How to Choose an Auto Body Shop
As a large majority of the general public drives an automobile, it is important to have certain resources on hand which relate to the car. Things such as insurance companies, auto dealers and automotive parts stores are all important businesses to have close by should an individual need their assistance. However, perhaps the most important business contact an individual should have is an auto body shop. As a good auto body shop is important for your car repairs and pocketbook there are a few ways an individual should go about selecting the best auto body shop in their area.
Consider Recommendations
Since many individuals use auto body shops, it is highly likely that one will know someone else who has also used a Local Auto Body Shop. As a result, asking for recommendations from friends and family members is a great way to select the perfect auto body shop. There are a few different reasons why considering recommendations is a good step to take prior to settling on a particular body shop. First, friends and family members will be able to state whether they have had a favorable experience with a particular auto body shop or not. Not only will they be able to comment on the overall cost of services but how the staff handled their automobile situation as well. This is a great point of reference when you are trying to find a shop that does good body work while charging a fair price.
Another reason to consider asking for recommendations from friends and family members with regard to choosing an auto body shop is to make sure that the company you are considering dealing with will treat the customer in an honest and fair manner. As any individual who has to put their car in the shop wants it to go as smoothly as possible, asking for recommendations with regard to auto body shops will help because you will be able to find a good shop with reasonable prices.
Have an Auto Body Shop Picked Out Before it is Necessary to Use One
Because an inoperative car, due to an accident or otherwise, is already a stressful situation, one does not want to face any additional stress by having to find an auto body shop to fix their car at the last minute. For this reason, it is a good idea to have an auto body shop picked out before one even needs the assistance of one. This is also beneficial as the individual can check out the shop beforehand and ask questions of the staff, such as do they offer towing to their facility, for example, and receive answers to other important questions.
Warranties
Another factor to consider when wondering how to choose an auto body shop is whether or not the auto body shop offers warranty on any of its parts or services. Since warranties are frequently offered in auto body shops, if one shop doesn't offer many warranties or any warranties at all, then that prospective customer may very well wish to keep looking for an auto body shop that does offer warranties on its parts and/or services. When a shop offers warranties it makes the customer feel as if the shop is confident in their work and will do a good job.
Payment Accepted
Another factor which may be a determining one when choosing an auto body shop is what types of payment the shop accepts for auto body repair. If the auto body shop only accepts cash and checks in limited instances which must be paid up front, then perhaps considering another auto body shop which accepts many different forms of payment, such as a variety of credit cards, may be the best bet. In addition, auto body shops may sometimes offer installment plans which can work out well for those who are on a strict budget yet need to have their automobile repaired as soon as possible.
Choosing the right auto body shop is a very important decision to make. By considering the previously mentioned tips when choosing an auto body shop, it may just help the individual choose the best possible one.
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Is there really a big difference between Earl Scheib/Maaco and other auto body shops for car repainting?
I got an estimate from a local auto body shop that I've used in the past for repairs. For repainting parts of my car where the paint is entirely faded off, it looks to be very expensive--like $2000. They said I might want to go to Earl Scheib or Maaco, who will do it for $500 or $600, since I'm paying out of pocket. But I've seen answers on here where they say those shops will do a lousy job. What's the real difference in quality between these big-name companies like Earl Scheib and the more expensive auto body shops? From what I can tell, it's just that the local shops do a two-step painting and take all the emblems off before painting, where the Earl Scheib-type companies do a one-step process and don't take the emblems off. Any thoughts?
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Will AutoBody Shops Let You Use Your Own Paint?
Im trying to have my car painted like jet black.. i am thinking of buying the color myself at the local auto body shop here.. and also doiung the prep work myself..
But i want the shop to spray my car. Would they do it?
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how much does a small deep car scratch repair cost on auto body shops?
i just saw this small yet quite deep scratch at the side of my car today. i am weighing different options on how to deal with it. but given that i am not that 'handy man' guy that can fix this kind of problem, how much would it cost me to have it fixed in a local auto body shop? the scratch is about 1/4 inch, but it's semi deep. please, i need advice on this. thanks.
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Where can i take my car to get parts installed?
I dont know a thing about installing car parts, so where can i take the car to get fixed up after i get the parts. Should i go to places like autozone or pep boys. Or just local auto body shops? BTW im talkin about basic car parts and performance parts like air filters, spark plugs, or things like cold air intakes.
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The auto body shop did a bad job. Can I refuse to pay deductible?
I recently had my truck's tailgate replaced by a local auto body shop. The did a bad job and released the truck to me with one part still on order (they ordered a part for the wrong model year). Without going into the many ways the shop made mistakes on the job, I'm wondering if I'm still obligated to pay the deductible? I'd even be willing to not go back for the last part if I don't have to pay the deductible.
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2004 Hyundai Elantra Automatic Sedan; Should I Buy It?
The Local Auto Body shop just picked up a 2004 Elantra Auto 4dr, with 54K miles at auction. It was a Bank Repo. They want $5K for it, and it needs some minor body work, which am going to *TRY* and get them to throw in for a bit more/free. I assume it was in a minor accident, have not gotten history report yet.
Also needs 2 tires, which my mechanic/tire guy says will be 100 bucks. NBD.
Every Edmunds/Consumer Reports/ Etc review i have read is for the Manual 5 Dr Hatchback. Can't find much on the Auto Sedan :(
Does anyone out there own/have owned the 04 Auto Sedan?
Are there reliable sites that have reviews of that Model out there, that i just haven't found?
I have this feeling in my gut that i should pass on it, it just makes me apprehensive for some reason.
I have a 93 Grand Caravan with 118K ATM, which gets 22 city 26 hwy, which is about the SAME as the Elantra.
Millage & affordability are my 2 major selling points.
i know it sounds silly, but my last car i got the same feeling but ignored it and then down the road it was NOTHING but trouble :(
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How do I get a job at an auto body shop with no experience?
I have been an aprentice at my local auto body shop now for about 2 months, and its time for me to start making better money but I dont know where to go from here. I really like welding and I also want learn how to sandblast because I really liked sanding....Anyone with any welding, sandblasting or auto body experience have any suggestions on where I should go from here? I love working on cars..welding, and sanding but I dont really feel like an Auto Body Shop is the type of place I ultimately want to be....LEt me remind you that I have 2 months experience in the shop..wich is pretty much nothing so its hard to find a job whether were in a recession or not.
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