Crash Repair Poll

I'm looking for some opions on getting my 08 DC Sport repaired.

As many of you may know, I've just been in a major rear end accident and the body shop that I usually use says the frame needs to be replaced.

I've used this body shop many times over the years and they've always done a good job, but I have never had to deal with level of damage/repair before. They are a "certified repair center" by all the major insurance companies and they've been in business at the same location for over 20 years.

I order to replace the frame, I'm assuming they will have to pretty much dismantle my truck, and rebuild it, so I'm concerned about a body shop having the detailed knowledge of the Toyota product line that a dealer would have to do the work right.

There's a Toyota/Lexus dealer about 20 minutes from me, they have a full service collision repair facility, and my son actually works for the same dealer at another location.

Should I have the dealer do the work just to be safe, or do you think the body shop would be ok? I'm not paying for the work, so if there's any cost difference I don't really care about that.

 

i think if the frame is bent isnt it automatically a write off?
correct me if im wrong.

and if its not i would bring it to where your son works, they might do a better job seeing as how you are a close relation to an employee. also brownie points for him cuz he is bringing in more work for them.

 

Dealer should be more expensive, but will also give you best piece of mind, quality, and warranty to the work they will be performing. I would still talk to the master tech. that will be in charge of fixing your truck though... Check and see what kind of experience he has before giving the go ahead.

Also, check the work yourself when you get the truck back. I couldn't even begin to tell you the kind of work Ive had to repair due to someone else poor workmanship..

Hope this helps, Good luck with your truck man.

 

Make it someone else's problem and buy another virgin. Been there done that.

RZ Rob

 

I would want a technician to replace the frame and the body work done by the body shop. Two different skill sets that rarely reside in the same person at high levels.

IMO

 

I have to agree. I've always heard bad things form people who replace the frame instead of totaling the vehicle. Granted that's not every time. But I just wouldn't want it done to my truck.


The sad thing is that Toyota doesn't make his truck any more. They changed everything around after the 08 model...

 

yep, i would insist that they total the truck. that truck is too new for that kind of repair, it will show on carfax and nobody will touch it.

 

my 97 SR5 had a partial front frame replaced, payed for with my ins. and i could never get it to track straight after that. found out later that i could have had it totaled, lucky for me toyota bought it back for frame rust or i would have been screwed.

 

Yes this guy is right

 

That's why I'm thinkin I want the work done by the dealer. They have both.

 

i work n the biggest bodyshop n wv nomatter if you take it to a dealer or other shop its going to take time to get it put backtogether. just work wwith the shop and they will iron the bugs out cuz lets face it taking a truck appart klike that is a big job and there is bound to b something not line up or a noise that wasnt there before.

either way there both good options but if you have delt with that shopp before youd b better off going there cuz you are a loyal customer that they will do anything to make happy

 

OK, listen up.

STEP 1 - What you do is have the insurance company take the truck to the DEALERSHIP which is the place that will give you the highest quote to get the job done. Preferrably one that is NOT affiliated with your insurance company. Tell the insurance company that pulling the engine, transmisison, etc... is something that you will LOSE YOUR FACTORY WARRANTY on if the dealership doesn't do the repair. I cannot guarantee what I just typed is 100% factual, but I've said it before and it's worked. Remember, you have a 5 year 60,000 mile power train warranty. You don't want some 'mechanic' messing things up and having the dealership void your warranty that was part of the cost of your vehicle.

STEP 2 - Get the dealership to give you an EXACT quote of every single piece that needs removed and replaced, get the new parts prices and have them total up EVERYTHING. Labor, Materials, Paint, etc... Try your darndest to get the quote SUPER HIGH!

STEP 3 - The insurance company will cut you a check for the repairs. YOU KEEP THE CHECK.

STEP 4 - (happens at the same time as step 3) You talk with the insurance agent and ask if they deal with local "junk vehicle dealers" that buy near totaled vehicles and repairs them WITHOUT having them totaled (this way there is no rebuilt sticker slapped on the door). Call the junk dealer and he'll come out for FREE and give you a price to buy and haul off your junked vehicle.

There is a good chance that you will get 90-95% of what you paid for your truck BRAND NEW between the high quote from the insurance company and what the guy will pay you for your wrecked truck.

I've been in your situation before with a $40,000 sports car that had over $20,000 in mods. I got to remove all the mods and ended up spending only $3,000 to drive the vehicle for 27 months.

Last Step - Go buy a new vehicle with no miles and a new warranty.

Reread this thread a couple of times until you understand it super well and make a call to your insurance company ASAP and get your truck to the place that's going to give you the highest repair quote. Good Luck!

 

if the shop messes anything up they replace it or the insurance company does.

 

x2 I would try this route. Worst case they say no.

 

And you should be concerned. The skill set for doing good body work and assembling mechanical and electrical stuff are vastly different. Many long years ago I worked in a VW/Porsche/Audi shop and frequently got cars after the body shop was finished with them. It was my job to get the wiring sorted as they would just plug stuff in anywhere it would fit.

I like the idea of the DIY total if you can make that work.

 

My wife had her Sienna keyed 3 years ago. According to the body shop advisor at my local Toyota dealer...in order to maintain the factory rust-through/corrosion warranty, the repair work had to be done either by an actual Toyota body shop or a body shop that was certified to perform Toyota paint-body repairs.

This that true? I don't know. But it's something to think about.

 

I appreciate the feedback everyone.

 

I went with the Toyota dealer when I had mine done. A buddy of mine made a good point; dealers don't like to bend metal. They're more likely to replace a bent quarter panel than bend and hammer it back into shape.

 

i can tell you from experience that after a frame repair/replace, there will be new noises and things wont sit the same way they do from factory. its unavoidable.

 

I realize that. That's why I want to get the work done by a dealer that is familiar with the Toyots product line. It may not elimiate the possiblility of that happening, but it's probably pretty good insurance against it.