Paintwork estimate - reasonable?

[Number 7]

I'm planning to get a paintwork chip dealt with (on a 3 year old Avensis, bought like it a few months ago), and asked my local body shop for their opinion – not a formal quote yet. I am a long-standing customer of their mechanical / servicing side, and know the owners, so I would not expect to be ripped-off, but I must admit to being somewhat surprised at the potential cost of rectification. The size of the chip is about 30mm x 20mm, on the rear edge of the n/s front arch. They reckoned 8 hours labour (£34 p.h.) plus about £80 materials plus v.a.t., meaning it could cost a bit over £400. Is this vaguely reasonable? The time element surprised me more than anything else.

[Stubby Pete]

Seems like they want to strip and spray the whole front end, at the very least the wing.

At that cost, you definitely won't make it worse. Almost worth getting sone sand paper, masking tape and a rattle can.

[robdcfc]

I would charge about £250 for that as you will need to blend the door.

[Number 7]

They did say that it would require blending into the door, but does 8 hours really sound reasonable?

[robdcfc]

If it was worked out on Audatex then yes, in reality you could do that in 5 hours or so.

[Vette]

Check for a local SMART repairer. This job is exactly what SMART is about and you will save heaps! See smartmapuk.co.uk.

Cheers
David

[JulesB]

Hi OP,

What area are you? I can get this sorted for you with out having to paint the whole wing + door, obviously a lot less in labour + product costs!

[Number 7]

JulesB said:

Hi OP,

What area are you? I can get this sorted for you with out having to paint the whole wing + door, obviously a lot less in labour + product costs!

Nowhere near the W. Midlands - thanks anyway.

Will check out Smart.

[naka]

Crazy amount of time and money, do a google search for smart repair in you area (wouldn't bother with the smart map, doesn't seem up to date)or if you're near notts/derby give me a call!