The Best, or a Very Good Body Shop? [Archive]

aznkev03

03-02-2010, 07:12 PM

So after barely three months of purchasing my brand new Civic, it was involved in a hit in run.
Doesn't look too bad but the bumper will need to be repainted and the headlight will need to be changed, $1500 quote from ICBC

I'm looking to see if you guys have any recommendations for a good body shop?
I realize that it's only a Civic and I don't need the best, but 23k 3 months later, it would kind of hurt to not have great work done to it, especially if it's through ICBC

I did a little bit of searching and most of the info is out of date
Seems like lots of people like Rich City but AK Autoworks is hit or miss?
[Source: http://www.revscene.net/forums/best-body-shopi-t592774.html]

I don't really mind bringing it anywhere in the Lower Mainland if it's going to get good craftsmanship but I live in Surrey
Will also want a temporary car

Thanks for the tips in advance!

[Edit] Oops, forgot to mention I'm looking for ICBC repair shops

Truenosan

03-02-2010, 07:30 PM

Do a search. This is probably one of the most discussed topics ever...

the_darkside

03-02-2010, 07:40 PM

hchang

03-02-2010, 07:41 PM

Have seen amazing jobs done by Rich city Collisions in Richmond.

They can water down the price to accommodate you with a courtesy car if you'd wish.

http://www.411.ca/business/British-Columbia/Richmond/Rich-City-Collision-Repairs/294542.html

GabAlmighty

03-02-2010, 07:44 PM

Tom's Auto Body by my house always has really nice cars in it, that's where I would probably take my car if for whatever reason i felt inclined to have something cosmetic fixed.

aznkev03

03-02-2010, 07:51 PM

Do a search. This is probably one of the most discussed topics ever...
I'm sure I recall saying in the OP that I did do a search and the info was out of date...
The most (and only) recent thread was already sourced
And judging by how lots of people are talking about shops losing their "touch" over time just proves that up-to-date info would be a good idea
I'd appreciate if you gave any sort of input but that post was not so helpful
You can take it to Mastercraft Carstar on Bridgeport. They fixed my honda s2000 there and I had the best overall experience. I was there on a Thursday and they took me in right away and I got in a loaner car within minutes.
If it is through ICBC, wouldn't the cost be under ICBC?
or do they go through a different sort of procedure?
Tom's Auto Body by my house always has really nice cars in it, that's where I would probably take my car if for whatever reason i felt inclined to have something cosmetic fixed.
Any personal experience, or experience from friends/family?

shantz

03-02-2010, 07:59 PM

check out our photos:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bavara

we also have a flat deck tow truck and offer door to door drop off and pick up utilizing our fleet of BMW 3 series courtesy cars.

Shamu

03-02-2010, 08:46 PM

A-Z Euro Auto Care! Amazing shop, been in business for 20+ years. An old-school family business that still follows the craftsman apprentice style methodology. Only place I've gone to for my, and my family's cars for the past 15 years. Courtesy cars not an issue.

Call 'em at 604.293.1271 and ask for Dean (owner), and make sure you mention Rich referred you! The folks who opened up Mastercraft in Richmond are actually related to Dean (uncle, cousin or something...I forget).

GabAlmighty

03-02-2010, 09:01 PM

Any personal experience, or experience from friends/family?

Pops had a ding on the 02 XC fixed there a couple years ago, no complaints. Can't offer more than that sorry.

Inaii

03-02-2010, 09:25 PM

One thing about Tom's is they apparently have so much business that it would take more than 2 months to do something simple like paint a bumper. Don't know if this has changed, but I definitely wouldn't take anything there, especially if you're under time constraint.

c4@urdoor

03-02-2010, 10:17 PM

check out our photos:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bavara

we also have a flat deck tow truck and offer door to door drop off and pick up utilizing our fleet of BMW 3 series courtesy cars.

Does your shop have access to ICBC salvage?

If so, you guys should check out the m6 that's there. Pretty sick.
Obviously it would be for yourself. Good luck trying to resell a rebuilt m6.

jpark

03-03-2010, 09:39 AM

mtm autobody in surrey did a great job, friend knows a person there, introduced me to him, i got involved in a hit & run too, my rear quarter panel was dented and my paint was maddd chipped, other body shops gave me a 1100-1300 quote but i got it done for 450 at mtm and they did a great job, its been almost a year now ever since and no problems what so ever

godwin

03-03-2010, 10:25 AM

The "BEST" autoshop.. won't deal with ICBC rates.. They charge double their rate. It is simple as that.

You will get a loaner no matter which shop you go to, since you are going through ICBC. Some shop will give you a voucher to rent.

It is more important for you to learn your rights as a customer going through ICBC.. ie what to look when and what to look for when you pick up the car, and what to do in case the shop's QA slipped up, the ICBC complaint / resolution process.. than to find the "best" shop.. because even the best shop screws up.. it is human.

TheSalesman

03-03-2010, 10:30 AM

We do autobody work.
Are you paying the deductible? Or are you paying the $1500 yourself?

freakshow

03-03-2010, 11:06 AM

The "BEST" autoshop.. won't deal with ICBC rates.. They charge double their rate. It is simple as that.For future reference, what are some of those shops?

TRD Rs200

03-03-2010, 12:26 PM

Bismarks in Richmond

Mugen EvOlutioN

03-03-2010, 04:05 PM

everyone has their own personal preference

b-dub

03-03-2010, 04:11 PM

check out our photos:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bavara

we also have a flat deck tow truck and offer door to door drop off and pick up utilizing our fleet of BMW 3 series courtesy cars.

Am I evil when I LOL'D when I saw this pic?

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/4290844903_76b03a6e86_o.jpg

tofu1413

03-03-2010, 04:43 PM

Am I evil when I LOL'D when I saw this pic?

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/4290844903_76b03a6e86_o.jpg

no dude, u werent the only one..

:haha::haha::haha:

Lomac

03-03-2010, 04:46 PM

^^ :lol I was thinking the exact same thing.

4444

03-03-2010, 04:50 PM

You can take it to Mastercraft Carstar on Bridgeport. They fixed my honda s2000 there and I had the best overall experience. I was there on a Thursday and they took me in right away and I got in a loaner car within minutes.

i took my car there too - they did teh WORST job you could imagine, had to deny taking it back twice

car was broken into (through sunroof) - first time, glass in the centre consol, and in teh seats (so much that my hand was bleeding from it) - PRETTY FUCKING OBVIOUS!!!!

2nd time, they'd dripped paint down the side of my car - just sloppy, lazy work... i also had tape stuck to the bottom of my car, and they didn't put the front of my grill on right (stock TL-S grill, scum climbed up my bonnet, denting/scratching it to get to my sunroof... fucking crack heads)

acura sent us there, saying htat's where they send their cars... after what i'm going to report back, acura may be considering other options.. they were PISS POOR! never go there

4444

03-03-2010, 04:50 PM

oh, and my brother went there and had problems with them re: overspray... and they generally did a bad job on his car (stupidly, i didn't ask him before i took mine there, i took acura's word... bad idea)

Jit01

03-03-2010, 07:40 PM

i took my car there too - they did teh WORST job you could imagine, had to deny taking it back twice

car was broken into (through sunroof) - first time, glass in the centre consol, and in teh seats (so much that my hand was bleeding from it) - PRETTY FUCKING OBVIOUS!!!!

2nd time, they'd dripped paint down the side of my car - just sloppy, lazy work... i also had tape stuck to the bottom of my car, and they didn't put the front of my grill on right (stock TL-S grill, scum climbed up my bonnet, denting/scratching it to get to my sunroof... fucking crack heads)

acura sent us there, saying htat's where they send their cars... after what i'm going to report back, acura may be considering other options.. they were PISS POOR! never go there

Good to know I was going to take my 350z there to paint my nismo front bumper (they wanted almost $600)

umpadupa

03-04-2010, 12:09 AM

Ak Autoworks :thumbsup:

tool001

03-04-2010, 10:27 AM

ak autoworks sucks, dont go thr. was good at one point , not anymore...
i need to get work done also, im might go to Penney auto.. friend's brother is the owner..

btw. thr is no best place. none of the places are consitant over time.. it depends who they get to work on ur car. it could be expert or could be a noob.

Liquid_o2

03-04-2010, 10:32 AM

If you live in Surrey I would suggest going to Willowbrook Collision in Langley (near the bypass).

Me and all my friends have gone there tons of times with practically no issues, and if there ever was a problem, it was always corrected.

Ask for Wally.

Mugen EvOlutioN

03-04-2010, 10:37 AM

ak autoworks sucks, dont go thr. was good at one point , not anymore...
i need to get work done also, im might go to Penney auto.. friend's brother is the owner..

yup do not go to AK, overprice pos. Used to be good, this was back in the old days.

Supafly

03-04-2010, 03:53 PM

Bismarks in Richmond

is not as good as they used to be...not saying anymore.

Ak Autoworks :thumbsup:

is only good, if you're not paying ICBC rates.....when ICBC claims are in progress, the work becomes absolute shit.

Jit01

03-04-2010, 04:48 PM

Has anyone else got work done by Mastercraft Carstar on Bridgeport ?

4444

03-04-2010, 04:50 PM

i should add, MG coliision is good - i know hte owner, good ppl...

97ITR

03-04-2010, 05:15 PM

Autosense has done great work for my family and friends in the past.

4444

03-04-2010, 10:26 PM

Has anyone else got work done by Mastercraft Carstar on Bridgeport ?

TRUST ME after the work they did on my car & my brother's - YOU DON'T NEED ANY MORE OPINIONS! i can't imagine them fucking up 2 cars in a family down to laziness are two 'one offs'

adn they like to argue when you point out their poor workmanship

they also lost a part of my car... yup, straight up lost it, had a guy 'search the bins' - fucking monkies - one of the worst experiences of my life

yamahar6

03-04-2010, 10:47 PM

Overseas autobody in Surrey, they do great jobs, been going there for a few years now. They fix cars from civics to vipers. Not you typical surrey shop, these guys are great and do amazing work!

tofu1413

03-04-2010, 11:44 PM

Autosense has done great work for my family and friends in the past.

+1 to autosense.

my buddy's mom owns the one @ main + 10th.. small world XD

didnt know till a while ago... :haha:

spoon.ek9

03-05-2010, 11:24 AM

has anyone had experience with grand city auto? i think it's in richmond. i see their commercials all the time and have heard some good remarks.

jtanner_

03-05-2010, 01:03 PM

I'm also trying to find a reputable shop for my icbc claim... and also from surrey

rageguy

03-05-2010, 01:06 PM

save on autobody in richmond did a perfect job on my car.

-=K20A=-

03-05-2010, 10:10 PM

save on autobody in richmond did a perfect job on my car.

they do good work but damm they are not good for there words i had to get some paint bubbling fixed on one panel from them they told me 2 weeks i ended up waiting a month to get my car back and there was also and icbc claim on it when i brought it in cause some retard key'd my car

Gachinto

08-22-2010, 03:23 PM

Is it a good idea to get an estimate from ICBC for base price?

I gotta do my Front Bumper, Driver Side Fender, Door and Mirror.

I will probably pay for it myself, so from what I've heard ICBC price is bare minimum. I want a decent job, at least good for the untrained eyes, but because it is out of pocket I don't wanna get ripped off too~

Is this gonna be at least 1k+? Thx! :)

gurdeep007

08-30-2010, 06:54 PM

Also looking for a reputable shop to fix my s2000 - Driver side door and rear quater panel and rear rim...someone changed lanes into me.

anyone ever go to Gord Ron's on Edmonds in Burnaby? Any recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks

Nvasion

08-30-2010, 07:48 PM

mastercraft in richmond has a hot receptionist i heard:)

shantz

08-30-2010, 08:16 PM

Bavara Auto Haus - www.bavara.cawww.flickr.com/bavara

Full service - including Valet drop off and pick up anywhere in the Lower Mainland

Captain Bondo

09-01-2010, 11:25 AM

I have had some work done at Elite Auto Body in North Van., they are great.

VR6GTI

09-03-2010, 08:06 AM

Expresso

09-03-2010, 09:48 AM

+1 to autosense.

my buddy's mom owns the one @ main + 10th.. small world XD

didnt know till a while ago... :haha:

I think you meant Automind.

TRD Rs200

09-03-2010, 12:49 PM

Bismark, richmond
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

tofu1413

09-03-2010, 03:15 PM

I think you meant Automind.

automind. my bad. :thumbsup:

autosense is beside MCL porsche. they do lots of high end cars though..

Shun Izaki

09-03-2010, 03:33 PM

Tom's Auto Body by my house always has really nice cars in it, that's where I would probably take my car if for whatever reason i felt inclined to have something cosmetic fixed.

One thing about Tom's is they apparently have so much business that it would take more than 2 months to do something simple like paint a bumper. Don't know if this has changed, but I definitely wouldn't take anything there, especially if you're under time constraint.

Tom's is/was used by Open Road toyota/lexus for shop repairs, and we brought one of our car's there once, as they've repaired some pretty nice cars. Bumper (OEM toyota one) came out, not aligned, orange peel like no tomorrow, and when we took it off to see what else might be wrong, the inside was rusting because they didn't even bother to properly fix a few mounts.

Not happy with them, but it was the only thing available at that time. Good thing we spoke to ICBC, and they let us bring it to another shop to fix Tom's fucking horrible problems.

ak autoworks sucks, dont go thr. was good at one point , not anymore...
i need to get work done also, im might go to Penney auto.. friend's brother is the owner..

btw. thr is no best place. none of the places are consitant over time.. it depends who they get to work on ur car. it could be expert or could be a noob.

AK was good back in the day, and their rates are reasonable considering the level of work I've seen come out of other places... i won't say much about them though...

automind. my bad. :thumbsup:

autosense is beside MCL porsche. they do lots of high end cars though..

have fun getting ICBC to foot that bill

****

how many people on RS even know if the bodywork is done correctly? how many people took off their bumpers etc afterwards when doing other things, to see if the work was done properly as well?

I wouldn't even bother asking this question of RS

mowontech

09-03-2010, 04:55 PM

rudy & peters by main and terminal.
They not bad. Cheap prices too.

LanEvoVII

09-05-2010, 01:40 AM

Destination Toyota's bodyshop
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh263/kchengmk2/mk2/DSC02561.jpg
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh263/kchengmk2/mk3/DSC01664.jpg
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh263/kchengmk2/mk3beater/DSC02001.jpg
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh263/kchengmk2/2jzgte/DSC01891.jpg
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh263/kchengmk2/mk3/DSC02460.jpg
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh263/kchengmk2/mk3/DSC02465.jpg

VR6GTI

09-07-2010, 08:51 AM

[QUOTE=LanEvoVII;7092516]Destination Toyota's bodyshop
[QUOTE]
So you work there and did a good job on your own car?
Really you should be paying revscene to advertise Destination Toyota in your sig.

dimsum1985

03-18-2011, 11:59 AM

I've been to Rich City on Horseshoe way, and i can honestly say, they're very professional with their Quality repairs. They also give really good deals for private repairs aswell.

+1 Rich City!!! =]

CP.AR

03-18-2011, 12:00 PM

^ +1 for Richcity...

Though my silver was a horribly hard colour to match (it's got a shade of blue in it), they managed to get it 100% spot on.

RevRav

03-18-2011, 12:21 PM

@dimsum1985: Was it really necessary to bump up 4 threads to post about the same thing?

#1 http://www.revscene.net/forums/bodyshop-recommendation-t616573.html?p=7350657#post7350657
#2 http://www.revscene.net/forums/which-bodyshop-should-t616601.html?p=7350649#post7350649
#3 http://www.revscene.net/forums/best-very-good-t607475.html?p=7350645#post7350645
#4 http://www.revscene.net/forums/body-shop-recommendation-t622238.html?p=7350639#post7350639

Beside those 4 posts, your last visit was back in October 2009:
#5 http://www.revscene.net/forums/best-body-shopi-t592774.html?p=6639179#post6639179
#6 http://www.revscene.net/forums/best-body-shopi-t592774.html?p=6638855#post6638855

Edited: Oh right....cause you work at there....
http://i54.tinypic.com/facvi0.jpg

Nvasion

03-18-2011, 12:36 PM

richcity? you serious? hahaah

dimsum1985

03-18-2011, 12:46 PM

@dimsum1985: Was it really necessary to bump up 4 threads to post about the same thing?

#1 http://www.revscene.net/forums/bodys...57#post7350657
#2 http://www.revscene.net/forums/which...49#post7350649
#3 http://www.revscene.net/forums/best-...45#post7350645
#4 http://www.revscene.net/forums/body-...39#post7350639

Beside those 4 posts, your last visit was back in October 2009:
#5 http://www.revscene.net/forums/best-...79#post6639179
#6 http://www.revscene.net/forums/best-...55#post6638855

Edited: Oh right....cause you work at there....

I have been a customer of Rich City on Horseshoe Way for 5 years, prior to working there. I can honestly say, the quality work coming out of here I can, and always will be able to stand behind it. With quality oriented technicians in the back, it gives me the much needed confidence in giving the keys back to the customers that come here.
I just wanted to let people know that there are quality shops out there, and that we're one of them.

*As for why I haven't posted on RS for so long, since Oct 09?!? or something, it's cause I don't mod cars nomore, the wifey says "NO"... hahaha...

RS is definitely something great, keeps all the young people that are into Automotive together. When the OLDIES retire, We are the future... hahaha...

PDA_86

03-19-2011, 01:18 AM

GrandCity in Richmond was pretty shitty for me. I would suggest NOT to go there.

Herbert's Auto Body was a great experience for me. It's a very small hidden shop, usually only seeing 2 guys doing all the work. I've read great reviews from them too.

http://www.manta.com/ic/mt68vhp/ca/herberts-auto-body-inc

suzuka84

03-19-2011, 09:28 PM

just take it to a body shop that is icbc accredited, that way icbc vouches for their work. I doubt you'll be able to tell the difference unless the shop screws it up.

Death2Theft

03-19-2011, 10:19 PM

Thats automind numbnuts.
+1 to autosense.

my buddy's mom owns the one @ main + 10th.. small world XD

didnt know till a while ago... :haha:

Nvasion

03-20-2011, 12:27 AM

also doesnt paul own that automind?

02'topaz

03-20-2011, 10:29 AM

My Car: 2002 325ci

My car has spent it's fair share of time at Rich City on Horseshoe Way in Richmond (unfortunately) and I have absolutely nothing but positive things to say. I am one of the most detail oriented and meticulous people out there, and Cam (manager/owner) still manages to point out flaws and areas that need more attention after the work is done and gets it done spot on before the car leaves. He will personally walk around the car with you and make sure things are up to his standards (which are high).

I've had both ICBC jobs done there and also private body work. I was completely satisfied with both. Most recently they repainted my car from top to bottom including stripping it down to the bare metal. This was after it was painted the first time and the paint didn't cure properly due to a manufacturers defect in the batch of paint. Again, even as horrific as this incident sounds, Cam made absolutely sure that my car left in absolutely perfect condition. I didn't get the run around, he kept me informed along the entire process and made sure everything was done right. This really showed me how professional they really are over there as we've all read countless times when things go sour with a job, how often the customer gets the run around and lied to repeatedly by various shops around town.

When you visit the shop, it definitely doesn't look like Bavara or the other very impressive shops around town with all the bells and whistles but at the end of the day, the genuine care and personality combined with the impressive work of the shop staff will simply blow you away.

I have zero affiliation with the shop other than the fact that I've been a repeat customer ever since discovering them about 4-5 years ago. Honestly, at the end of the day you guys are all going to make your own decisions based on how you were treated, what the shop looks like, the product coming out of the shop and usually most importantly if personal experience isn't there, the kind of cars that visit the shop. These posts are just here to hopefully guide those that haven't yet had personal experiences and hope the above helps...

StewartJD

03-20-2011, 11:18 AM

I brought my 2008 Civic Si in to get the door repainted and had a good overall experience with Rich City in Richmond. I also dealt with Cam. I would go there again. Btw, the one i went to was the Suite 105-11820 Horseshoe Way location.

baggdis300

03-20-2011, 02:23 PM

I'm also trying to find a reputable shop for my icbc claim... and also from surrey

amex autobody. They are an icbc approved shop.

they rebuilt my is300 and it passed the body inspection the first time around.

that and the paint looks perfect. Can't even tell that the front end had to be pulled straight.(no wrinkles)

they rebuild ALOT of cars, as i went to pay for my repairs i saw in the shop that they had two prius's that were cut in half lol
so they know exactly what they are doing.

roastpuff

03-20-2011, 04:11 PM

Bavara's my recommendation. Absolutely top-notch work and customer service is good.

Other bodyshops... not so good experience.

Jermyzy

03-20-2011, 05:53 PM

bsjcho

06-29-2011, 04:39 PM

just take it to a body shop that is icbc accredited, that way icbc vouches for their work. I doubt you'll be able to tell the difference unless the shop screws it up.

a lot of people would disagree with this.

JKam

07-03-2011, 09:57 PM

Anyone know any other good ones in Richmond?

So far cruising through the thread I found Rich City and Save on Autobody.

There's a bunch on Bridgeport, does anyone know if they're any good? Have to get at least 3 quotes for my damage.

Fobman

07-03-2011, 10:31 PM

what about bismark? are they any good ?

JKam

07-05-2011, 08:12 AM

Went to Rich City yesterday... Their quote is so much higher than everyone else around them, at least $150.

They wanted $780 while autosense, no.1 collision and tristar wanted between $450-$600.

The biggest difference between the prices is the amount of time to repaint a 4"x6" scrape on my bumper. I'll look at Save on Autobody today.

I can say that Rich City has the most professional/friendly attitude though.