Expert: Mark Haben - 5/30/2007

Question
Mark,
I backed a Honda CRV into the front of a 2005 Pontiac Vibe causing a 5 inch dent at the center of the hood close to the hood latch mechanism along with the hood bowing at the sides.  The latch works and the hood opens and closes-it just isn't new looking anymore and the latch area will be subject to rust from winter salting and air exposure.  Two collision shops have recommended the purchase of a new hood at costs of $1-2K (The 2K includes paint blending and grill replacement as well).  In addition-one of the shops said they could rebend the hood for around $25.00 if I was willing to live with it.  Since I am paying out of pocket for this(I had an insurance claim 3 years ago when someone hit me and I will soon have a teenage driver using the car) I'm not sure if I should have the hood replaced (value of car prior to accident was $13K) or take my chances in just having the dent smoothed out?  What do you advise?

Answer
Gail-

In the interest of safety I would never recommend anything short of a new hood and possibly a new latch and safety catch as well. You can imagine the experience of having that hood fly open at highway speed- Yikes. My advice is bite the bullet and ask the shop to install a new OEM or aftermarket hood. You may save a significant amount of money by declining the blend of the fenders and living with whatever grille damage there is, you may save at least $100 on the price of the aftermarket hood alone. Tell the shop you can live with the color not matching perfectly. A good painter can almost always get the color very close. Good Luck-Mark