MattW

Colleague of mine has managed to put a small scratch in his car. It's not very long (about an inch) but you can feel it with your finger. He's gutted and wants to get it fixed which if it were me I would too.

He's asked the local SMART repairer to quote, but in the meantime had a quote from a bodyshop. They said that the scratch wasn't suitable for a SMART repair (they do them too) and as it was an expensive (ish) car a better job would be to properly respray and blend the panel. The chap was adamant it would be perfect once done.

The SMART repairer has now quoted, insisting it was fine for a repair, however he did say there was a chance you might notice a subtle difference very close up.

Price is 175 for spray and 100 for the SMART repair. It seems like a no brainer to go for the proper job, anything I've missed?

greatgonzo

iTrader: (1)

Sorry cant answer your question but I have a small scratch and was thinking about one of these smart repair myself, It would be interesting to hear from anyone who has used one, or even better some before and after shots.

urban

iTrader: (1)

Nope - wise choice is a proper body shop repair.
Otherwise it should end up costing the combined amount anyway

rookymatt

iTrader: (15)

Smart repairs are poo, i've used them before, on different cars with different companies, and the job looks ok at first.
Then things like laquer peel/discolour, and paint colour difference start to come though as everything settles down.
Spent the extra on a bodyshop repair, and rest assured that the job will be right.

Leslie

Seems a lot of cash to repair a 1 inch scratch.

Les

greatgonzo

iTrader: (1)

Do they not give you some sort of warranty with a smart repair

prodriverules

iTrader: (52)

given the small difference in price mate id get it done right,as stated when its blended out on the panel the blend soon becomes apparent if not polished regular.

MattW

It's an obvious location on a car barely a few months old.


Thanks guys, I think he decided to go that anyway also, but confirms the decision.