wongste

This is a cross post from the general car forum. I am looking for recommendations for a good auto body repair shop. I am also considering the Lexus dealership. My original post below:

My 07 Lexus GS350 was in a collision. Is it better to take it to the dealership or an auto body repair shop? I've never dealt with a body shop in this area (Northern NJ) so I don't really know who has a good reputation.

I got estimates from both and they are nearly identical. Other party's insurance company will be paying so no deductible. The damage is to the front left fender, light assembly, front bumper, and work needs to be done on the front driver door and hood. Estimate is around 3k.

I am concerned about quality of work - fit and finish and precise color matching. My car is a glacier frost mica, which I believe is a three step process.

Your help is greatly appreciated.

GSoup

If the other party is paying, just let Lexus do it.

UncleRay

iTrader: (2)

I agree with GSoup entirely! If a third party body shop does a crappy job, you'll have to go back and forth a lot to ensure your car is being handled properly.

Mr.Euro

ask 100plus. his IS was in a pretty nasty collision and he had his dealer repair it for him. took quite a while but came out pretty nice.

excluesive

iTrader: (10)

but lexus doesnt always do the best job either, they usually just sub it out to another local body shop... just some food for thought.

Juangado

I agree. when i wrecked my IS the first time i wanted to take it to the dealer. When i get there, they explained to me that they send out there collision work. Theres pros and cons to Dealerships and Private body shops. Personally i would still take it to the dealership and see what they can do for you.

Batmobile

iTrader: (2)

i would take it to the lexus dealership. even if it is sent out to a private shop to have done at least when it comes back and you see anything wrong with it you could complain. won't have to worry about color matching much cuz they'll do it for you right. why complain to a shop that has already done the work taken your money etc etc.. which for the most part leads to excuses and headaches from them... when you could go to the dealer... say hey... this is messed up... and the people at lexus will side with you cuz they don't know what the hell's going on for the most part... then they'll send it off to have fixed, whatever it is. and if that doesn't work out... you always have corporate to back you.

DASHOCKER

iTrader: (2)

I posted a reply to your concern here https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=331779

Get the work done at Rallye Auto Body.