Auto Body repair question

[irisblue]

My passenger side automatic rear view mirror was mostly pulled off, the drivers door dented and small scratches on the front quarter panel happened after an unsecured heavy wooden gate caught that area as I was pulling into the carport. I'll be taking it to 3/4 dealers for repair of the mirror and repaint job (7 years and 101000 miles so there are minor dings that need touchups). How much should the repairs, body work and the repaint cost, appx? I'm paying for this on my own, and I need to plan for the money. thanks in advance

[ohiosmith]

1. Tough question. If the dents and dings are minor you may want to have Dent Doctor or the like give

you a quote. They charge per panel!

[irisblue]

2. mirror still needs to be reattached

maybe $200 to reattach? The wiring wasn't ripped off, it still moves when I move the adjuster toggle

[Sekhmets Daughter]

3. Get several quotes,

preferably from shops recommended by friends, family or co-workers. Toss out the highest, if it is well above the others, (they don't want the job) and lowest if it well below the others. (this one is looking to rip you off eventually) I try to get 5 quotes...I know it is a pain in the butt, however, good body work does not come cheaply.

[talkingmime]

4. If it's a heated mirror, count on $120 just for the mirror part. Housing is more.

Personally I'd say fuck it with the cosmetic damage. You should be able to get an entire mirror unit, housing and all, installed for around $250, maybe $300. If they want more than that, go somewhere else.

[Kali]

5. $3 for some JB Weld?

sorry, I am a jerk. and I drive broken down pieces of crap.

[irisblue]

7. what is JB Weld?

and since there is a family wedding in the near future....I should clean up a bit...mom and sister in laws...

[Kali]

8. 2 part epoxy glue that will fix just about anything

[In_The_Wind]

11. That Is Great Stuff!

[hunter]

9. The more beat up my cars are, the more secure I feel driving them.

I hate driving new cars. Too many worries. I think being extra-cautious protecting the car makes me a worse driver.

If somebody bumps me slightly and the damage is only "cosmetic" I like being able to laugh it off.

[kudzu22]

6. Don't take it to dealers

Go to a good body shop. A dealer's main focus is to sell you a new car.

[Callmecrazy]

10. I recently took my mom's car to several body shops ...

And all four were within $100 of each other. Similar repairs.