'13 GX got hit by a car making a sharp right turn into our lane. Looks like no panel damage but front bumper cover, grill, drivers light, impact bar and absorber will need to be replaced. Insurance just gave me estimate and I will bring to shop today. Should I sweat use of LKQ parts for any of those parts if that is all insurance will cover - or for these components it is not a biggie and LKQ is fine. I want to make sure I don't die on the wrong hill and sweat stuff that doesn't matter.

 

If that is what you signed up for and you dont want to pay for it yourself then yeah I guess you have no choice.

Ive noticed policies these days typically give one the option to "use whatever parts" or pay higher premiums for OEM replacement tier parts.

You used to be able to demand they do, but I think those days are over.

A good shop can probably make an aftermarket part work nicely, and there are tons of folks on here doing the same with all the facelift parts.
If the shop doesnt give you confidence before they start, find a new one. Ask em if they can make the LKQ stuff work or not.

 

Yeah - I can always just pay the difference. I just wasn't sure if there were certain things that one really should care about ensuring is OEM vs other items where LKQ will be indistinguishable based on the hives past experiences so I know if I want to argue with insurance and/or just pay the difference.

 

Do you have the fancy headlights? I think some have HID adaptive ones and those are a big thing id probably be insistent on being OEM.

Electrical in general. I might say the same about any of the front sensors if so equipped.

 

Nah, I got the crappy candle light beams - it is the worst part about my GX.

 

FWIW - I got the GX back today. Autobody shop went to bat and was able to replace the drivers light figures (Headlamp and fog) with new OEM as well as new OEM bumper cover and grill. Insane how expensive autobody work is. No panel or door damage, just drivers light fixtures and mostly plastic (bumper cover and grill) plus foam absorber and it metal brackets/brace - over Five Grand! Insane. I'm just out 1k of it, but crazy how much - getting close to cost of a transmission for plastic and lamps (of course paint isn't cheap, but really it was just the bumper cover that needed paint). Gotta say the GX does look really good now!

 

Glad you got it sorted! Its nice when you find a competent shop!