Is this SMART repairable?

[Saxondale073]

Hi everyone, after a bit of advice from those more knowledgeable than myself please...

I bought a Jaguar XE this week to replace my ageing X-Type. Inspected the car in heavy rain and although the dealer did mention a mark to the front of the car, I didn't notice it as it just looked like the rest of the rain drops.

The damaged area is approx 1.5 inches across and just above the front grill. It looks as though something hot has been placed on the car and bubbled/melted the paintwork. I'm just wondering if this is a job a competent SMART repairer could do, or if I'd need to get the body part replaced.

Here's a picture of the damage.

[Saxondale073]

KungFuPanda said:

Is that damage on a plastic panel? Looks like the material under the paint has bubbled and been damaged. I'd say needs a proper bodyshop.

If you couldn't see that on inspection, I'd hate to see the rest of the car. Also, why did you inspect when it was raining?

Unfortunately I'm unable to control the British weather. Other than that the car is in perfect condition.

[Saxondale073]

robdcfc said:

Ill give you the proper answer as a Smart repairer myself.

YES, its the top of the bumper it just needs sanding back and possibly a thin skim of filler to level it out and you can paint the top section no problem

That's great news, cheers for that.

I have had a couple of quotes. Chips Away said they could do it for £180 + VAT (so £216 all in) and would need an entire day to do it at their location. And a mobile guy who quoted £160 including VAT who said it would take 3-4 hours work. Have another place I'm popping the car to tomorrow for their quote too.

But what would you say about the above quotes do far? Too expensive, or about right?

Cheers.

[Saxondale073]

Have a guy coming out on Tuesday to do it. Work and family restrictions really prevent me from leaving the car with a body shop for any period of time. The guy's been personally recommended by more than one person and his review on FB and Trust Pilot are excellent. He's giving us a 20% NHS discount and that coupled with the road tax I'm getting back on the X-Type, should mean I'm no more than about £50 out of pocket. He also offers a lifetime guarantee, so I guess we'll see.

I'll update the thread with before and after images once the work has been done.