wooden box flew off the back of a truck at dusk last winter. It took out my husbands headlight, damaged the bumper and grill. Jumbo Splinters of wood shot into the tire and eliminated it and wrenched the wheel.
The bill after 3 weeks in the shop was $4200.00. This is just to let you know yours doesn't sound to bad.
I think I would try to pay cash to avoid an Ins. increase especially if your a new driver.
While it seems unpleasant at the time, it's just money and This too shall pass!!
2006-09-18 05:09:49 · answer #4 · answered by ? 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are a lot of body shops out there who rely on insurance work for large part of their business. Insurance companies traditionally want the shop to replace everything to original factory specs. If you are needing a quote for insurance purposes, then go to those shops. You can always get the repairs done somewhere else. If you are paying for it out of your own pocket, then just find the best deal for whatever work you need done. Keep in mind, though, often times, you get what you pay for.
2006-09-18 05:06:38 · answer #5 · answered by Thomas S 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately this is a common occurrence. Some of the things you can do to avoid it. 1. get more than one opinion about the problem. 2. Always get your old parts back, they have to give them to you. 3. have a guy friend who knows about cars go to the shop either with you or for you. You can always let it slip that your dad/mom is an attorney and start talking about how they just sued a shop for cheating a customer on repairs.......
2016-03-27 07:39:06 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if it is going to be less somewhere else, go there. They wouldn't be in business if they sucked. You did the right thing and shopped around. Take it to a place that you can afford so your insurance doesn't go up!
2006-09-18 04:59:42 · answer #7 · answered by 510Driver 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I got into an accident, they quoted me between $3200 and $3500 dollars. I went to the junk yard and bought the parts for $150 bucks, and fixed it myself. You tell me.
2006-09-18 04:58:27 · answer #8 · answered by a_poor_misguided_soul 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they are trying to take advantage of you , it a common pratice , they feel you will be filing a claim with you insurance carrier so they bump up the estimate , this is common pratice , I would go with the ceaper company provided they are a decent reputation for there work ...........
2006-09-18 05:02:13 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
get an crackhead to fix it for you...i heard they work real cheap..but, you will have no warranty and your parts will fall off in 6 months.or get your work done by a pro and sleep good at mnight....NOT EVERY THING IS ABOUT MONEY...SAFETY IS ALWAYS FIRST!!!!
2006-09-18 05:05:45 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋