Expert: Michael Kakuk - 9/19/2010

Question
My granddaughter has slammed the seatbelt into the door several times on my CRV.  This has resulted in deep scratches from the buckle on the plastic inside the car.  Not the door panel, but the plastic beside the seat between the front and back door.  It looks terrible and will affect resale value.  Can this be replaced, or would it the cost be prohibitive? It's tan colored inside, which I believe has been discontinued, and the CRV's changed last year. Thank you so much.  I was just sick when I saw this damage.

Answer
YOU WOULD NEED TO CALL THE DEALER AND GET A PRICE QUOTE ON THE LEFT FRONT DOOR TRIM PANEL. THEN CONTACT A BODYSHOP TO SEE IF THEY CAN SUPPLY YOU WITH THE NAME OF THE COMPANY THAT COMES OUT AND PERFORMS TRIM PANEL/DASH REPAIRS. THEN COMPARE THE 2 PRICES AND GO FROM THERE.