So I got rear ended today. I am researching places for repair. Maaco seems like the best option but I have heard horror stories about them. The damage report: full bumper needing to be replaced, dent in the hatch, and a trailer hitch that is bent and needing to be replaced as well. Luckily the hitch took the brunt of the storm and I think managed to save the hatch. Any suggestions for places to go? I need suggestions because I need to submit quotes to the driver who rear ended me.

 

make sure where the hitch is mounted to isnt all twisted up. there could be some structural damage if it is.

 

All I have to say is there is a God and he does answer my prayers...

Glad your alright kid... but really... Maaco? you are an idiot... if you got rear ended take it to a toyota certified body shop, since its not your dime for the repairs

 

Yeah but when it's my best friend who rear ended me (yes he is a dumbass), I gotta cut him break. There is no way imma be going high dollar on this repair (especially knowing his financial misfortunes currently). Its not a terrible amount of damage so I dont wanna go spend a fortune. Dont worry, I found an independent reputable body shop locally. Bringing it in for a quote tomorrow. Ill keep this thread updated with what I find.

 

He got insurance? It should pay. In California ? Police report made ? If the damage looked to be over $500 bucks it is already on your/his records.And don't forget to tell DMV yourself , they can and will pull your license if you don't ( you only got a couple days )

Take it to a real shop ( Toyota Certified) or your gonna be sorry.

 

My Toyota shop must be terrible then. They didn't even match the paint right.

 

yes he has insurance but his rates will skyrocket if we report it to them. in cali yes, no police report needed: damage was so minimal that we pulled over for two minutes only to assess it. I will contact the DMV once I find out how much this quote will be tomorrow. I have 10 days so we be good. And no injuries at all.

 

Just try a few good reputation shops around you, and let them know its not insurance its your friend, sometimes they can cut you a break. Definitely do not go to Maaco though!

 

Maaco will ruin your box. Not even looking at the damage I can tell you it's gonna be 1000+ to fix probably closer to 2000 depending if they can repair the bumper or have to replace it.

Going thru insurance is your best bet, I don't care if it's my best friend or family, that's what insurance is there for.

 

Your friend should have been paying attention

 

If we are gonna start guessing lets see
Bumper replaced( including 25 mph foam, steel beam,paint match)
Hatch ( repair, paint match)
Trailer hitch ( replace )
Frame( where trailer hitch was attached straightened)possibley not repairable
Alighment of rear axel ( cause it it probably messed up)
Not being happy with the repair job/paint match ( headache)

HMMMMM..... $3500 at least Time for you to go to the insurance company and teach your friend you don't like it in the rear.Bite the bullet and do it right.

 

Got a quote from a very reputable local body shop for $2000. We are probably going to go through insurance. Thanks for all your advice. Maaco is def a NO GO for me!

 

haha, for sure... funny thing is: he rear ended a cop about two months ago. AND HE GOT OFF WITH A WARNING! both incidents were when he was at a stop light and unable to brake when the cars didnt go for a green light. quite lolable

 

As far as people callin' others idiots for using a local Maaco....they're the one's with questionable intellect. A local Maaco back in Minneapolis has two body techs with 25+ years experience each, and the shop manager is the local tech college instructor.

Here in Sacramento, there's a Maaco who is responsible for painting many local show cars. They will basically cater to however you want the job done. I have had many parts and one car done there...great results.

Local Toyota dealership had some work done there too.....had to return 6 times to get things fixed correctly. Don't assume that what's happening by your house is the rule for the world. Just my 2c

 

^^ a couple friends of mine got their cars painted at a Maaco and within a year the clear was flaking in several spots, there were more runs than we could count, even runs that defied gravity.

I bet there are some great painters that work at maaco, show quality painters that will do excellent work. But there are also shotty workers at maaco. It's a roll of dice anywhere you go, I just prefer not to see my car in a maaco bay.