Cost to repair a scratch like this

[drive16]

Found a car I really like and is a great deal for what it is. It’s been used roughly (roof damage that the dealer is fixing) + a few paint chips (likely from gravel).

However, I walked away due to this scratch on the bumper….if anyone has experienced a similar paint damage issue, I’d really like to know what it cost to repair/quality of the repair.

It’s bigger than my hand (7 inches) and I was deeply concerned about potential for rusting.

 

[Yelobird]

Looks like a Plastic bumper so not sure how that would be an issue.

 

[DerbyDave]

It won't rust. It will probably cost a few hundred to get repaired. It isn't that bad, but I understand if you get it fixed.

 

[drive16]

Looks like a Plastic bumper so not sure how that would be an issue.

Sorry, could you explain? Is the front bumper on a Model S usually plastic?

 

[drive16]

It won't rust. It will probably cost a few hundred to get repaired. It isn't that bad, but I understand if you get it fixed.

Got it, this is helpful, thank you!!

 

[FatFalcon]

Sorry, could you explain? Is the front bumper on a Model S usually plastic?

Yes, the 'bumper' (or 'fascia' as it is called by Tesla) on all modern cars is made of plastic.

Tesla can sell you an entire fascia painted in the factory color. Labor to swap is cheap (maybe 1 hour?) but the part will be expensive.

 

[KalJoMoS]

I bet you as soon as this will be repainted you will find new damage on it in a week. As this is the new, facelift facia - on older car’s there is extra unpainted front lip that will get all the impact - so it has all painted surface. You will have to be extra careful not to get curbed on it.
And yes, it’s all plastic and you don’t have to ask Tesla to get it repainted. Choose the closest one for you that you know the reputation of and you are done.

 

[drive16]

I bet you as soon as this will be repainted you will find new damage on it in a week. As this is the new, facelift facia - on older car’s there is extra unpainted front lip that will get all the impact - so it has all painted surface. You will have to be extra careful not to get curbed on it.
And yes, it’s all plastic and you don’t have to ask Tesla to get it repainted. Choose the closest one for you that you know the reputation of and you are done.

Would making sure the car goes into very high suspension help with that? I've never really had a car this nice, but I have taken such good care of them that they look as good as the day I got them (except for one minor accident).

It would be devastating to repaint it only for this to re-occur.

 

[KalJoMoS]

The car is missing a front bumper camera so if you can avoid parking facing-in in all occasions then you’re good.

 

[n2siast]

You can probably get the Tesla Touch Up paint. It doesn't look like a large blemish. It won't be perfect, but hardly noticeable since it's at the bottom. Or, you could get a bumper lip, which should cover that up.

 

[cbdream99]

It looks like minor damage to me and a good detailer should be able to touch up, it may take several hours to a day work or you can have it repainted. Both will not be perfect but should be good enough unless you inspect it very closely.

 

[KingJames]

Any half descent detailer could fix that. My mom did exactly this on her M3P last summer. Bought the color matched touch up paint, touched it up with the 3 part paint, wet sand polish you can't even tell. I'm by no means an "expert" detailer but I have attention to details and a steady hand. I wouldn't let that stop me from buying, i'd use it as a negotiation point if the car is rough.