Got side swiped. Should I polish or repaint?

[Lunixor]

Today while my car was parked at work, someone side swiped the driver side of my front fender and bumper while pulling out of their spot.

I’m pretty upset because this car is only a year old and I’ve kept it in meticulous condition, with constant detailing. I barely even drive it.

Now as a result of the side swipe my car has some scuffs and scrapes along the side, and a small dent. Looks like a little bit got chipped off as well.

It seems like I have two options:

• Take the car to a body shop where they will likely do a repaint of the fender and bumper
• Take the car to a detail shop so they can attempt to buff out/polish the paint, touch up the chip, and pull out the dent

What would you guys do in this situation?

I’m worried that the detail shop won’t be able to get it back to looking 100%, but at the same time, I’m afraid the body shop will not be able to match the colour properly (rapid red) and I’ll end up with mismatched panels.

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[Brisvegas]

I'd replace and respray the fender , but certainly worth trying to find an undamaged rapid red fender first for the easiset fix of all .

 

[Johnny Rockit]

I hate thieves. Any cameras catch the culprit?

 

[Lunixor]

I hate thieves. Any cameras catch the culprit?

They left a note actually and were quite apologetic. They also offered to pay for the repair. I’m just concerned with how I can get the repair done in a way where I’m not gonna notice the defects later.

 

[Jackismydog]

I would start with polishing. If you are not comfortable to do it yourself, take a chance with a detailing company in your sector

 

[Tucker80]

I wouldn't even consider any option other than a good body shop. Matching paint for a good tech isn't that hard. You just need to make sure to do your research and find the best in your area.

 

[Crew4991]

Sad to hear about this incident. The scratches are noticeable but are in a smaller area based on the phots, I bet a good polish would do the trick.

When it comes to situations like this, start easy with a polish and see if that works, then go more difficult with a repaint if you are not satisfied. Best of luck with the repair!

 

[fast306stang]

Sad to hear about this incident. The scratches are noticeable but are in a smaller area based on the phots, I bet a good polish would do the trick.

When it comes to situations like this, start easy with a polish and see if that works, then go more difficult with a repaint if you are not satisfied. Best of luck with the repair!

+1.

Try the easy/cheap way first--polish. If you don't like the results, then get it painted. Looks like most of that will come out. But if you paint first, you'll never know.

 

[K4fxd]

That should buff out. I'd still want it fixed or replaced due to the dent.

 

[WD Pro]

I think you will get everything out other than this in the bottom left where its gone down to plastic :

And maybe the single deep scratch in the top right (which could be reduced / made to look better).

Use PDR for any panel distortion.

At that point you will have a decision to make i.e. live with it looking much better than it does now, or go down the bodyshop / paint route.

Nothing to lose by trying the polish and PDR route first

WD

 

[Mojo9691]

Take it to a competent bodyshop and it should be an easy fix.

 

[Tucker80]

You guys are way too nice! The OP's car was damaged and the other party has acknowledged financial responsibility. Not a chance I would be trying to do anything other than get it repaired back to factory original condition.

 

[Egparson202]

You guys are way too nice! The OP's car was damaged and the other party has acknowledged financial responsibility. Not a chance I would be trying to do anything other than get it repaired back to factory original condition.

You’re not wrong. I’d at least start with a search for the right body shop for a consult. Ask a Pro. decide for yourself.

 

[Decible]

They left a note actually and were quite apologetic. They also offered to pay for the repair. I’m just concerned with how I can get the repair done in a way where I’m not gonna notice the defects later.

Start with a polish to see if it will clean up. If not check thepartsfarm and see if the have an undamaged fender in your color and replace. 2 cheapest options and keeps the carfax clean.

 

[Lunixor]

I washed the area and applied some polishing compound. Got it looking better but there’s still a dent and some scrapes.

I took it to a body shop for an estimate and they would need to sand and repaint both the bumper and fender to get it looking new again. $2400 cost.
I’m going to get it checked out by a detail shop though to see if they think they can polish out the remaining scratches, but I think they’re deep in the paint so probably not doable.

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