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Minor Bumper Damage

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by echase, Feb 9, 2009.

  1. echase

    echase New Member

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    Somebody backed into me as I was backing out of a parking spot yesterday. I made it about 2/3 of the way across the lane, then he pulled out. I stopped and sounded the horn, but it was too late and he hit me.

    So, now I have minor damage to the rear bumper on my '08 Barcelona red (5K miles). It's creased ever-so-slightly... the paint is not scratched, but it's no longer like-new. Any idea if this is a possible DIY fix, or what it would cost to get it repaired. I hate to bring the guy in for insurance, and possibly have to prove fault if we can settle privately.
     
    #1 echase, Feb 9, 2009
  2. dr_d12

    dr_d12 Member

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    The bumper cover isn't very expensive (less than $200) but it comes unpainted. I had mine replaced, together with the styrofoam bumper underneath ($80 I think), and with paint and labor, it cost just under $1000. The prices the Toyota dealer quoted me were 20% more than the cost to the autobody.

    I'm in Canada, I don't know how much less labor and parts costs are in the US.

    For a brand new car, I think its worth going through insurance. That's what we're all paying for.
     
    #2 dr_d12, Feb 9, 2009
  3. HTMLSpinnr

    HTMLSpinnr Super Moderator
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    At such a low speed, there probably isn't any aluminum bumper or frame damage to consider, but it may be worth having it checked out at a body shop just in case. My car was rear ended requiring the replacement of the bumper cover/foam, but there was some slight rear frame alignment and sheet metal work required as well as a tail lamp assembly. Things add up quickly when you dive deep. I second the idea to get insurance involved.
     
    #3 HTMLSpinnr, Feb 9, 2009
  4. jdenenberg

    jdenenberg EE Professor

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    The quick repair is to pop off the bumper cover and lightly warm (don't bubble the paint) the rubber from the inside and then press out the crease. I had the dealer do this and repaint the bumper cover for $250, but that was on special that month.

    JeffD
     
    #4 jdenenberg, Feb 10, 2009
  5. echase

    echase New Member

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    Interesting, so this could be DIY with the hair dryer, or $1000 at a body shop. I think I'll ask the other guy for $500 and live with it. (I'm sure any minor nick such as this diminishes the resale at least that much, but I plan on keeping the car. If he doesn't want to pay I'll have his insurance fix it for me.

    Thanks
     
    #5 echase, Feb 10, 2009
  6. Barb L

    Barb L New Member

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    I just got a quote to fix my rear bumper and it was about $650. I have a brand new 2009 Magnetic Grey (don't even have the license plates yet!) and someone hit me from behind while I was stopped for traffic waiting to make a turn. My damage included a hole in the bumper and a long crack about 3/4 the length of the bumper. The quote includes a new bumper cover and absorber and labor to paint & replace. Hope that helps.
     
    #6 Barb L, Feb 16, 2009
  7. auricchio

    auricchio Member

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    I doubt you'd get enough heat with a hair dryer to do the job. A heat gun would be better, but those can easily overheat the plastic.

    Having insurance handle the repair is a better idea. This avoids arguments if your original estimate is low, he pays that, and you find out it will cost more.
     
    #7 auricchio, Feb 16, 2009
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