I rear ended a car in my baby, 2004 XK8. No damage to the suv, but, for me, slight damage to bumber cover, headlamp and hood. Here's my question.

I've taken it to a few body shops. Everyone seems to agree that the bumper should be repaired and the headlight replaced. However, one place (the place my Jag dealer sends their cars), suggests replacing the hood. Two other places suggest repairing the hood.

They all assure me that the repair will be unnoticeable. The shops suggesting to repair the hood say, 1) it's a waste money to replace it, 2) on resale, any avid car buyer would be much happier with original hood, vin #'s, etc. Money really isn't the issue, rather, I want it fixed in the very best way possible. (Having said that, if I do opt for repair, I might pay out of pocket ($1,500), and not make an insurance claim, whereas otherwise, I would. (about $5,000 for replacement of hood.)

So, what do you all think? Repair the hood or replace it? (By the way, it is NOT aluminum.)

Thanks.

 

Either way, the car will have been damaged, repaired and repainted.

Not sure that the hood has a VIN etched or not. Past its 'repaired' status such considerations are not going to be of any issue until 20 years from now if it makes it to collector item status.

If you replace the hood the shop is going to have to match the crappy under hood paint job that Jaguar delivers.

 

Sorry to hear about dilemma . Being not aluminum repair fairly easier besides that even aluminum can be repaired .I would have it repaired by the body shop that's what I would opt .

 

While a smart parts salesman should never turn away a good sale (especially on a pricey piece like a hood), I would also advocate a repair. It sounds like some minor damage on the hood anyway. A good body man can make it as good as new, and if they can't, that's what a good paint/labor warranty is for (psst.. lifetime warranty is the norm!). As far as VIN etching, I'm pretty sure all Jags 2000-up have their metal panels etched.

 

I just got my car back from the body shop. New fender, repaired bumper and hood. The insurance company wouldn't authorize a new hood because it was steel and could be repaired. They said if it was aluminum it would have to be replaced. I'll upload a photo later today. I can't even tell where the dent was and the paint work was great...and the warranty is lifetime.