Take a look:

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j30/orielonline/SNC00013.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j30/orielonline/SNC00012.jpg


I'm contemplating whether to get a shop to repair it or buy a new one and have that installed instead. I got a quote from a friend: his partner's body shop would usually charge $600, but I could get it at $400. That's with doing a proper job and not some half-assed attempt.

If I purchase a one through eBay, I don't think I will have to pay labor to install it.

What do you think?

replace. bumper covers arent really that expensive

TRDsparks (Sparks Toyota-Scion) sells the rear bumper cover for $177 (MSRP is $230), but I don't know how much it would cost for shipping, or to have it painted.

Use the key words "bumper cover"
http://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/index.cfm?action=getJointLocator&siteid=214631

just ask your local body shop. if they can repair it, how much, if not, how much to replace it.

you can't order body panels from trd sparks, they have to ship via freight, which is so expensive, you're better off just getting it from a dealership or body shop.

you can't order body panels from trd sparks, they have to ship via freight, which is so expensive, you're better off just getting it from a dealership or body shop.
Yea, I was afraid the cross country freight charges would more than eat up the $53 savings off list price.

rock auto
or
certifit

i got my bumper from a local certifit for 45$ fitment was better than stock.

fix it. That's so easy! Not 400$

To be honest, jack the car up on a lift if you can, and push that out with your hand. I backed into a pole and had the same dent in a similar spot, and got right under and pushed it out. brand new.
As far as the scrapes and displacement from the quarter panel, that should end up costing less, IF in fact, my theory works for you as it did so well for me.

use a heat gun soften it up then push it out. That's how they're going to do it in the shop.

I had a dent that size in an old Hyundai elantra I use to own.

Took the bumper off took a blow dryer to it and tapped it out gently with a rubber Malot.

I mean your already contemplating replacing it so give that a go and worst case scenario is you replace it anyways.

Sent from my Nexus One using Tapatalk

I'll try that. Thanks for the feedback.

Id suggest replacing it. Ive been in the Collision industry for over 20 years as a painter. These rates are based on Sacramento's average rates
[2 scenarios]
Fixing:
R&I bumper 2.0 hrs
Repair 4.0 hrs
Refinish 3.0 hrs
Clear Coat 1.2 hrs
Paint material $90 (3hrs x $30 hr for paint material)

labor total 9hrs x $70 hr = $714+ $90(paint material) $804

This could go up to as much as a $1000+ with other charges and fees depending on what the shops charge in your area. Another draw back is you now have a repaired bumper with a major repair, that has a good chance of failure in the next 5 years.

Replace:
New bumper $200
Remove and replace bumper your self: free (these are really easy to take off one screw in each corner in the wheel house, 5 push clips across the under side, and 2 torx in the rear tailight area)
Refinish 3.0 hrs
Clear Coat 1.2 hrs
Paint material $90 (3hrs x $30 hr for paint material)

Labor 4.2hrs x $70hr = $294 + $90 = $384 + Part $200 = $584

Bumper maybe cheaper
And you have a new unrepaired bumper

Replace it with a 2011 cover along with 2011 tails. :D

^2011 rear bumper reflectors= :vomit:

use a heat gun soften it up then push it out. That's how they're going to do it in the shop.

That. Heat it up enough and you should be fine!