To Repair or Not to Repair....

If it was a new car I would spend $876 to get it fixed. For a 5 year old car I would have a hard time paying that amount of money to fix it. I think I would go to a body shop and have them fill it in and touch it up. The fill may not hold but I would try it.

 

I would first entertain the idea of replacing it myself, DIY, and if so;

I would look to see if I can buy a used painted Barcelona Red bumper cover on ebay

 

$876 is a good price to "have it" replaced...it that's all inclusive. Opinion...handle it and move on to the next fire life throws at you.

 

I'd say don't fix it. It's only cosmetic and it's not that bad. There's no internal damage, no mechanical damage, no electrical damage. It will not cause you get less MPG. The drop in resale value is way less than what you would have spent fixing it. If you absolutely have to have it fixed and don't want to spend the money, make an insurance claim.

 

I'd be very clear what they are doing for the money. Replacing with OEM part and painting? Repairing and repainting existing? Any inspection of the bumper substructure? Are you/they sure the estimate is all it will cost and there couldn't be damage to the real bumper structure under the cover?

 

bondo and touch up paint.

 

So low like that, I'd be inclined to put something in behind bridging the gap, butter up with 2 part epoxy, clamp and let cure. Then bondo, sand and touch up pen.

 

shoe goo...

 

I would call to ask if they have it in the right color; 2010 Toyota Prius Bumper Cover, Front > Without LED headlamps Without adaptive cruise US Market Bumper Cover, Front (OEM Bumper Cover, Front - Used)

 

I think: Too expensive if it not the exact color.

I would not go for replacement(Non-OEM); 2010 prius front bumper - Bing

Just saw attached picture!

 

If you really want Rolls Royce repair, I'd get a body shop to repair, bondo and do proper blend repaint, where they gradually fade the color coat. It'll look just as good, save you running around in search of new or salvage, and keep it outa landfill.

Personally, I've got an agenda with today's bumpers, feel no obligation to do more than daube on the touch up pen, useless plastic fairings that they are.

 

If you have insurance and a deductible less than the repair cost, you can get it repaired through your insurance. Just say you hit something that was on the highway. Some insurance might even cover the repair without a deductible.

If you had to pay out of pocket, you should just buy a can of touch up paint and spray a thick layer on the crack and let it cure for a couple days. You can use some super glue/epoxy glue and apply it thick on there before painting it. It's too low for anyone to notice.....except yourself.

 

For minor cosmetic damage, I just call 'em "Battle Scars" and keep on rolling...

 

Depending on you mechanical abilities......

 

Again, for DIY epoxy repair, you'ld want to put something solid but semi flexible in behind, bridging the gap, and epoxy it good. You want to ensure it's not going to open up again.

 

Collision Insurance (which you are already paying for) is what covers this kind of damage and it's a very common claim. I have my policy set up with $500 deductible. Depending on your Insurer, they do an initially inspection/authorization with follow up after dis-assembly. This should not really affect you premiums unless you are a "habitual user". Just handle your business and move on.