hi guys, after hitting a curb on my offside front tyre, i’ve taken it to a repair shop and they have quoted the repair at £4800, i don’t see how this could be right, i’ll attach photos of the car aswell as the quote. i can see he’s trying to charge for new headlights, even tho the brackets are just snapped and could easily be glued back together. a new bumper even though the bumper is in perfect condition it’s just the bottom part that has fallen off which could easily be glued on. i’m thinking of taking the car elsewhere and with this part list supplying some of the parts myself as i have a good friend that works at euro car parts. can anyone advise me ? thanks

Sounds like they’ve just quoted to repair it properly rather than bodging it. 

I would suspect that the garage is very busy and they don't want the job, but if they have to do it then they are going to make a good few pounds. Is this, or was this going through your insurance ?

I'm sure there are plenty of decent independent garages who will do the work for around £2000. 

I did say it wouldn't be economical to take to a garage.  They have to warranty their work for 12 months so will generally be unwilling to do bodge jobs.

They're also quoting for a new subframe and steering rack which probably don't need replacement...and even if they did, used parts are available much more cheaply.  Headlight tabs can't really be effectively glued back on, but used light clusters are available cheaply.  They're also quoting for a new tyre, rather than buying a used wheel with tyre fitted.  And as you've already said, they're quoting body & paintwork which would be 'nice' but certainly isn't a necessity.

There are much cheaper ways to get that car back on the road.

As above there are two outcomes that you have to choose between:

a) putting new parts on to take the car back to 'as-new' with anything that is possibly damaged included

b) only fitting mechanical parts that are actually damaged, plus repairing the plastic body panels, and no repainting.

So who's paying for the work, and how much NCB do you want to lose, regardless of 'fault' if you make a claim your premium will rise next time.

Only you can choose a) or b) depending on your circumstances.

One key question to find the answer to is 'is the sub-frame actually damaged?'  I would take it somewhere you trust, get it up on the ramps, and find out, as this is critical to safety and everything else attaches to it.

If the garage-quoting you above already have your car at their premises, as it is undriveable, I could imagine someone would allege they were ripping you off.

 

...but 2nd hand wheel for 160 GBP is pure comedy, so I'd find someone else to do the work regardless.

19 hours ago, orangecurry said:

but 2nd hand wheel for 160 GBP is pure comedy, so I'd find someone else to do the work regardless.

They're going to be the support act for Ross Noble on his next tour.

*Other comedians are available.*

Going somewhere that's primary focus is restoration and modification isn't usually the best idea, if you want a cheap job done.  https://scvrestoration.co.uk/

21 hours ago, TomsFocus said:

Headlight tabs can't really be effectively glued back on, but used light clusters are available cheaply. 

There also seem to be repair kits available on Ebay.

 

 

 

I have used one for my Mk8 headlight tab and can confirm they work a treat, and quick to fit and Install, cheap to buy also. I'm sure you can send them a msg to see if they can point you in the right direction for your car.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/124730519664

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKzicwFWeb0