Someone changed lanes and hit my drivers side panel just in front of the rear wheel causing a minor bending and scratching. Also scuffed and minor 3 inch dent in the driver side door panel.

just took it to a reputable body shop for an estimate and they thought it was minor and could be repaired without replacing the panels.

Is it better to repair or replace the body damage?
Would it be better to minimize depreciation effect by just repairing it as replacement would be much more expensive.

Thx

 

I would replace it for an undetectable repair. The picture is very dark and hard to see the extent of the damage. How fast were they going? Are your doors and deck lid all lined up properly? It's important you check that.

 

ok ive attached some better pics

 

It does look minor - Take it to at least a couple of other shops for their advice as well... If this is going to require repainting the panel, my advice would be to get new panels.

 

It is not that bad, and if you re+re the rear fender, it is 40 hours work and very difficult to allign the fender to match the original position.

 

you mean..if i get it repaired, instead of replaced, it will be difficult to allign the fender?

 

Sorry if I wasn't clear, if you replace it, it will be difficult to allign.

 

I just realized that you are in Vancouver, did you take it to Burrard Autostrasse?

 

hmmm I would inquire on how much it would be to replace as opposed to repair and if the repair will be detectable. Are you putting in an insurance claim? If it is a good body shop authorized to work on Porsche or Benz they should be able to line it up properly. But you need an estimate do determine what course of action is right for you and your car.

 

If you replace the fender it will be very apparent when the paint thickness is checked. The best way is to repair the area an paint as small of a portion of the fender as needed.
If you replaced the whole quarter, i would not certify your car.

 

no i have not...do you recommend them?

 

ive brought it to 3 separate places...all say its minor and be repaired without replacement.

Seems like most on the board are in agreement.

ill just try to find the most reputable place

 

Get it filled and re-painted. If the replacement was a new panel it likely would be some sort of service panel that was welded in with body filler to cover the seams. Welding would likely affect the corrosion resistant treatment done to the original body at the factory-and you'd have body filler anyway. I highly doubt they'd replace the entire body side panel to factory specifications.

A good body shop will make it look as new again. I'd get the dent filled and painted-then drive it like you stole it!