Toyota question

Ok, my girl has an 08 Highlander. The rear bumber and the taillight needs to be replaced.
Is there an advantage of going to the dealer for the repair as opposed to having am independant shop do it?
Also, is there anything I should be aware of or look out for?

I know this is a Tacoma site, but there is a lot of knowledgeable people here, so I thought I'd ask

 

You may have better luck posting in the Toyota Trucks and SUVs section of the forum.

Tail light replacement is plug-n-play, very little skill required.

As for the bumper, most reputable good indie shops have adequate paint-matching equipment, so the paint should be as good as the dealer's. The indie shop is more likely to leave a few screws or clips missing.

If there is damage to the unibody (quarter panel) or liftgate, go to the dealer.

If you choose to take it to the dealer, make sure the dealer's body shop is on-site. Some dealers send it out to a third party, in which case you should move on.

 

Search your local junkyards, craigslist & ebay.
Search the internet
But as a last resort, call the dealer.

If you have an indepedant shop do it, it'll cost a lot more.

If you don't do the work yourself....then you need to contact your local shop and ask them if YOU can supply the parts for them to do just the install. Some shops won't allow that..... It'll be cheaper to find the parts on your own.