Bumped into Parking Lot Pole

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Walter Tobias Karlmichael, Jun 5, 2017.

  1. Walter Tobias Karlmichael

    Walter Tobias Karlmichael New Member

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    I have owned this 2013 Prius for a little over a year. I was in a parking lot full of poles, so of course, I backed into one as I was pulling out. I am posting here because this is my first (and hopefully last) brainfail collision, and am hoping that someone with similar experience might be able to share that experience, or suggestions.

     
    #1 Walter Tobias Karlmichael, Jun 5, 2017
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    ouchie! i hope it's your last, but my first was the first of many.:oops: have you called your insurance co.?
     
    #2 bisco, Jun 5, 2017
  3. Walter Tobias Karlmichael

    Walter Tobias Karlmichael New Member

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    My insurance does not include such kind of damage.
     
    #3 Walter Tobias Karlmichael, Jun 5, 2017
  4. mmmodem

    mmmodem Senior Taste Tester

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    A Blow-dryer and baseball bat will knock that dent out. It's important to warm up the area well. Leaving out in the sun may be enough. It looks like you have good access from the wheel well. A little polish will take out the scuff. See YouTube.
     
    #4 mmmodem, Jun 5, 2017
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    looks like a job for a pro. why not stop by a body shoppe, tell them you don't have coverage, and discuss what it will cost to put it the way you want it?
    for me, good enough is good enough.
     
    #5 bisco, Jun 5, 2017
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  6. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I can't see having a car without collision/comprehensive insurance, doubly so with late model car. You pay your yearly penance, and you're covered. Much rather pay $500 deductable than be on the hook for $1000's.

    I'd second @bisco, pay the piper, get it repaired professionally. What you save with a DIY repair will stand out like a sore thumb when it comes time to sell or trade.
     
    #6 Mendel Leisk, Jun 5, 2017
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  7. afob3

    afob3 Member

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    #7 afob3, Jun 5, 2017
  8. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    Maybe the mirror cover and the door can be cleaned up with ScratchX or a clay bar.
     
    #8 JimN, Jun 5, 2017
  9. Walter Tobias Karlmichael

    Walter Tobias Karlmichael New Member

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    Thanks for the advice. Having spoken to several body shops today, the dealer's recommended shop suggested replacement fender and paint at around $1350. Two other shops offered higher quotes around $2000, and it seems to be materials which are higher for them. Another shop offered a visual estimate that it could be repaired at $750, but did not provide the detailed cost breakdown the others did. All three of the independent body shops were people I found through Yelp. I am not sure what to make of the suggestion the fender could be repaired rather than replaced, and it is here I would ask if anyone has repaired in lieu of replace and what were the consequences (if any)?
     
    #9 Walter Tobias Karlmichael, Jun 8, 2017
  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    they knock it out the best they can, hit it with some bond and repaint. that's the route i would take, not expecting perfection.
     
    #10 bisco, Jun 8, 2017
  11. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    Your car isn't a beater so don't treat it like one. I'd replace the fender. Who's removing the yellow paint from the door and the mirror cover? Don't let them just paint over it.
     
    #11 JimN, Jun 8, 2017
  12. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Talk to the body shops, ask how they intend to blend in the paint. The key is to thin out the paint with clear as you get progressively further from the repair. Otherwise you WILL see a transition.
     
    #12 Mendel Leisk, Jun 8, 2017
  13. Lightning Racer

    Lightning Racer Active Member

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    Look up "dent repair" or "paintless dent repair" on Yelp too. There are some people who specialize in taking out dents, and they are usually cheaper than body shop. They usually don't need to repaint. Your fender has your VIN on it. A new fender would not having a matching VIN, and some potential buyers might notice that and wonder if you had a larger accident.

    Here are some really skillful dent repairers:



     
    #13 Lightning Racer, Jun 9, 2017
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