This is my first post here, been a lurker for a long time. Long story short, on the way to work last week, i stopped at a light from 45, the "bimbo" on the cell phone txting behind me felt the need to NOT stop at all, and slam into the rear of my car at about 30mph

Needless to say, was a bit upset. Got the usual quotes from body shops and the damage repairs were quoted at a maximum of 4900 dollars, which the other persons insurance company is writing me a check for! So instead of paying a body shop 3k in labor alone, I'm going to be replacing the parts myself, as I'm mechanically inclined and can source much better than OEM parts! The fun begins.

The parts that need to be replaced per the quotes from the body shop.

1) Bumper cover
2) Left/ Right Energy Absorber
3) Impact Bar
4) Right Stay
5) Left Stay
6) Left Muffler
7) Right Muffler
8) Center Pipe
9) Right side heat shield

Total parts cost is around 2000 dollars, and another 2800 in labor. The damages are purely swapping parts and Paint. The trunk floor is slightly bowed but not in a way where it affects alignment and suspension geometry (Dealership inspected).


So what I'm thinking is an aftermarket bumper, OEM mounting gear and underpinnings required, and a nice cat back system, My G is a 2008 G35x, so I'm not quite sure at this stage what kits are compatible, and also which bumpers are best, its going to take some research! Any advice and tips would be greatly appreciated, I've read FAQ's and guides non stop the past week.

Here's some pictures of the damage.

 

I'd be skeptical of what the dealership said; that damage to the trunk floor indicates a significant structural impact occurred. I wouldn't be surprised if there was also damage done to the drivetrain (i.e. diff, tranny, driveshaft, inc. all the mounts and bushings) and the exhaust. Of course none of this would likely be discovered for some time yet, and if you take the insurance check as a settlement, then they're likely off the hook at that point.

One major advantage of having the repairs done properly is that they can keep the bill to the insurance company open, allowing more to be added upon later discovery during the repair and road testing process.

I guess I'm saying- don't be lured by what appears to be a big check from the insurance company. If you handle it right, you'll have a nice car again. If you skip out on the real damage underneath, you may be in for more problems down the road.

Based on your description and the pics, my guess is that what you've got there is NOT just cosmetic. You can put all the lipstick on a pig that you want, but you'll still have a pig.

.02

 

Dude I think there is more going on here then just a bumper replacement. Looks like she hit you straight on meaning all that force got transferred right into the drive terrain and engine. That first image alone would have alarm bells ringing for me big time, takes a good amount of force to do that. If she had glanced off one side it might not have been so bad. Hard to say from pictures but IMO take it to the shop. Like vqsmile said, there could be many things hidden that would be costly out of pocket.

 

Thanks for the advice guys, I took the car around to a few body shops today and I'm just going to have them repair the damage properly and leave the claim between the insurance company and the body shop. I thought it might be a good opportunity to spruce the car up upgrade wise, but yall are completely right!

Thanks again

 

Wise choice. I took the cash in pocket bait with an old beater i had. I fixed it myself with a junkyard door but the whole pillar was pushed in and the rocker panel dented, so I couldn't open that door. I got more insurance money than the car was worth but in the end I regretted not getting it fixed right. Oh well, it's long gone now but I sure do miss my beater Ford Focus station wagon with a 5-speed.

 

I agree with the above posters,

Until the car is in a condition where you can do some road testing it would be hard to know how the other parts were affected.

GoodLuck and keep us posted!