Anyone knows a Panel repair shop for Toyota Estima - New member

[scvlim]

Hi everyone,

My name is Samuel and i am new to this forum. I drive a Toyota Camry Ateve 2003 model and my family has a Toyota Estima - Aeras 3.0 V6, 2000 model as well that was imported from overseas. Recently, my wife had an accident while driving the Estima out. Fortunately, my wife and kids were fine but the car's driver side panel and front bumper were damaged. RACV is my insurer and they have assessed the damage to be repairable However, as the car was imported they said that they can only pay me a cash amount and I am to get my own mechanic to get the repair done (I guess this could be useful information to those who have their Estima insured by RACV).

Thus, I would like to find out if anyone could recommend any body panel and repair shops that have experience in getting parts and are good in repairing Toyota Estima. Thanks.

I forgot to mention that I reside in Melbourne in Narre Warren area (South Eastern part).

sincerely,

Samuel.

[paul_j]

Hi Samuel

Welcome to the forum. Only now just saw your post (I don't get on here often)

Any competant body panel shop should be able to do the work for you, there is nothing unique or mysterious about your vehicle that can't be worked on.

I am not impressed with your insurer just paying you some money but still leaving you with a problem.

I am in QLD but have the car insured with NRMA.

The panel shop they referred me to quoted for the job but said that it being an import, they would have to order the parts from overseas with at least a 6 week delay.

I found out that that was the advice the local Toyota dealer spare parts department gave them.

Ours is the JDM ACR30 2.4ltr 2000 model.

I got a list of the required parts from the body shop :-

Front grill

Bonnet

Low front body kit (not fitted on Aus Tarago)

Side front panel

HID Headlight

Fog light

Washer bottle

I decided to track down the parts and found them all to be available from ALLJAP AUTO PARTS (http://alljap.net/products.html).

I had supplied them photos of the vehicle and the damaged areas and gave them the exact model and date of manufacture.

They had all the parts in stock either new or in excellent condition so I advised the panel shop to procure the parts from AllJap after having discussed it with the insurer.

The body shop had the parts within 2 days. AllJap are one my way home from work so I was able to call in, have a look and chat.

This is not an advert for the company - I am sure there are similar outlets elsewhere as well. I had no problems with them.

The panel shop had the job done within a week after getting the parts and did an excellent job - they handle all sorts of makes and models and said that working on my import was no different really to working on a Tarago.

I wish you well in your repairs and I probably would change insurers.

Cheers

[scvlim]

Hi Paul,

Thanks so much for your reply and the info on ALLJap.

To cut the long story short - my vehicle is now a write-off. Apparently the accessor made a mistake due to something to do with their new upgrade of computer system. Thus, instead of it being suitable for repair it is now a write-off. I cannot believe that can happen but it did.

Nonetheless, your info on AllJap is useful as I am likely going to get another imported Estima. I considered getting other brands of people mover but the EStima is still the most value for money in my opinion and after doing another round of research. I seriously considered the IMAX as I have a big family but there seems to be about a 30% chance of getting one with issues with the engine (base on reviews). I was also not so comfortable getting a much older IMAX but the younger IMAX 2010 and beyond will cost $22K or more.

I will definitely also consider getting another insurer in the future.

Thanks again and wish you and everyone on this forum a blessed new year.

Samuel.