Please provide me a reasonable cost estimate to replace the front
right quarter (side) panel on my 2001 VW Jetta.  It is strictly
cosmetic, there is no frame damage, but the panel will need to be replaced. 
I want to get a good price from a body shop, and I am hoping that an
automotive expert will provide me with a reasonable estimate and
rationale behind the estimate.

Other info:  The paint is 'Silver Arrow'

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Clarification of Question by chimprawk-ga on 13 Jun 2002 12:16 PDT

To clarify, I am located in North Carolina, USA, looking for figures in USD.

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Request for Question Clarification by chromedome-ga on 13 Jun 2002 12:17 PDT

Important point:

Where are you located?  What geographical area should the body shop be within?

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Clarification of Question by chimprawk-ga on 13 Jun 2002 12:20 PDT

Clarification posted above.  Many thanks.

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Request for Question Clarification by missy-ga on 13 Jun 2002 12:42 PDT

Hi, chimprawk.

Where, specifically, in NC are you?  I'd really hate to find a shop
for you in say, Charlotte or Pineville, and find out that you live way
over in Maggie Valley.

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Clarification of Question by chimprawk-ga on 13 Jun 2002 12:43 PDT

Chapel Hill :)

chimprawk,

Before you finally pick a VW body shop, you might want do a Better
Business Bureau search for any complaints.

You can search on the national BBB Web site:

Better Business Bureau
Check out a Company 
BBB Information System (BIS) Search
http://search.bbb.org/search.html

Or you can contact the closest local BBB office:

BBB of Eastern North Carolina, Inc.
3125 Poplarwood Court, Suite 308
Raleigh, NC 27604 -1080  

Phone: (919)872-9240 
Fax: (919)954-0622
Email: info@raleigh.bbb.org
WWW: http://www.bbbenc.org

Just to be sure,
huntsman

Call some local junkyards, there are ALOT of wrecked Silver Arrow Mk4
Jettas around! I found three fenders in two phone calls, ranging from
$100-250. The fenders bolt on and can easily be replaced by a body
shop at low cost as long as the replacement fender has good paint on
it. I figure NO more then 4hrs for it and that's if they're trying to
rip you off. Mk4 fenders are a 1-2hr job done good, but quick.

I'm from New England, but I can offer some direction on overall cost.

Removing existing fender:           .5 hours

Match, prime & paint new fender:     3 hours

Install new fender:                 .5 hours

Total labor:  4 hours * $35/hr = $140

RF Fender:        new $550

Paint, materials & disposal:  $125

Total:  $550 + $125 + $140 = $815

If you buy a junkyard fender, expect the part to cost around $250, but
add about 1-1.5 hours for dent removal, scraping, and overall prep
work.

New  fender-$43  -www.autopartsland.com
  $33-$38  from  local  supplayers....
   found  bodyshop   using  B.A.S.F.  paint[you will don't  need blend]
 cost  by  estimating guide about  $600 (inc.  blending)
  bat, you may seach  shop  for $150-$200
                                             Aleks.