[LexusIS]

Hey Revscene,

I'm new to this forum so please excuse me if I make any mistakes. I've been here a few times as a lurker but that's about it.

Anyways, I recently scratched up my car pretty bad at Aberdeen. I was parked in a super tight spot and when I was turning to get out of my spot, I misjudged my distance and scraped the handle of my car extremely badly. I'm totally lost when it comes to fixing cars so I'm desperately asking for your help.

Right now, I feel like I have two options, I could bring it in to an auto shop and get it done that way but money is tight and I'm not sure how much it will cost me.

Second option would be DIY, I've watched a ton of youtube videos but none of those scratches are similar to mine so I'm not sure if using puddy and putting touch up paint over it will solve this.

Please help me revscene

Sincerely,
A concerned owner

EDIT: Some more information that might help you guys

The car is a 2014 Lexus IS 250 in Ultra White
There are additional scratched on the side panel but they are super small and I'm sure they can be buffed out

EDIT2: Just to re-iterate what I'm looking for. I'm trying to figure out what are the best options for me, I know taking it to the shop is definitely the best one if I want the car to look almost new again but if I can get close to that without spending too much money, I'm also open to that option.

Please ask if you have any more questions, I'll be happy answer and thank you so much

[dared3vil0]

I'm assuming, due to the username, that's an IS250/350?

Damage that severe cannot be repaired properly unless it is taken to a body shop. If this was a $1000 car, sure, gran a touch up paint pen and go to town, but not on a car with any value. Get it done correctly.

[kkthind]

needs to be painted. scratches too far deep in the handle and the original paint is gone. You can use touch up paint, but that's going to look like shit

[Truenosan]

That has gone through the paint down to the plastic. Honestly, if money is tight right now, just get some touch up paint, and leave it be until funds permit fixing it.

It looks mainly cosmetic (handle works right?) so it is really up to you until that really bothers you and you want that done properly.

[Recon604]

Can you remove the black stuff? If you can, buff it afterwards with a porter cable w/ cutting pad

[Euro7r]

Not to troll, but you drive a brand new Lexus and can't afford to fix a scratch.....I would assume if you can afford a Lexus, money shouldn't be an issue...

Sounds like the typical Richmond Asian kid that has mommy and daddy giving them a brand new spanking car. Just ask mom and dad to fix it or buy you a new car. Just saying.

[LexusIS]

That has gone through the paint down to the plastic. Honestly, if money is tight right now, just get some touch up paint, and leave it be until funds permit fixing it.

It looks mainly cosmetic (handle works right?) so it is really up to you until that really bothers you and you want that done properly.

Handle is fully functional, the damage is only cosmetic, I can suck it up and ask my parents to help me on this damage if needed. How much do you think this will cost me? Any recommendations on what shops are the best?

And also, I understand that it will never look the same again if I do it myself but how bad would it look if I just use touch up paint? If its not TOO bad, I don't mind leaving it like that until I can save up.

[Truenosan]

Handle is fully functional, the damage is only cosmetic, I can suck it up and ask my parents to help me on this damage if needed. How much do you think this will cost me? Any recommendations on what shops are the best?

And also, I understand that it will never look the same again if I do it myself but how bad would it look if I just use touch up paint? If its not TOO bad, I don't mind leaving it like that until I can save up.

I can check for you when I get back into work Tuesday. Or I might be swinging by the shop tomorrow. I'll PM you. It might be cheaper to just replace the handle, as it might come pre-painted.

[LexusIS]

Not to troll, but you drive a brand new Lexus and can't afford to fix a scratch.....I would assume if you can afford a Lexus, money shouldn't be an issue...

Sounds like the typical Richmond Asian kid that has mommy and daddy giving them a brand new spanking car. Just ask mom and dad to fix it or buy you a new car. Just saying.

I'm not offended, I'm looking for real help and I will admit that I am getting help from my parents to pay for this car. However, I am paying a large chunk of it myself. I work part time as well as going to school, my paychecks help me pay off the portion that I'm paying plus a little spending money but that is it which is why I don't have the funds to fix the car right now. I already rely on my parents to pay off a bit of the car so I don't want to ask them to fix this. I hope I don't come off as someone stubborn or what not but I want to fix this on my own.

If you can provide me with any guidance, I would greatly appreciate it

[LexusIS]

Not to troll, but you drive a brand new Lexus and can't afford to fix a scratch.....I would assume if you can afford a Lexus, money shouldn't be an issue...

Sounds like the typical Richmond Asian kid that has mommy and daddy giving them a brand new spanking car. Just ask mom and dad to fix it or buy you a new car. Just saying.

I'm not offended, I'm looking for real help and I will admit that I am getting help from my parents to pay for this car. However, I am paying a large chunk of it myself. I work part time as well as going to school, my paychecks help me pay off the portion that I'm paying plus a little spending money but that is it which is why I don't have the funds to fix the car right now. I already rely on my parents to pay off a bit of the car so I don't want to ask them to fix this. I hope I don't come off as someone arrogant or what not but I want to fix this on my own.

If you can provide me with any guidance, I would greatly appreciate it

[LexusIS]

I can check for you when I get back into work Tuesday. Or I might be swinging by the shop tomorrow. I'll PM you. It might be cheaper to just replace the handle, as it might come pre-painted.

I also thought about doing this but its one of those fancy handles that lock and unlock by touch so I would assume those are very expensive. Since its only the paint that is damaged, I just thought that would be cheaper.

And thank you for your help, do you work at a shop in richmond? I can bring it in if that works better for you

[bossha]

Not to troll, but you drive a brand new Lexus and can't afford to fix a scratch.....I would assume if you can afford a Lexus, money shouldn't be an issue...

Sounds like the typical Richmond Asian kid that has mommy and daddy giving them a brand new spanking car. Just ask mom and dad to fix it or buy you a new car. Just saying.

Somebody woke up on the wrong side of bed..

Quit being a douchebag.

[SpeedStars]

Meh, just wrap it in carbon wrap :troll: semi srs

[LexusIS]

I'm assuming, due to the username, that's an IS250/350?

Damage that severe cannot be repaired properly unless it is taken to a body shop. If this was a $1000 car, sure, gran a touch up paint pen and go to town, but not on a car with any value. Get it done correctly.

Thanks for the tip and yes, its an IS250. After reading everyone's posts, I think the better option is definitely to bring it to a shop but all the shops are closed on Sundays so do you have any idea how much this would cost me? and which shops are trusted?

And I know you said that I should not do it on my own especially since I've never done anything like this before but would there be a temporary way to hide the damage or something like that?

I'm not planning on selling this car anytime soon so resale value doesn't matter to me, I just want to get it to as close to pre-scratch condition as possible. Of course it will never look the same but I just want to see what options there are for me

[fliptuner]

You could mask off the door handle and surrounding area, scuff it with 400, then spray with OEM colour match, followed by a good clearcoat. Would probably take a couple of hours and $50. Then after a couple of days of curing, wetsand with 1000, polish and wax.

Another option is to get a quote from a mobile paint repair service.

Bodyshop, I'd say around $300ish?

[LexusIS]

You could also mask off the door handle and surrounding area, scuff it with 400, then spray with OEM colour match, followed by a good clearcoat. Would probably take a couple of hours and $50. Then after a couple of days of curing, wetsand with 1000, polish and wax.

Another option is to get a quote from a mobile paint repair service.

That definitely sounds like a plausible idea, would that way be beginner friendly? And is there any videos out there that shows how to do that?

What mobile paint repair service would you recommend?

[acurael]

You could mask off the door handle and surrounding area, scuff it with 400, then spray with OEM colour match, followed by a good clearcoat. Would probably take a couple of hours and $50. Then after a couple of days of curing, wetsand with 1000, polish and wax.

Another option is to get a quote from a mobile paint repair service.

Bodyshop, I'd say around $300ish?

Good idea. But based on what OP is saying, I don't think this a good option. No experience - OP will probably make it worse. Just get it done at the body shop properly or replace the handle. Its a 2014 Lexus - $300 is the least of your worries.

[LexusIS]

Good idea. But based on what OP is saying, I don't think this a good option. No experience - OP will probably make it worse. Just get it done at the body shop properly or replace the handle. Its a 2014 Lexus - $300 is the least of your worries.

So do you think $300 would be a fair quote for a scratch like this?

I know I have no experience but I have friends who do so I can ask them for help. I'm just looking to see what kind of options I have before I make a decision.

And also, I know that $300 probably doesn't seem a lot to a lexus owner but right now, it is to me so if possible, we can avoid saying money is not a problem. If taking it to a shop is the best option though, I do not have a problem putting up the money but $300 is something to me and I don't want to use it if there are alternate ways that are just/nearly as good

[gramser57]

If money is tight why not.
Custom Color and Chrome Door Handle Overlays 2014 Lexus IS250 Pick Your Color | eBay

[LexusIS]

If money is tight why not.
Custom Color and Chrome Door Handle Overlays 2014 Lexus IS250 Pick Your Color | eBay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Custom-Color-and-Chrome-Door-Handle-Overlays-2014-Lexus-IS250-PICK-YOUR-COLOR-/400737372146?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Make%3ALexus%7CModel%3AIS250&hash=item5d4dcf07f2&vxp=mtr)

Oh shit, those actually look really good. Thanks for the idea. Is it $70 for the whole set?

[PuYang]

Meh, just wrap it in carbon wrap :troll: semi srs

hehe, I was actually gonna suggest something similar, not CF though hahaha. Maybe black plastidip or something on all 4 door handles etc?

Clean/buff out that area and apply plastidip~!

[gramser57]

Oh shit, those actually look really good. Thanks for the idea. Is it $70 for the whole set?

Yes, ship it to point roberts and get the seller to paint it with your factory colour.

[LexusIS]

hehe, I was actually gonna suggest something similar, not CF though hahaha. Maybe black plastidip or something on all 4 door handles etc?

Clean/buff out that area and apply plastidip~!

These ideas are all good, thanks a lot guys, maybe this is gods way of telling me to do some car mods haha. Any suggestions on where I should take it for some plastidip or can I do it myself? I've done it on my cousin's acura rims but is it the same for door handles?

[LexusIS]

Yes, ship it to point roberts and get the seller to paint it with your factory colour.

I actually like the look of the chrome so I don't mind how it looks right now. and just for clarification, this just goes over the original handle right? So the smart key functionality is still intact?

[jeedee]

honestly the scratch isn't that bad...

if money is tight, leave it as is, save some money up then get it properly fixed at an autoshop imo

[skylinergtr]

call the mobile paint guys like colour works, and get a quote?

It's not a big piece to paint, im sure a recommended body shop (that can do it for cash), will not charge THAT MUCH

[swfk]

It's not a whole panel, I don't think the body shop will charge that much for it

[StanleyR]

Tell your parents the car doesn't fit your needs anymore and sell the car.

Get parents to help buy new one...problem solved!

[yray]

I'll buy your car for half listed due to the extensive damage.

[J.C]

can't you just replace the whole handle?
can't be that expensive

[LexusIS]

can't you just replace the whole handle?
can't be that expensive

That's one option, I'm going to give a call to openroad lexus tomorrow to see what they can offer. Replacing it will definitely make it look better than painting it but with smart access and stuff like that, I feel like it will cost a lot more than the other options on the table

[LexusIS]

call the mobile paint guys like colour works, and get a quote?

It's not a big piece to paint, im sure a recommended body shop (that can do it for cash), will not charge THAT MUCH

Thanks for the tip! I'll definitely give them a call.

[Djiban]

Check to see if you can buy a new door handle from the states, and compare it which one is cheaper than fixing it.

[Timbits93]

Based on the part numbers I quickly looked up (US Pricing - Starfire Pearl assuming that's the colour)...

69210 (6921053030A0) - Passenger Door Handle (the long bit) - $245.14
69217E (692170E020A0) - Passenger Door Handle (the bit where a key hole would be if there was one) - $25.76

Source - 2014 IS250: OEM Body (FRONT DOOR LOCK & HANDLE) Replacement Parts (http://is.sewellparts.com/oem-catalog/6703677842-Body-IS250-2014.html)

Hope that helps!

[LexusIS]

Based on the part numbers I quickly looked up (US Pricing - Starfire Pearl assuming that's the colour)...

69210 (6921053030A0) - Passenger Door Handle (the long bit) - $245.14
69217E (692170E020A0) - Passenger Door Handle (the bit where a key hole would be if there was one) - $25.76

Source - 2014 IS250: OEM Body (FRONT DOOR LOCK & HANDLE) Replacement Parts (http://is.sewellparts.com/oem-catalog/6703677842-Body-IS250-2014.html)

Hope that helps!

Wow thanks! A lot better than I thought it would be

[godwin]

Don't bother calling local dealer for part prices.. they will be more than what US dealers charge for. If money is tight, then order the handle from the States.

However make sure you haven't damaged the door skin, from your picture it looks like the handle is misaligned.

That's one option, I'm going to give a call to openroad lexus tomorrow to see what they can offer. Replacing it will definitely make it look better than painting it but with smart access and stuff like that, I feel like it will cost a lot more than the other options on the table

[LexusIS]

Don't bother calling local dealer for part prices.. they will be more than what US dealers charge for. If money is tight, then order the handle from the States.

However make sure you haven't damaged the door skin, from your picture it looks like the handle is misaligned.

How much would a US dealer charge? I'm happy to drive down to Seattle to pick it up.

The door skin? Can you elaborate?

Thanks

[Nvasion]

Body shop would probably charge 300 to do it. It is a three stage color. That price would include r and I also.

[J____]

I doubt replacing the handle would be cheaper. I don't think body shop would charge 300 for that. probably 150-200 ish? But honestly, I think you made a poor choice in buying a lexus on your part time payroll. If a 300 paint repair is giving you headache, what happens when you need maintenance in the thousands? I bought a benz when I was in university, but I had the funds and means of making enough money to support it. But since you've already purchased it, just take it into perspective and make better choices next time.

[N8]

Shit happens - I think it'll be around 2-300. So not that bad compared to most body shop bills. good thing you didn't scrape any body panels either.

[cooke24]

remove door panel, remove handle, send to body shop/mobile paint guy.

body shop probably charge you $60 to paint something like that. might take a while thou.

option 2

remove dads credit car from wallet, drive to body shop, tell them to paint, take courtesy car for the day(try and not scratch it), pick up car $200 later. "

[Nlkko]

Money is tight then leave it alone. Owning a car meaning you will get scratches here and there which cost loads of money to fix. And don't even bother with DIY on a 2014 Lexus if you have never done any paint work before.

Most cars, no matter how well-kept, have little scratches, dings here and there. It's not a big deal.

[Geoc]

Save up and do it right. Your attempts to haphazardly fix it now for cheap will only make it worse.

Deal with it and save up for a month to pay for a proper respray .

[dn53]

Some handles I've done are pretty straight forward. Pop a plastic cap off in the door jam area and undo a bolt and it falls apart. If I were you I would try taking the handle off and painting it myself.

[CBP_EG6]

Call lexus, the outer handles usually come painted and shouldn't be much more than $200. They'd probably charge you an hour max for install

[underscore]

It might be cheaper to just replace the handle, as it might come pre-painted.

This, they come pre-painted so the colour will match better than a third party repaint too. I can't pull list prices for the 3rd gen since it's so new but for the 2nd gen/2013 (which should be close), the passenger rear handle (I'm assuming it's the rear?) list price is US$40.41 for the handle and US$15.62 for the cap. If it's the front the handle is US$212.79 and the cap is US$30.88.

Whichever it is you're probably better off replacing it with a prepainted OEM one than paying someone to fix it, even if you have to wait a bit to get it done. Call a couple dealers and get quotes for the parts for starters and go from there. If you like I can get you a quote for replacement parts from a dealer I deal with in the US, even with shipping they tend to be cheaper than the Canadian dealers.

edit: Googling with the 2014 part numbers and the 2014 parts are even cheaper (by about 25%) than the 2013 prices I posted.

[Cman333]

That's pretty light scratch. Looks worse than it really is.

My friends bodyshop should be able to do that for you cost effectively.

Herbert's Autobody
604-278-1900

Ask for Danny

I would guess <$200. But that's my guess. I don't really know. lol

[nsx042003]

Based on the part numbers I quickly looked up (US Pricing - Starfire Pearl assuming that's the colour)...

69210 (6921053030A0) - Passenger Door Handle (the long bit) - $245.14
69217E (692170E020A0) - Passenger Door Handle (the bit where a key hole would be if there was one) - $25.76

Source - 2014 IS250: OEM Body (FRONT DOOR LOCK & HANDLE) Replacement Parts (http://is.sewellparts.com/oem-catalog/6703677842-Body-IS250-2014.html)

Hope that helps!

was gonna say sewell lexus, good thing it was just the handle, not your quarters

[meme405]

was gonna say sewell lexus, good thing it was just the handle, not your quarters

Yup this. Broke the key hole cover of my door handle purchased a new one from Sewell Infiniti online for 19 bucks.

Way easier to just replace your door handle with a brand new one as they normally come pre-painted.

[hi-revs]

Can try taking the handle off the car. Sand it down. Prime it. Spray with matching paint (or closest matching). Then clear coat it. Shouldnt be difficult at all. Although the white may be a bit off.
Doing it yourself wouldnt cost a whole lot. Just take your time with it.

[tiger_handheld]

Why not see if you can get the handle covers from wreck yard or online parts dealer?

[Truenosan]

Why not see if you can get the handle covers from wreck yard or online parts dealer?

There aren't too many used Lexus parts at our local yards.

[AzNightmare]

In the long run, you're going to be more happy getting it fixed properly.
Unless you're experienced with basic autobody work, you might end up making it worse.
As in trying to take the parts off, etc.

Although over time, it might "buff out" and become less noticeable.
Not sure how much of that black is the plastic or if it's just scuff marks from the wall (or whatever you hit).

If money is tight, I would suggest to just save up and start a "door handle fix" fund and take it to a shop when you got the money,
rather than waste it on a temporary fix, just to be annoyed about it still when it doesn't look as good as you expected.

[heisenberg]

plastidip all your handles black?

[Verdasco]

never park in tight spots in aberdeen OP, people will ding your car.

[ree666]

never park in tight spots in aberdeen OP, people will ding your car.

you mean never park in aberdeen.

[Gumby]

you mean never park in aberdeen.
Better yet, don't even GO to Aberdeen.

[Cman333]

you mean never park in aberdeen.

You mean anywhere there's Seniors or Asian drivers. Even worse.....senior asian drivers :p

Have this Chinese grandma in my building with her new Civic that has huge scrapes and dents on every single panel/door/bumper on her car. Watching her reverse into her parking spot is painful. Probably goes back and forth to fit into her spot 30+ times. She hits the pillar beside her every time and walks away like nothing happened. Glad I'm not parked beside her.

Seriously need to get seniors that can't drive off the road. They're worse than drunk drivers. How many times do you hear about seniors driving through buildings because they step on the "wrong" pedal.

FML

/Rant