just got my new Barcelona Red 2010 Prius II last Friday and today I was backing up at the parking lot and didn't see that there was a car parked behind me. I heard a big thumped. I stopped and look at the car I hit. It had no scratches whatsoever but I had a circular minor scratch on the bumper and also 2 very small chips on the side of the bumper. Thankfully the owner was nice and we didn't exchange insurance info since she didnt have any dents or anything on her car. I thanked her so much. I'm so sad because this is my first car and i already have a scratch on it. it's not visible but i can feel it. I wonder how much is the repair for this? pls any advices? Thank you!
Ouch, we all feel your pain, having been there before... The circular minor scratch, which assuming it does not goes all the way through the red paint, most likely could be buffed out very inexpensively. As for the two chips, deepening on their size, could be different. I would start off seeing if a little vial of matching paint from your dealer might be enough to hide it. If so, that should cost you under $15. Otherwise, depending on if the bumper needed o be repainted, then it could potentially cost you several hundred. Let us know how it goes, or post some pictures for us to be able to better assist. A:welcome: to the 'Prius Family'
No way to start off new car ownership but it does happen. There are quite a few stories on here. I managed to whack one of my doors with a jack handle and tore off the layer of clear coat the day after I got it. Anyway, if you can't see it, leave it. That is what I did. Welcome aboard!
here's the first pic: the area i circle is the area that had the circular scratches. you can definitely feel it. and when i looked closely there was a small dent (i think 2?) next one: is the chipped area
Well, how "visible" is it? It's kind of up to you how much you want to let it bother you. I mean all the obvious choices exist. Without pictures at least, it's hard to tell. Could this be something that could be made even more invisible with simple wax, polish and a skilled detailer? What level of repair would you accept? I can tell you some bad news. I had my new car get rear ended after less than 8 weeks. The damage was also minor. There was the impression of the other drivers license plate bolts faintly imprinted on my bumper. For most people, walking past, or just looking, I doubt they would of noticed it, but given the accident was NOT my fault and it was a new vehicle I pursued getting it fixed. The bodyshop(s)-I got multiple estimates, told me even though the damage was minor, the only way to repair to pre-accident visual perfection was to remove the bumper and re-paint and blend the whole thing. This was an average of $600. My accident might of been a little worse than your parking lot contact-as the body shop "said" that once they got the bumper off the mounts needed to be straightened...so final cost-900+ dollars. But when something like this happens you have every option in the world available. From full all out bodyshop repair...to ignoring it, to touch up paint or simple waxes and polishes. All with varying levels of repair or possibility attached. If it was me? If I felt it bothered me enough and it wasn't going to fade...and with a new car I understand....I would start probably with getting some estimates at a body shop, asking them for opinion and option..and I also would probably call detail shops and ask them what they think. If it's subtle enough, a full body shop, paint job and repair might not be necessary. But that's where I would start. I also, would add, that I've never had very good luck using touch-up paint...just made whatever I was trying to hide...look colorful..but I still could always tell it was there. OK. Sorry, posted then saw your pictures. Wow, with that minimal of damage I personally would recommend trying very carefully using some touch-up paint on the chip, and simply ignoring the rest. I can barely even see it, and I'm thinking good polish would make all but invisible. Clearly IMO not worth the 100's of dollars a body shop would charge you to remove and paint. I know it's disappointing, but think of it this way. That level of damage? Would probably happen sooner or later just with normal operation in the real world. Try as we might we can't avoid all rocks and debris.
If only I could trade the scratches on my bumper for yours... I would leave well enough alone but you can try a drop of touch up paint on a toothpick to fill the trip then polish off with ScratchX. On Magnetic Gray I was able to remove 1 scratch 100%. Another I was only able to fill as at certain angles it was still visible. All the others (too many to count) were so small & hairline in nature that I realized I'd just make it worse by trying. Listen to people who know more than you. If you want to try, then try. If you are careful you won't make it any worse & learn something in the process.
Also have a look at this thread... http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...leshooting/77372-rear-bumper-scratch-fix.html Edit: Looks like you already did
For the small chips, buy a bottle of touch up paint at the dealer (just the color coat, forget about the clear coat, which they'll probably try to also sell you). Using a toothpick, apply a very small amount, allow to dry (it will also shrink a bit) and repeat for a total of 2 - 4 coats (several light coats are better than one thick coat). After that, I wouldn't bother with polish--just let it total dry for a week or so, and then wax. For the other spots (that you say you can't see, only feel--and I'm having a hard time seeing in your pic) try some polish or wax.
