Panasonic Rear End Crash

Hi all,

I'm posting this for a friend of mine who just got rear ended by somebody on the back driver side (I haven't gotten the particulars of the insurance and all that who technically is at fault) but just basic information on what she has provided.

According to the dealership, its a Panasonic Edition 2003 GT (Was wondering as well if anybody could also help as to what the difference is?) and only 1 of 100 sold here in Canada. Because of this, aparently it is alot more expensive to fix since this bumper is supposedly rare.

The price quoted was $8000.

The question if anybody could help with is this is:

-Just because its a 'Panasonic' edition, would that make the bumper that much more different hence expensive? Overall, I highly doubt there is any difference in design, appearance or safety, perhaps a stamp or insignia somewhere differentiating it (which hardly justifies the high cost or at least a replacement from a normal edition could be used)

-So the bumper was severely damaged (including the inside - pic 3). So I have no doubt that it will be expensive to fix, considering there is more then just cosmetic damage and damage to the structure or support.

I think overall the dealer is trying to optimize profits in this situation - I think it should maybe be around 4-5K. Therefore a reputable shop that specializes in body repair should be the place to go. Any input from others here would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,


http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/9357/celicadamageld7.jpg
http://img45.imageshack.us/img45/3940/celicadamage2yq5.jpg
http://img45.imageshack.us/img45/9104/celicadamage3om8.jpg

It looks like the US Action Package. As far as I know, the US Action Package had a normal bumper, with an extension that drops down. Similar to the Corolla S having the corners in the back bumper.