Ask an expert

I was just wondering around how much it generally costs to repair or replace a bumper for a Mazda Demio 1997?

Ray

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 8 September 2008

It's impossible to say without having a look at the vehicle.

In many cases what you see is only part of the repair required. It's not uncommon for an impact causing damage to a bumper to have also caused damage to support panels and brackets securing the bumper to the vehicle.

Sometimes they can be realigned or repaired and in other cases they need to be replaced.

Then there is the painting (especially if it's a colour coded bumper), which can escalate depending on the extent of the repair.

Quite often the whole bumper needs to be repainted and in some cases some blending into other panels is required to gain a good match.

There are business who specialise in the repair of plastic bumpers which help keep the costs down.

In some cases a second hand bumper is a good option, particularly if the bumper is painted and you can pick one up the same colour.

Best to get a quote from your local panel beater but don't be surprised if it's around the $400 mark plus.