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ACCIDENT MODEL 3.... Backed into garage

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$7000 is ridiculous and total bs.
My model 3 hit a deer,and I got estimates from Tesla approved body shop 2 weeks ago.
Replacements: right quarter panel, side mirror, bumper
Repair: hood, right passenger door, right rear door.

That came out to be just under $10K.

my estimate says brand new quarter panel from tesla is $250.

Ask them to show you the break down. There is no way they are charging $7000 for just a quarter panel.
 
$7000 is spot on when you look at this link.. if someone gonna ding and bang as part of their driving style (not judging , just stating the fact as it is very normal for some to have few events once in a while), may be it is better to leave it and repair it later 1) once it accumulate enough damage and 2) till Tesla body shop is rolled out near by.

Here's What $7,000 Of Damage Looks Like On A Tesla Model 3 | CleanTechnica
 
$7000 is ridiculous and total bs.
My model 3 hit a deer,and I got estimates from Tesla approved body shop 2 weeks ago.
Replacements: right quarter panel, side mirror, bumper
Repair: hood, right passenger door, right rear door.

That came out to be just under $10K.

my estimate says brand new quarter panel from tesla is $250.

Ask them to show you the break down. There is no way they are charging $7000 for just a quarter panel.
Thank you... This is quite concerning. They told me 7k was not even to replace the panel it was to repair it. To replace it would be 11k due to the part being 8k. Something is fishy. I'm very disappointed that these shops are Tesla approved if this is the case. If it is only $250 then it should be no more then 1.5-2k for paint and installation.
 
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Ok long time Tesla guy here who brings the bad news....my experience is that Tesla approved body shops are a scam. They gouge you. As simple as I can say it. Tesla has a real problem on its hands, something Musk has acknowledged and wants to do something about. Unfortunately, his to do list is kind of long....

Go with the reputable body shop. That does not look like anything more than 2k, and that is not a cheap price either, but hey you get what you pay for so go for it. You should be fine, and if there is an issue with a sensor which I doubt then go to service center.
 
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Ok long time Tesla guy here who brings the bad news....my experience is that Tesla approved body shops are a scam. They gouge you. As simple as I can say it. Tesla has a real problem on its hands, something Musk has acknowledged and wants to do something about. Unfortunately, his to do list is kind of long....

Go with the reputable body shop. That does not look like anything more than 2k, and that is not a cheap price either, but hey you get what you pay for so go for it. You should be fine, and if there is an issue with a sensor which I doubt then go to service center.

Okay, sounds good. Thanks for your input as I value a long term Tesla guy. This is definitely a very important problem. I understand Elon has acknowledged the problem. I know Elon time is a long time respectfully, but as Tesla has designed a car for the mainstream masses... How have they not made sure this was resolved before manufacturing. They need to do something and do something quick.

I love Tesla I own two of them. Just think this is an actual and really important matter. 7k+ for a car that starts at $35k is really beyond my imagination. I will take to a local shop that will do a good job. This won't ruin warranty correct?
 
Hey guys I need some help deciding what to do!

SO I went to two approved Tesla body shops and they both quoted me $7k+ to fix the quarter panel. They said it needs to be done properly and then afterwards they work with Tesla to run all diagnostics to make sure its all good. but 7k to take a dent and repaint is absolutely crazy.

I then went to a good reliable shop and they quoted me 2k to fix and repaint. Obviously this sounds so much better, and im intrigued to do it. But is this a risk? Are there sensors in the quarter panel or is it as easy to just take off fix and repaint and put it back. Should I wait till the price get cheaper at approved shops as I know its high as the car just came out. Help!!!

The Tesla approved body shops are a complete ripoff if you do not have damage to the battery pack or electronics/drive unit.
Go with the standard body shop and save yourself $5k... there are no sensors in the rear quarter panel that require a specialist.
 
Okay, sounds good. Thanks for your input as I value a long term Tesla guy. This is definitely a very important problem. I understand Elon has acknowledged the problem. I know Elon time is a long time respectfully, but as Tesla has designed a car for the mainstream masses... How have they not made sure this was resolved before manufacturing. They need to do something and do something quick.

I love Tesla I own two of them. Just think this is an actual and really important matter. 7k+ for a car that starts at $35k is really beyond my imagination. I will take to a local shop that will do a good job. This won't ruin warranty correct?

Don’t get hung up on the “Tesla Approved” body shop. Unless there is battery or AP hardware damage any reputable body shop will do. I was quoted over 25K to repair rear hatch on our Model X. Took it to a local shop and it cost me less than 1k. I bought brand new rear hatch on eBay for $500 shipped. Took that to body shop and they painted, swapped all interior body panels, rear camera, glass, trim, etc... total cost with hatch plus repair was less than 1.5k. Far less than 25k and I suspect they did a better job matching the pearly white as the “Teala Approved” body shop was not confident in matching the color.

I would first call up 2 or 3 top PDR guys in your area and see if it’s something they can fix. From pics it looks like something they may be able to help with. Keep us updated on the repair.
 
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Hey guys I need some help deciding what to do!

SO I went to two approved Tesla body shops and they both quoted me $7k+ to fix the quarter panel. They said it needs to be done properly and then afterwards they work with Tesla to run all diagnostics to make sure its all good. but 7k to take a dent and repaint is absolutely crazy.

I then went to a good reliable shop and they quoted me 2k to fix and repaint. Obviously this sounds so much better, and im intrigued to do it. But is this a risk? Are there sensors in the quarter panel or is it as easy to just take off fix and repaint and put it back. Should I wait till the price get cheaper at approved shops as I know its high as the car just came out. Help!!!
They didn't have Tesla Body Repair Centers in your area as of September 16, 2018, and they still don't today: Body Shop Support

Screen Shot 2018-11-16 at 15.18.52.png

Too bad you weren't near one of those.

Here's a new question: what's the difference between "collision" and "light collision"? I think most of us know.
 
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Thank you... This is quite concerning. They told me 7k was not even to replace the panel it was to repair it. To replace it would be 11k due to the part being 8k. Something is fishy. I'm very disappointed that these shops are Tesla approved if this is the case. If it is only $250 then it should be no more then 1.5-2k for paint and installation.

I'd use the opportunity to call out the Tesla approved body shop. Ask them to provide a list of parts needed along with their prices. Then take that list to a Tesla Service Center and have them look it up. Maybe you can get the ball rolling and have Tesla deal with the shop so they stop doing these kinds of things.
 
Hey! Wanted to give an update:
So I still haven't gotten it fixed. Again my problems is that we have had way too many accidents and recently a claim for a $100,000+ car being stolen from our driveway. This repair job really doesn't seem to be a big deal if it was any other car expect a Tesla. Most cars you can get this fixed properly for anywhere between $750-$1500 (probably cheaper in some cases) Cheapest Tesla Certified Body shop I visited quoted over 7k. There were others asking for 10k and more. One guy said he can put some bondo and repaint it for less than 1k and another normal reputable body shop said they can fix it for 2k. Only problem is I dont want to do it with someone that is not certified. This car is so high tech, therefor, the reasoning behind "Tesla certified shops" in the first place. I'm waiting for Tesla to do their own in house repairs. I believe it will be quicker and a lot cheaper. Thoughts.
Highly recommend: DO NOT crash your Tesla :)
 
High graded steel so its not unfixable (AI)

Aluminum isn't always "unfixable". I will have my car into the show because a Deer ran into the side and dented the door slightly. Tesla Certified Boddy shop...and the shop that does all the work for Tesla Tysons Corner, VA is going to hammer it out, skim coat with bondo to smooth the surface and then repaint.

Bondo is only really a dirty word when people use it to totally fill any dents/holes. Skim coating is very common practice whether Aluminum or Steel, just to make sure everything is perfectly smooth for paint.