Expert: Dave Norgardt - 8/10/2007

Question
Hi,

I backed my 98 Mazda Protege into a 94 Dodge Neon that was parked on the street as I was trying to get out of someone's driveway. To the Neon, both the left side drive & passenger doors were dented, where the two doors join. The Mazda, there's a dent at the corner of the rear bumper on the right side and the bumper is slightly loose on the right side, some pain chips, a cracked tail light.

I have opted to pay for the damages myself rather than go through insurance to avoid increasing my premium. I was provided with a quote to repair the Neon. $225 for labour to repair both doors, $270 for paint labour, $108 for materials, $15 for rust-proofing.  With taxes it's roughly $750. Is this a good estimate? I don't know if I should ask them to get a third estimate; I have one more day to decide. The first quote they provided was $2000 because both doors were being replaced completely.

As for the Mazda, is there any harm in not repairing the damages? If anything, do you know how much it would be to secure the bumper to the rear panel again?

Thanks!

Answer
Sounds like you have 2 conflicting estimates. Repair verses replacement. If one estimate suggests replacing the doors, there also may be damage to the "B" pillar. This is the center pillar in which the rear door is attatched. Best to get another estimate. As for your Mazda, depending on the severety of the hit, it could be cosmetic damages or in extreme cases, there could be possible frame damage, and or rear panel damage. Check the gap on the trunk to see if they are even between both quarter panels. If they are not, the rear section of the car could be swayed over to one side. Best to get it checked out with a repuatable bodyshop. Hope this helps.