Collision repair - Ford Dealership or Independent Shop?

[MagneticRed]

I was rear-ended a couple of days ago (no one was hurt). Any opinions about Ford dealer shops vs independent auto-body shops? I'm in the Portland Oregon area if anyone has any shop recommendations.

Also, any idea as to how much this type of accident would lower my potential resale value?

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[gtyates]

I used to use my local dealer, but no more. My last repair was with a family owned independent shop. This shop deals with things like Ferrari's all the way down to my son's Escape. Very satisifed with their work, they got the vehicle back to us quickly, and repair was done correclty the first time. But of course, everyone has an opinion. I am in Tennessee, so no suggestion on a local shop for you.

 

[MagneticRed]

I used to use my local dealer, but no more. My last repair was with a family owned independent shop. This shop deals with things like Ferrari's all the way down to my son's Escape. Very satisifed with their work, they got the vehicle back to us quickly, and repair was done correclty the first time. But of course, everyone has an opinion. I am in Tennessee, so no suggestion on a local shop for you.

So far, I've visited two "5-star review" shops. Both looked like junkyards, and both said the earliest they could schedule the repairs was sometime between February and March.

 

[maxbottomtime]

I think it depends on the dealer. I had safelite drop a windsheild on my hood, and scratch and gouge the ever-living hell out of it. Given they were paying I figured I'd force them to pay the dealer (more expensive). Of course they didn't prep right and it rusted. Had a minor scrape and found a small shop run by an immigrant that did god damn impeccable work. indistinguishable. I'd use them over the dealer, double so when paying myself.

Good luck.

 

[mcrider5]

I was rear-ended a couple of days ago (no one was hurt). Any opinions about Ford dealer shops vs independent auto-body shops? I'm in the Portland Oregon area if anyone has any shop recommendations.

Also, any idea as to how much this type of accident would lower my potential resale value?

I have had several vehicles repaired at Friendly Ford bodyshop here in Las Vegas. They did a great job on all of them. Very pleased. Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[9zero1790]

I was rear-ended a couple of days ago (no one was hurt). Any opinions about Ford dealer shops vs independent auto-body shops? I'm in the Portland Oregon area if anyone has any shop recommendations.

Also, any idea as to how much this type of accident would lower my potential resale value?

ouch! id say independent body shop. they will have more hands on time doing the kind of work needed vs. the dealers.

 

[Stic-o]

Go to yelp and start reading reviews. A dealer will probably just farm it out to a independent anyway.

Once you find a good one your set.

 

[Skit hjälm]

Good luck.
The collision shop business typically works the"20 foot rule". Like anybody they are in business to do the minimum work to gain maximum dollar.
It doesen't matter if its a Dealership or not.
if it looks ok at 20', that's good enough. And by the time the customer gets it back, they're usually just happy to have it again, they'll overlook deficits in workmanship if they even know what to look for in the first place.

If you are a stickler for 'pre loss condition', and view your car as something other than an expensive consumable thing to own no more than a few years. You probably better off not looking at their finished job very closely.

 

[dtech]

Rear ended recently but far less damage, chose a local shop with good reviews plus recommendations from acquaintances. Going today to get the taillight installed, then back in Feb/Mar for the rest of the work. As others said, use multiple sites reviews to make a choice.

 

[rausa64]

I would go to whatever shop the insurance company prefers. This way, all the costs and satisfaction are borne by the insurance company.

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