I have a 2009 G37 sedan with the damage shown in the attached picture. I was coming out of a parking deck during the ice-storm in Atlanta and slid into a safety post at almost 0-MPH. Nonetheless, it damaged the drive side above the tire as shown. The bumper is scraped but nothing serious.

Any ideas on how this would be fixed short of replacing the panel? Ideas on cost? Any suggestions for somewhere in Atlanta?

I'm actually planning on selling the car soon. It is in otherwise immaculate condition.

Thanks

 

That's more of a crease than a dent. Not a body shop expert here but I don't see that being fixed without being completely removed. At that point, replacement is probably more economical and will be a longer lasting better looking fix than repair.

Brian

 

Take it fo a body shop and get an estimate. You know they'll give you an estimate for free, right?

 

My guess would be anywhere from 1200 to 2000. You won't need to replace the panel, just need some body shop magic.

 

worst case you can buy a new bumper off ebay

 

It would be cheaper/faster to get another fender, paint it if necessary, and touch up the front bumper. Because its a heavy crease in that fender it requires a bit of work, and will have a layer of body filler over it, which is never really good...

Best case scenario is to find a used fender already in your color with good paint, and swap it out yourself.

 

Not cheaper and easier to replace a panel here. If you do that you have to blend into the door panel. Not sure if you're going through insurance, but if so, they will never pay to have it replaced. As stated above, that is a $1500 to $2000 job to repair and paint the fender and bumper.

 

I'm not seeing $1500 to $2000 worth of depreciation here, so investing that amount would be a poor investment in a 5 year old car. If anything I'd have a airbrush savvy detail guy touch up the bumper the best he can ($100?), leaving the fender situation upto the next owner or the dealer your trading to.

Gone are the days where a LeBra would wrap right around that corner...

 

Take your car to a few local body shops. You can go get an estimate for your insurance claim at their specific shop BUT do not have it fixed there.
That fender will just take a little hands on work but any body/paint shop should be able to handle it.
This should not cost you more than $500 if you stick to local shops, if you decide on a insurance appointed shop this will cost more.
Take the insurance check and have it fixed anywhere else you like.
This way it will be a win win for you, fixed car and some money left for your wallet.

good luck