wongste

My 07 Lexus GS350 was in a collision. Is it better to take it to the dealership or an auto body repair shop? I've never dealt with a body shop in this area (Northern NJ) so I don't really know who has a good reputation.

I got estimates from both and they are nearly identical. Other party's insurance company will be paying so no deductible. The damage is to the front left fender, front bumper, and work needs to be done on the front driver door and hood. Estimate is around 3k.

I am concerned about quality of work - fit and finish and precise color matching. My car is a glacier frost mica, which I believe is a three step process.

Your help is greatly appreciated.

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

If you don't know of any good body repair shops, I would stick with the dealer.

The good thing is that if the work is unacceptable, the dealership is responsible. You don't have to deal with a third party.

Have you checked the NorthEast Lexus Owners Club (NELOC) Regional Forum? You can ask members in NJ for any reputable technician.

Good luck!

flipside909

Most Lexus dealerships do not have their own body shop but they do sublet the work to a local shop of their choice. I would call around to see what shops your local Lexus dealers in your area use. It doesn't hurt to ask and even look at the work they have completed.

DASHOCKER

iTrader: (2)

Rallye Lexus,BMW,Acura dealer network has there own Body shop. They did body repair on my 06 X3 after a parking attendant backed my vehicle into a pilar. The bodywork looks flawless and the paint matches perfectly. I dealt with bodyshop advisor Cosmo. State of the art facility and highly recommended. Not to far of a drive from NJ.

Rallye Auto Body
245 Glen Cove Road
Carle Place, NY 11514
(516) 741-1800

rallye.com

DASHOCKER

iTrader: (2)

Here is the website to the bodyshop.



http://rallye.tnyg.com/htm/bodyshop/index.htm