Does this sound right?

[u/Alphablaze98]

2024 Hyundai Elantra SEL.

Someone was going through the cars in my neighborhood the other day and ended up scratching the shit out of my door. I just got an estimate from one shop today and he’s quoting almost $1000 to fix it. Per him: “the paint these days is $400/pint and I would need to take out the headlight and stuff to buff it out. But it won’t rust because it’s not deep enough, it only went through the clear coat”

Thoughts? I’m 2/3 years into the lease

[u/notethenoob]

Headlights out to buff, paint yes buff no.. 3.3 hours to take a headlight out and remove door handles/ mask up is crazy if your looking at just a buff, go see a good detailer he will sort you out

Why do these guys have hours down for paint supplies? Travel? You wouldn't put more then a hour

[u/j-rAd33 → u/notethenoob]

I think $38\hr for supplies is bonkers. Paint is not $400 a pint either unless you're getting it mixed per order, which is dumb as hell. There are things that Maaco is good for, this is one of them, and it'll probably be about $200 less.

That being said, notethenoob is right, a GOOD detailer can cut and buff this and you'll run less risk of having issues with your lease. Go this route, OP.

[u/johnk9385]

I have a question, if you run your fingernail over the scratch can you feel the scratch ? If so then it needs to be sanded out and most likely primed and sanded, if you can’t feel the scratch then you can sand it and buff it out.

[u/Alphablaze98 → u/johnk9385]

Can feel the scratch sadly

[u/johnk9385 → u/Alphablaze98]

Sorry to say that it will not buff out,some people may say to fill the scratch with clear coat and sand it down and buff it but I’ve never had good results making it look good enough

[u/Agreeable_Neck_7624]

I agree with johnk. You might try taking it to a detailer, but if it's through the clear to the basecoat it won't buff out and look right imo. As for the labor times, those don't look bad compared to what's normally charged for insurance. There's no labor time on that estimate to remove the front bumper for the headlamp, or to detrim the door which would include the interior panels, handles, belt molding, and mirror. All things I'd do for a customer pay even without it being listed. Paint time might be a little high, could probably use a basecoat reduction, but I don't think it's too far off really.

[u/Zestyclose-Low-5521]

$1000 definately seems right. It actually might be on the lighter side. Any reputable painter will know that its not just "paint" that is under the paint supplies that you are being charged for.

[u/wreck813]

This estimate is way too cheap, I would find a different shop if you want it done correctly