QuestionHi Gary,
I have a 2007 Honda Fit Sport. The front bumper suffered an impact from a blowout. One of the main vertical structural points (vertical) just underneath the fog light has a large break in it.
I have gotten two estimates both from reputable shops. One an independent and one a dealer.
The independent say he can take the bumper off and weld it and fill and fix all the other gouges on the bumper. ($1,100)
The dealer says he must replace the bumper and the under skirt as it likely won't go back on once it comes off. ($1,900)
Who is telling me like it is and who is not?
If done right, will the weld hold up over time?
sample image of honda fit bumper, fog light and lower skirt.
http://shop.tfbdesigns.com/images/1219851388330824133347.jpeg
What is broken is the tubular vertical plastic to the left of the fog light is broken.
AnswerHi Jeffrey,
It is possible that both may be telling the truth based on their experience. Since everyone has different experiences both claims could be true.
As a general rule, dealers will use all new parts so that they can make the vehicle as close to new as possible. Thus making their estimates typically a bit higher. Often times dealers will hold to the philosophy that the only way to make it like new is to use new oem parts.
The independent must do things that will allow him to compete in the same market. So he will generally fix minor things that a dealer will replace which allows him to be less expensive on his estimate. If he is a reputable shop that has been in business for several years, I don't think I would be afraid of this repair. The weld should hold up as well as the rest of the bumper itself.
In my opinion, both shops will likely do a good job for you.
