Repair cracked bumper or leave for now?

[Syr4RinNC]

So my wife hit a deer the other morning and the front bumper has a crack in it and some of the decorative plastic valence is damaged.

For all intents and purposes we can say it is a 4r (though actually a 2017 highlander). The convo applies to all vehicles. The replacement part on rockauto is about $160.

Just curious if anyone has any thoughts about if I should replace the front bumper ASAP or leave as is as long as we can tolerate the cosmetics and repair it prior to us thinking about getting rid of it?

My general thought now is just leave it through the winter, heaven forbid were in an accident in the snow or something.

Just curious what people's thoughts are

 

[AuSeeker]

So my wife hit a deer the other morning and the front bumper has a crack in it and some of the decorative plastic valence is damaged.

For all intents and purposes we can say it is a 4r (though actually a 2017 highlander). The convo applies to all vehicles. The replacement part on rockauto is about $160.

Just curious if anyone has any thoughts about if I should replace the front bumper ASAP or leave as is as long as we can tolerate the cosmetics and repair it prior to us thinking about getting rid of it?

My general thought now is just leave it through the winter, heaven forbid were in an accident in the snow or something.

Just curious what people's thoughts are

I would leave it as is for now...but that's without seeing the actual damage, I might change my mind after seeing the damage, you will get better advice if you post photos of the damage.

 

[Syr4RinNC]

Good point - will do

 

[Syr4RinNC]

got some, not best quality but give you an idea of the crack, the underneath and the bumper separating from valance

 

[RichinRidgewood]

Fix it. If you wait you might have problems with your insurance company when you try to do it later. Like happened to us.

 

[Runner-Wannabe]

I voted “when it bothers you cosmetically” but knowing myself, that tends to turn into never because I don’t want to spend the money because it’s lost it importance or just never get around to it.

 

[Syr4RinNC]

I ended up using jb weld and bumper filler to piece it together, sanded it and painted it. My worry was hitting another deer or sliding out in the winter.

All told it probably took me as long to do all this as it would have to take apart the entire front end and buy a new lower bumper for $100 from rock auto