rblexus350

Got a new Lexus RX350 and within two weeks someone keyed my hood. Local paint shops want $560 to repair and the Lexus dealer wants $880. Is there a difference?

kiwi

more than likely there is, you need to look at the estimate.

does one include a rental car?

does one include blending the paint into the fenders? or is it just the hood.

also, the dealer should be higher, because they have to meet Lexus standards, and therefore are going to pass that cost onto you. the other shop doesnt have to.

my guess, one of those 3 is the difference

kitlz

Welcome to CL. Sorry to hear about your hood. Not sure where you're located in NJ but my dealer uses a body shop near Philly. Their prices are very reasonable and they'll do flat bed pick up from you. It's like getting it repaired at the dealer without the dealer prices. Here's a link for more info. Good luck.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...phia-area.html

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

Where are you in NJ and why wouldn't use your insurance for this? How much is your deductible? I can recommend a great body near Bergen County(North Jersey), if you're anywhere from there. It's called C&D Autobody, it's very expensive but their work is worth every penny.

mandyfig

You want an A1 job for your new RX. You will be banging your head every single day you can notice there is a difference.

I am really sorry for your hood. Happened to me once. Brand new car, a victim of a hit and run. To the day I sold the car, it did not look the same to me.

veleno

iTrader: (3)

I've noticed dealer pricing on body/paint is usually higher than local body shops. Is there a difference? Depends on who you're comparing. Most of the talented painters/bodyman are working in the local shops and not the dealerships, but that's not to say that the dealership guy isn't any good either.

Your best bet is to compare finished products from both parties and see which one you like better.

mandyfig

If price is about the same or else Lexus is slightly higher, I would go with the dealer. Then it goes on record that you had spent money with the dealer. And believe me, it counts.

kitlz

Lexus dealers around here do not do their own paint/body work. The body shop near Philly is the place my dealer uses. Another option would be to bring it to my dealer and meet with the body shop for the estimate. I think they do it on Tuesday mornings. Very fair price. He gave me high/low estimates and lifetime warranty on the work. Also, this body shop was willing to flat bed my car from/to my house or work. I'm up north by NYC. I'd say that's easily 80-100 miles. I was very happy with their work. Nice guy too. No harm in checking them out.