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how does gs fair after accident?

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Old Nov 23, 2006 | 07:06 AM
  #1  
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Unhappy how does gs fair after accident?

I have a 02 gs300, I was hit in the front by another car which had a flat on the highway that came into my lane...

good thing is the other party's insurance will cover the repair. however, I have a few questions:

1. anybody now a good bodyshop in md?
2. in my experience, all body shops will use terms such as industry standard to avoid factory like finish; anyway out of it?
3. is the statement of that the frame is intact a qualifier for mechanical integraty of the car? bumber needs to be replaced as well as both head lights, hood. Radiator is pushed back but is not leaking and the fan seems still be good. I haven't gone to a body shop and the hood won't open so there is not much I can see. Usually how do gs fair after such an accident?

these cars are made in japan, now going through a us body shops, I am afread that it is basically just another american car. Not that I have anything against american shops, but I figure there must be a reason for the factory to invest millions for tools versus craftsman for snappon used in shops.

Am I taking a huge hit on future reliability and longivity on the car? Or am I simply thinking too much?

THX for anything that can be offered...
Attached Thumbnails how does gs fair after accident?-1.jpg  

Last edited by cjamie; Nov 23, 2006 at 07:19 AM. Reason: adding attachment
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Old Nov 23, 2006 | 07:29 AM
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thinking way tooo much.... if you can just take it to your local Lexus dealer.... thats what I would do especially if it wasn't your fault.
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Old Nov 23, 2006 | 07:30 AM
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I was hit recently by a Ford Explorer. The corner of it's rear bumper struck my grill and left some scratches on my bumper. This was more of a fender bender and not a true accident so I really can't answer your question about how the GS fair in a accident.
Where in MD are you from? I got my work done at a shop by the Newark DE/Elkton MD border. The repairs that I needed are identical to what you will need too. The work done looked great and I believe there's a lifetime warranty on their work.
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Old Nov 23, 2006 | 07:35 AM
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take it to the dealer.. they will make sure you get everything new (new bumper, hood, lights).. they will even handle all the paper work and might even offer you a loaner.. also, try to negotiate not paying your deductible..
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Old Nov 23, 2006 | 07:35 AM
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Sorry this happen to you! Check with your local lexus dealer they should be able to recomend a good body-shop. Good-luck to you. You will be fine. The car doesn't look that bad.
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Old Nov 23, 2006 | 07:37 AM
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Default thanks guys

I am in montgomery county

got the car from lexus of rockville; they don't have a bodyshop, and they will not be associated with an accident repair. They always send their customers to euro pro I believe is the name of the repair shop. Never used them before, another thing I have heard is that some repair shop will work with insurance to use genium recycle parts. I don't know what that means, sounded like fishing from junk yard... feels like that there is a scam somewhere...

so based on the look, should I be expecting engine, transmission damage?

Felt like flushing all the mobil1 and typeiv transmission fluid which was used to up keep the car down the toilet... :-(
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Old Nov 23, 2006 | 08:28 AM
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Originally Posted by cjamie
I am in montgomery county

got the car from lexus of rockville; they don't have a bodyshop, and they will not be associated with an accident repair. They always send their customers to euro pro I believe is the name of the repair shop. Never used them before, another thing I have heard is that some repair shop will work with insurance to use genium recycle parts. I don't know what that means, sounded like fishing from junk yard... feels like that there is a scam somewhere...

so based on the look, should I be expecting engine, transmission damage?

Felt like flushing all the mobil1 and typeiv transmission fluid which was used to up keep the car down the toilet... :-(
Jeez....lol man. You're thinking WAAY too much.
I've done some body work myself so I can give you a few pointers.

The damage on your car looks like: headlights, front bumper, front bumper impact bar, bumper upper support bar, grille, hood, and maybe a few other small things. This is a minor repair, nothing too hard. Most of the damaged parts can be simply swapped out with new pieces. For your sitiation, there is no engine or transmission damage. It's just all cosmetic.

As for what they say "GENUINE" parts. It means factory original parts from Toyota/Lexus and not some knockoff imitation parts. Where they said recycled parts means it's pulled off another car from the junkyard. Absolutely nothing wrong with that if all the parts are in good condition since they are all original parts from lexus. However, since insurance is paying try to request NEW and GENUINE parts.

Good luck on getting everything fixed back to original condition. Feel free to ask if you have any other questions.

Last edited by JeffTsai; Nov 23, 2006 at 08:32 AM.
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Old Nov 23, 2006 | 08:48 AM
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I don't think you're thinking about it too much. I'd be the same way. I'm sure your engine and trans are ok. they will prob replace the radiatore/core support in front etc.

I'd maybe find another dealer or a very reputable body shop. good luck.
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Old Nov 23, 2006 | 09:15 AM
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should I also ask them to test vacuume of ac system? compressor? since some of these parts are right behind the radiator?
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Old Nov 23, 2006 | 09:50 AM
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I hate this
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Old Nov 23, 2006 | 09:51 PM
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Originally Posted by cjamie
should I also ask them to test vacuume of ac system? compressor? since some of these parts are right behind the radiator?
Well, as far as I can see/tell by the pictures you've posted. It looks like the damage didn't reach the ac core in front. Maybe if you take some closer up pix then I can make a better judgement. BTW: the very front one is the AC core, behind that is the radiator . Here's the basic test though, start the car and run the AC. If it still blows cold then you don't have a crack/leak. If there are any dents on the core or bends in the line then you might want to get it checked out. However, from the looks of the pix, the damage did not get that far.
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Old Nov 24, 2006 | 05:27 AM
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^ I'd say there's a real good chance that ac condensor is damaged.
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Old Nov 24, 2006 | 05:54 AM
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Hard to tell from the pic the exact extent of the damage. Did you drive it home? If so, did it feel okay then? Does the A/C work as it should? The Ins. Co. will recomend a good shop, I don't think you have worry there. Nothing wrong with recycled parts, just ask if you can see them before they use them. You don't want a slightly dented hood fixed with bondo to replace your crumpled hood. Stop by the shop every few days and check on the work being done, keep an eye on things. Don't sign off on anything until you're satisfied.
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Old Nov 24, 2006 | 12:15 PM
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Your damage doesn't look too bad. But thats always the case without seeing it in person. I think NO car drives and performes the 'same' after an accident but it all depends on who repairs it. If there is no frame damage on your car the its all cosmetic, looks as if your radiator is good. But I don't know about your core support, it may be bent but thats an easy fix.

Just take it to a dealer or high quality body shop in your area.
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Old Nov 24, 2006 | 02:01 PM
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Default thx

from what I have seen, some of the supports (welded onto the body) seems to be teared (not completely off, but at least streched).

AC seems to be running ok, but I have also noticed some more vibration of the car and steering when ideling.

wife and I decided to keep the car since we were quoted only $11000 for trading in as is. that seems to be a little bit lower than what I though would be since it is a 2002 model with 30k on it. I don't know how much it would cost to repair; if it is north of 7k or 8k, then I guess I have just missed the boat. But I can't imagine the repair would be that much. Hopefully I can get rid off the shake once the car is repaired (leaky vacuume line maybe?)

since both of the head lights are damaged; if I get hid unit, would it be a drop in replacement?

thanks for all the support and help from you guys...

as far as a more detailed photo... I can't get the hood opened for now; once I am at the body shop, I'd take some to try to get help.

again, you guys are awesome!
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