Someone hit my parked MINI and ran away.. The driver's side door is scratched a lot, and the part above the right-front tire (blue circle) is dented a bit. I wonder how much it will cost.. Will it be better to take it to a dealership or a body shop? I would appreciate any advice. Thank you.

 

Sorry to hear of your misfortune.

Just because a dealership might have a body shop doesn't mean they're the preferred place to have repairs made. The advice I give is; if you have any high end dealerships (Ferrari, Rolls Royce, etc.) in your area there's a good chance they don't have a body shop because of the small volume of sales they have. However, they still have occasional need to have body work done. Ask them who they use as they will know the best shop in the area. Don't be surprised if it's some little shop off the back of an alley somewhere. The work performed depends solely on the individual doing the job and not how fancy the shop is.

 

Well said...

 

Sorry about the damage!! My car was also just hit in a parking lot. They scraped my wheel, wheel arch, and the corner of the back bumper. I reported it to my insurance company and they gave me the name of 3 repair shops to get an estimate at. I could choose any shop to get it repaired at, but these shops that are close to me are ones that if I use they guarantee the work for the life of the car. Check with your insurance company first.

 

blueapple- From the looks of it most of that is paint transfer & will likely buff out. The dent can be removed by a PDR guy. PDR = Painteless dent repair. If you are not comfortable buffing it yourself find an auto detailer, they can most likely get all or most of that out. The paint shop is your last resort, use them if the detailer can't get it fixed to your satisfaction.

Good luck

 

sorry about that damage, My only advice is... DON'T take it to the dealer 95% of them do not have their own body shop, they do however have regular body shops that will do the work for them, unless you have a one of kind car with unique body structure/material, your damage doesn't require a specialty shop but a reputable body shop is a must. the dealer needs to make a profit therefore will overcharge on top of the body shop fee. that's my experience, ask you insurance company and compare shops. Good luck

 

Wag, (wild *** guess) $2500

No way per can fix that.

 

Mine was hit by a gal that had insurance and it was not as bad. My damage was on the front left fender and wheel arch. It came to $3,200 and they repainted the front hood as well.

 

+1

That is why I carry Door Shox with me. Yes, they will help prevent dings and yes I have heard the arguement that if a big truck parks next to you nothing will help.

I take precaution where I park but no one not even me is completely protected. I also keep the Blackvue Dash Cam running in park mode so if my car is hit I have the video and the plates of who did it.

This maybe fine and well intentioned but in the end I might have to rely on good old insurance. I wish there was a cure for stupidity. But I have not been able to find it yet.

Remember that old movie with George Burns playing God? I think that was the one where he parked his car and used those orange pylons? Cones? I need to get me some of those to put around my car when I park. Problem is that it would draw too much attention.

I hate to see a dented Mini. Very sorry. But I feel compelled to do as much as I can to protect mine and I feel I have accomplished that with a few added options.

 

Would be a good time to get any other stuff painted to match while they're painting. Interior bits and pieces maybe. Down tubes, gauge rings, ash tray/cup holder rings, etc are possible ideas..