I had a bad fender bender , what is recommended dealer or body shop?

[MakinDoForNow]

If I had a choice, I would have the dealer repair my truck. That way I know it was done with all original ford parts, not aftermarket cheaper parts.

All ford parts help with coverage of extended warranty future claims.

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[Suzukiridr14]

I managed a Ford dealership collision center for seven years. I have managed multiple shops over my 45 year career. Here are some words of advice:

1- You definitely need to locate a good Ford dealership Body Shop. The reason I make this recommendation is due to a lot of the independent shops will have to sub out some of the work to put your vehicle back to factory condition. Once you start unplugging wiring connectors, Those modules will need to be programmed. An independent Body Shop will have to use an outside source to program these modules. It's pretty obvious the Body Shop will get the work done but they will mark the invoice up at least 25%.

2- A Ford Body Shop will have access to FMC which is the database showing the standard procedures that need to be done to put your vehicle back to factory specifications. Some of these things will include the proper corrosion protection for each panel since some panels are steel and some panels may be aluminum. The independent shop will just use any type of primer for both of these panels. Ford has access to put the exact product that the factory applied.

3- Some independent shops will install aftermarket parts if they are available for your vehicle. Ford Body Shop on the other hand regardless of whether you are paying cash or using your insurance, They will install factory OEM ford parts. Some Ford body shops do not do this so make sure you ask that question. Will you use OEM parts?

4- The most important thing is do your research before obligating yourself any shop. Don't just go off of the Google reviews. A lot of shops pay people to leave good reviews. Take a tour of the shop and asked to see some finished products. I know this sounds a little strange but if the shop isn't willing to show you some of their finished work, That's not a good sign.

5- Make sure you get a written warranty once the repairs are completed. If a shop is not willing to give you a printed copy of the warranty, You might want to avoid that shop.

6- I do not recommend you take your car to any larger Mso's. These shops have lots of work because they have contracts with the major insurance companies. Just because they are very busy doesn't mean they do great work. Most of these large Mso's are more concerned about making money than having satisfied customers. If you decide to go to a large MSO, make sure you do your research. There are some good large corporations or chain body shops that do good work. Just make sure you do the same research as you would do if you were dropping it off at a Ford Body Shop. Also before you drop off you might want to ask if the parts are readily available. You don't want your vehicle to be dropped off at a shop and disassembled only to find out some of the parts are on back order. This could end up costing you additional hundreds of dollars if you have to rent a vehicle while your car is in the shop for repairs.

I could go on and on but these are some of the major things that you need to be concerned about. Your vehicle is a large investment you will make so be careful and do your homework. Even if it takes you several hours to come to a decision, it will be worth it in the end.

Excellent advice, that's why we have this forum. To help other Maverick owners get answers from people in all industries with knowledge about everything!

 

[MaverickDragon]

Excellent advice, that's why we have this forum. To help other Maverick owners get answers from people in all industries with knowledge about everything!

Hmm, I thought the primary forum purpose was to provide an outlet for grumpy posters to vent so they don't "go postal", bit I'll concede your point.....

 

[mspmms]

Hmm, I thought the primary forum purpose was to provide an outlet for grumpy posters to vent so they don't "go postal", bit I'll concede your point.....

Meme => link

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

Otuk,
Any updates on how the repair is going?

 

[Mudduck]

Stupid, no. All it takes is a moment's inattention.
I doubt there are many people on the forum that can honestly claim they never hit a stationary object.

As was said, accidents happen. No sense beating yourself up.
If this is the worst that happens, you will have lived a charmed life.
Promise your truck you'll look out for it better in the future.
Good luck with the repair.
Let us know how it goes. Your experience may help somebody else.

I jumped in my Forester a couple years ago, put it in reverse and backed up..... I opened the garage door with my bumper. Shit happens.

 

[SafetyGuy]

My scrape, we had an ice storm approaching, when we were posted to Shearwater NS.

I was backing my 1988 F100 step side into the wee garage our PMQ had, and "found" the metal garage door support arm...scrsped all down the side of the box...

As many have stated, it is distressing, but it happens.

I am still very, very careful when I back up, especially into our garage...though it is huge compared to that little one, back in 1998.

Andy

 

[MakinDoForNow]

My scrape, we had an ice storm approaching, when we were posted to Shearwater NS.

I was backing my 1988 F100 step side into the wee garage our PMQ had, and "found" the metal garage door support arm...scrsped all down the side of the box...

As many have stated, it is distressing, but it happens.

I am still very, very careful when I back up, especially into our garage...though it is huge compared to that little one, back in 1998.

Andy

I back one of mine into the garage all the time so I can open drivers door to get out. The external mirror has "things may be closer than they appear" has to be taken seriously. I have to parallel park in order to get mirror past opening edge of door frame winding up with fender even with the door edge and rear passenger fender 2-2.5" from edge of freezer for about 15" length. Tricky to think of position of front fender while watching clearance of rear fender and freezer in the rear view mirror.........

 

[Fcnrwy]

My scrape, we had an ice storm approaching, when we were posted to Shearwater NS.

I was backing my 1988 F100 step side into the wee garage our PMQ had, and "found" the metal garage door support arm...scrsped all down the side of the box...

As many have stated, it is distressing, but it happens.

I am still very, very careful when I back up, especially into our garage...though it is huge compared to that little one, back in 1998.

Andy

THIS is how I Exit my garage... (I need to back into the alley) Every Time...



Jerry

 

[mspmms]

THIS is how I Exit my garage... (I need to back into the alley) Every Time...



Jerry

 

[Cancunbadlands]

Ouch
Better call saul
I mean insurance
That's gonna be expensive
15-18k

 

[Otuk]

Otuk,
Any updates on how the repair is going?

It is time to give an update on what happened

I had left the truck with the body shop that my mechanic had recommended me to. They submitted the estimate to my insurance at $6800 , the insurance guy also saw the car and agreed on the total. The car is still in the shop it is being repaire now as parts just arrived. . Now I would like to also tell everyone before I made a decision, I received quotes from other bodyshops near me, their estimates ranged from $10k to $14k. ... I know either way I am using insurance why don't go to the highest quoting body shop? the question is back to why do that? I went to the recommended shop and hope I see good results ....

 

[Cancunbadlands]

It is time to give an update on what happened

I had left the truck with the body shop that my mechanic had recommended me to. They submitted the estimate to my insurance at $6800 , the insurance guy also saw the car and agreed on the total. The car is still in the shop it is being repaire now as parts just arrived. . Now I would like to also tell everyone before I made a decision, I received quotes from other bodyshops near me, their estimates ranged from $10k to $14k. ... I know either way I am using insurance why don't go to the highest quoting body shop? the question is back to why do that? I went to the recommended shop and hope I see good results ....

I hope you see good results... as well

 

[Fcnrwy]

It is time to give an update on what happened

I had left the truck with the body shop that my mechanic had recommended me to. They submitted the estimate to my insurance at $6800 , the insurance guy also saw the car and agreed on the total. The car is still in the shop it is being repaire now as parts just arrived. . Now I would like to also tell everyone before I made a decision, I received quotes from other bodyshops near me, their estimates ranged from $10k to $14k. ... I know either way I am using insurance why don't go to the highest quoting body shop? the question is back to why do that? I went to the recommended shop and hope I see good results ....

The Most Expensive shop, doesn't always guarantee the best work..
I am Glad that your pup, is being taken care of...

Jerry

 

[Fcnrwy]

THIS is how I Exit my garage... (I need to back into the alley) Every Time...


Jerry

A 2019+ Ranger, would NEVER FIT...

Jerry

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