So the GF backed into my Z while parked in the driveway. Happy Tuesday right?

Took her in for an estimate on repairs. $2600! Insurance is going to cover it all but my question here is what are my choices if I want to go aftermarket? For example putting on 2008+ headlights or a nismo style bumper.

Would it be possible for the body shop to work with me on this or should I just have them cut me a check?

Here is a photo

 

that looks no where near $2600 worth of damage lol

 

Yeah I know but you know these shops. They are ripping off the insurance companies.

 

I would def ask for 06+ head lights

 

Are the 06+ lights a direct fit on an 05 and they're dual hid right? Really want the v3 bumper too...

 

I would get a $2600 check…you can find OEM headlights (although they will be a little pricey) and replace the bumper cover yourself(may 16 screws/bolts). The headlights are easy to remove once the bumper cover is off…I bet you can save $2000 of the $2600 estimate by sourcing the parts and installing yourself.

 

+1

Or even run depo lights and put a heat gun to the bumper and form it back!

 

you looking to part out the brembos?

 

I was gonna say that too…I don't know if that's the extent of the damage, but repairable...

 

The damage to the bumper, fender, headlight bucket and LF light could easily run $2600 at retail pricing. Rather than simply following the DIY route, consider the pros and cons to doing it yourself and all it entails:

DIY:
-PRO: Stretch your money and customize a bit.
-PRO: work on your timetable.
-CON: any additional damage not covered by the check is on you.
-CON: Z could take awhile to repair.
-CON: if the paintwork doesn't match or has any issues, it could affect resale value and your overall satisfaction with the car.

 

Have it fixed right. It isn't a Honda.

 

I'm not parting anything out. Thanks to bealljk for the PM on the parts and for everyone else who commented. I think I'm just going to have this fixed by the pros since it wasn't my fault. If I had to pay, I'd probably go aftermarket. Now, going FI, that's another topic...

 

I suppose the main question is, just how handy you are with tools, if you're pretty competent I'd have a go myself as your girlfriend couldn't have been travelling that fast. If you're not overly competent then I'd definitely take it to a pro shop for repair. If you take it to a shop you may be able to work a deal with +06 headlights and a bumper.

 

Lol f that. Insurance is a crock. Id take the money buy my 0608 headlights. Buy a bumper I want then pick my repair shop and not tell them about the 2600 check.

 

You can take the check and still have the pro's do it. For the price they are charging the insurance company for parts, you could go get your own aftermarket parts and have them put those on. You might spend a little more out of pocket, but in the end you have aftermarket parts put on by the pros.

 

Take the check. Thats a simple fix that cost no where near 2600$. Or just buy the after market parts and let someone put them on for you if your scared.