Tire shop damaged my car! Advice?

[Professor Speed]

Had a nail in my left rear tire this morning, so I took the 4BW to a nearby shop to get it plugged. When I picked it up later, I found damage on the foot pillar under the door. Pretty weird spot, maybe a tool slipped?

The manager was apologetic, took photos, and told me to get a body shop quote so they can file an insurance claim. I’d rather avoid insurance to keep it off CarFax and avoid any possible impact on value or rates—ideally, they’d just pay out-of-pocket, but highly doubt it...

Could also DIY: clean, wetsand, touch-up paint, and trim the slightly damaged PPF.

What would you do? Any tips for a clean DIY fix if I go that route?

 

[rdollie]

Maybe find a pro who can do it on the side? Either way, definitely keep something that minor off the history report even if it means doing it yourself.

 

[Bald Guy]

Maybe talk to them further and let them know your dilemma that you don't want it to be reported to Carfax - because I would be the same way.

Try to see whatever you can negotiate and get as far as the reimbursement and then I agree that you should probably look into hiring someone professional on the side to help you touch that up or make it look better at the very least without being too intrusive on the body and paint work.

Sorry to see this happen but I'm sure it could be worse and glad it's more minor.

Good luck, and please keep us posted.

 

[Sergio]

Man that sucks. Seems like that happens because the car has some weird jack points that aren’t easy to find and use safely.

 

[Dadillac]

Any damage from underneath?

 

[jbawden]

I would definitely dig around a little more, especially from under the car and the door bottom. Do those come painted from GM? I think I would rather get an OEM replacement if it shipped painted.

I always bring flat repairs in loose (off the car). Saves me from needing a ride or wasting time in the lobby, but also from shop damage.

 

[Professor Speed]

Gave the car a thorough inspection—no damage underneath or under the door (thankfully).

Body shop near by quoted $2k, but offered free touch-up. I’ll get a few more quotes, out of curiosity.

I’m also waiting to hear from Bridgestone to find out if going through their claim process will put this on CarFax. Would also need a body shop willing not to report it...

@jbawden - at that price maybe an OEM replacement makes sense. Anyone knows the part number?

 

[FLYARMY]

How in the hell did that happen ? !!

 

[Professor Speed]

@FLYARMY no clue...

Update: Bridgestone says they don’t report to CarFax. Second shop I visited today quoted $750 (vs. $2k from first). The guy told he won't report it to CarFax, but can’t guarantee their quoting/receipt system won’t sell the data. He can try leaving the VIN off, which should help.

Now deciding between:

1. Remove factory paint & respray.
2. Try the first shop’s free touch-up, and only go full repair if it looks bad.

Now that the frustration has cooled off, the damage is minor. I think a pro touching it up should make it less obvious than me doing it. Looks like will go #2 and call it the day.

 

[FLYARMY]

A touch up is NOT going to look good. That is down to the black plastic and needs to be sanded and spot painted. I thought that $2k sounded a bit much. Its an easy color and should only take a day at a reputable shop. Don't go cheap. The poor man pays twice.

 

[BW56M]

This is not structural damage. You're reading to much into it. A simple, albeit an expensive repair for what it is, will not de-value your car. Get it professionally repaired and quit worrying about a possible ding on it's resale value. My

 

[CBH]

I think you made the right choice.

Keep us posted on the fix.

 

[Professor Speed]

Thanks for all the input, everyone. Still ironing things out with the body shop and Bridgestone claims. I’ll share an update once everything’s finalized and the repair is done.

@BW56M certainly overthinking and overanalyzing this... unfortunately I am an academic so can't help it