When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I know these forums have goos amount of experienced folks with nice work on their beloved Lexus', Well, I need collision work on my car. It was a pristine, barely driven GS400 when I bought it last year
Now it's rear is a crumpled mess. I know of the rave reviews of Platinum VIP in Irwindale. But, it is kinda far for me to tow.
So am looking for any great experience in restoring a 15 year old Lexus in the Los Angeles / West L. A, area.
Thank you in advance?
not worth it. it will cost a lot more that the car is worth. looks like frame damage anyway. in the words of eazy e, throw it in the gutter and go and buy another
I agree! The cost to repair your 15 year old car will exceed the value. The whole rear-end needs to be replaced. To do it right the shop will have to cut the rear out and weld a new or used rear end. The rear window framing is also damaged, and your car will never be the same again. Forget the value, you will never get top dollar once you try to sell it. Cut your loses, and hopefully your insurance will pay you top BB value.
Sad to see them go like that. Sorry to say, that car is for the pasture now. The amount of work is going to be well over the value of the car. Settle up with insurance and start shopping for another.
Was the car parked at the time or being driven? The driver ok?
RA40, Thanks for asking. Driver (me) is relatively ok, getting treated for whiplash and muscle trauma. Was stopped on the freeway in traffic when the idiot slammed his SUV into me from the right rear.
Pushed my car into guy in front........
It hasn't been assessed, yet. So, consensus is that bad even if the unibody & rear window frame is not damaged? This clean a car is so hard to find. Still under 75,000 miles. It tears me up to just leave it.
I agree with what everyone has said. Also, may be try to shop around and get some estimates from the shops. Probably you will find it cost more than the car is currently worth. Sucks to see this. I hope you are ok.
RA40, Thanks for asking. Driver (me) is relatively ok, getting treated for whiplash and muscle trauma. Was stopped on the freeway in traffic when the idiot slammed his SUV into me from the right rear.
Pushed my car into guy in front........
It hasn't been assessed, yet. So, consensus is that bad even if the unibody & rear window frame is not damaged? This clean a car is so hard to find. Still under 75,000 miles. It tears me up to just leave it.
Sorry, that happened to you. Unfortunately you looking at around a 15k repair. Most likely they will total your car...
I have a recommendation. Right off the 105, I've seen him restore a few fair lady z's, work on a totaled RX and done miracles on some s2k's that did hardtop conversions! Let me know!
Thanks everyone for opinions and recommendations. I gave it up to the insurance. Very unhappy with the valuation of my car. NO aftermarket or engine work was included and they are also taking out the deduction without a real chance to be re-imbursed ever. Clearly not my fault but I get penalized anyway. All insurance companies are a f'ing scam.
Am also looking for another insurance (I am bristling as I write this) carrier for the one I just bought. If anyone has good experiences, please let me know. I'd appreciate it as well.
I took mine to Autowerks in El Monte, CA. Did great work replacing my rear bumper and then painting a TRD lip for $100 painted and installed. Ask for Peter or Bill.
Autowerks Body & Paint
11528 Garvey Ave
El Monte, CA 91732
(626) 442-6558
Again, thanks everyone for your inputs. I'd like to introduce the new old ride I found 2 weeks ago.
2002 LS 430 with 69800 on the odo. Rides vey nice, but has some history which I didn't notice till I got it home. No documentation, but all mechs (3 actually) pronounced the engine very good.
I will keep Autowerks, Platinum and whoever g2bme recommended for future reference. And have a question:
How to fix the auto closing rear mirrors so they align correctly? Is it an extensive process?
Is it relatively easy to pull really minor dents out or not worth the trouble?
06-23-14, 08:13 PM
Looking for Best Auto Body in L.A.
Sorry to say, that car is for the pasture now. The amount of work is going to be well over the value of the car. Settle up with insurance and start shopping for another. 
