Someone collided with my 2000 4Runner in a parking lot. I need to replace the left front fender – nothing more. They can't resurface it, or anything like that. The basic part costs only $30, so the primary labor would be removing/replacing, and probably more than anything – the painting. The factory coat is “Millennium Silver”.

I cashed a $630 check from the other drivers insurance company, and the body shop I want to go to insists that I send them the insurance documents. I’m suspicious of kickbacks. But is this typical? Will every body shop refuse to look at it and give an estimate if they don’t see the insurance company check?

My big question is… How much would this cost? I live in Arizona. I’m not sure if I can get a quality job done for less than $630. If so, it would obviously nice to save some money. I assume the place I talked to would charge me the exact amount that the check was worth. For all I know, it realistically only costs $400 to get this done well.

Any other thoughts/advice would be greatly appreciated!

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Not knowing the labor rates in AZ, I can't tell you much. But I can tell you a few things about the industry. You might find a shop that will just paint the new fender off the car and install it for a low price. But the proper way to get a finish match involves blending, and that means a lot more time and money. My advice to you is what I tell everyone who asks me here(I owned a body shop for 14 years), find a shop you trust, and let them do their job. Unless of course you hope to pocket some money, then find the El Cheapo shop. There is no right answer, your quality standards and budget will decide for you.

Pardon me for asking, but are you saying you can get a new fender for $30? Seriously? That can't be a toyota part can it? I would be worried about how a $30 fender will fit.

I would sooner pop the dent out and patch it up than risk a cheap aftermarket fender if yours is not rusty.

Tell any body shop you're asking an estimate from that this is an out of pocket expense, no insurance involved.

I'd get that fender fixed.
Remove the fender flare, pull the dent out (shoud come out easily with just a simple pull). Show it to a paint guy and get it painted. I have the same exact dent in my cruiser and yet to get it done.

Replacing the fender yourself is not all that hard. Try this site and try to find the same color used fender: Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market

You might have to phone the yards that have your part. I never got email replies.

Metallic silver is a hard color to match. I doubt a shop would get it right for $600. Maaco is running a half price special now and you could get a cheap paint job on the whole truck for that price. I'm happy with the Maaco jobs I have had and your truck is 17 years old after all.

There's also this vender on eBay who will paint a fender and ship it to you for $225. There may be others. I just saw someone on the Tacoma forum who is really happy with this service:
1996-2002 Toyota 4Runner PRE PAINTED TO MATCH Driver Fender w Free TOUCH UP

I'd try and find a used one in the right color and just replace it yourself. Pocket the extra $400-500.

Agreed.

Also, how is the paint on the rest of the truck? New painted fender on faded truck will not look to great. Just me.

great advice here unless it's a shop who only wants to deal with insurance claims.

The insurance docs all make it clear that it needs to be replaced. It's also rusty.

The paint on the rest of the truck is absolutely incredible. I was so lucky to buy this one – the previous owners hardly ever let it outside.

Those came from my quotes online, and it's the same price that the insurance company quoted.

If this were me, I'd find a different body shop.

I'm sure you are correct. No offense intended.

I simply wanted to state that the cheap fenders I have used in the past look like cheap fenders when they are installed. You should be aware that aftermarket MAY not fit as good as the original. I would verify they are using Toyota panels if you care much about the truck. Just trying to help.

Try Camelback Toyota for pricing on OEM fender. It's more.

I have bought 2 fenders from an auto dismantler & from a pick it yourself type place... $40-$50 tops & a little time & you can replace that Denver yourself...

Seriously. Look for a fender in your color & spend some time replacing it.

It might take a little while to source the color that matches your silver is it??... but if you're patient it can be done.. or maybe eBay or Hollander parts or something g has something quicker if you can't stand looking at it.