Auto body repair & detailing: Repair to body of 05 Chrysler 300, long time friend, chrysler 300

Question
Hi!
A co-worker of mine backed into my beautiful 05 Chrysler 300 , and crushed in right above the wheel well, under the gas tank on the driver's side.
A "friend" of the person who hit me works for a reputable body shop, (he does all the body work for a major auto delaership near us...)however he is telling me he can remove the panel, "roll it out", paint it,  and it will be as good as new.
However, a long time friend of the family who is a mechanic and who has done body work but does not specialize in it, claims the panel should be replaced, that no matter what they try to do, the crumpled, scratched, ripped panel will never look "as good as new".
Any thoughts as to who's right here?
Thanks so much for any help you can give me.

Answer
Susan-

Please remember that this is your car and a very significant investment. Do not trust the repairs to anyone other than a repair facility that will back the repairs 100or as long as you own the car. Never consider what is in the best interest of the party responsible for the damage. There is far too much bad body work out there.

Fact #1- I have not heard in my 12 years in the industry the terminology you referenced "roll it out". This may be a concern in itself. Even worse- 1/4 panels are not removable! If you cut them off, you weld on a new one.

Fact #2- It is almost always better to repair a 1/4 panel rather than compromise the integrity of the car by cutting and welding a new panel. This will affect a much larger section of the car and result in body filler in much of the new panel. I say this without the luxury of seeing the damage- I just say if it can be saved- save it, if not than reluctantly replace it. If it's my car I want it saved if possible. There is too much involved in a 1/4 replacement and after it's done you are farther away from pre-loss condition. I have always believed a car to be "molested" after a 1/4 replacement.

Fact #3- Bottom line, trust the shop to stand behind the work and assure you the color will match, that they offer a lifetime warranty, which adjacent panels will be required to  blend in order to ensure a colormatch, and what is their judgement regarding repair vs. replace of the panel.

Good Luck- Ask the dealer where you purchased the car who they recommend or if they have a body shop.

Thanks, Mark