hey guys,

it's been a white since I posted here. I have a 2005 anniversary edition 350z and have owned it since 2008. it was garage kept up until 2013 when I was able to take my car to college with me. as you can imagine, in the past few years of being outside around other college kids, there has been a little bit damage to my car. I can post pictures if you guys are interested.

I was just wondering what you think would be the best (and cheapest) way to go about getting my car fixed up. I'm definitely going to need to replace one of the rear fenders so matching the paint (super black) will be necessary. should I take the car to the Nissan dealer or find a few other shops around and get a few different estimates?

thanks in advance!

 

Post pics of the damage. It will be a lot easier for us to help you.

 

thanks for the response. here are a few pictures. the damage on the rear driver's side fender is the worst (obviously). I'm not sure if you can see the damage on the front bumper but there are a few dents, no damage to the paint though.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/k0d1dmkh30cxy1r/DSC00935.JPG

https://www.dropbox.com/s/sdx5934tv7emb2l/DSC00939.JPG

 

First, there are no fenders on the rear of the car. What you are referring to are quarter panels and unlike the front fenders, which are a bolt-on affair, are welded on panels and are as much an integral part of the unibody structure as the roof. It would cost thousands to replace it, but can be competently repaired for mere hundreds. In which case the color can be blended into the undamaged area of the quarter, and cleared (although any decent shop should be able to panel-paint black.

Spoken as a guy who has been painting cars professionally for 10 years, it will be one of two blacks - a blue-black, or red-black - and I happen to know Nissan's is red-black...

As for the bumper, best course of action would be to take it to a shop and have the estimator determine whether the labor to repair would cost more than to simply replace.

If you are going to take it to more than one shop, I can tell you this: judge the shop by it's front office. If it's a grungy and a cluttered mess, move on, if it's clean and professional, that's your shop.

 

As Caidrac has stated, go to a body shop to get an estimate to fix the damaged parts, not replace.

Just make sure you go to a reputable shop in your area. If you were near me I would recommend my buddy's shop but I am sure you will find something near you.

 

I second this so much. It is so true!