I've left messages with a couple of smart repair peeps for estimates but I reckon it'll be a roof/ hood respray. Not metallic a solid fire engine red. Any ideas how much?

I wouldn't think a quality respray would be under £500 to £600

I had a smart repair to minor damage to a back bumper, that cost £100 (though the guy lent me a courtesy car while he tokk mine o his workshop).

I would suggest that for a 3 week old car I'd shop round a couple of proper body shops for a price, might get an impression of how good they are (tidyness of premises etc.).

Some of these places advertise which insurers approve them, the dealer you bought the car from might recommend one if you ask.

Not metallic a solid fire engine red.

That is without a doubt the worst colour in my experience to match. I had a vandal scratch down to side and the garage was able to paint between two fold lines and blend it in, looked great. That was until about 8 in the evening when the street lights came on, the original car was red, the repainted bit was a 6" wide bright orange stripe down the side.

Garage said that was the best they could do. I refused to pay the bill.

6 months later someone stoved the same side in so back to the body shop again, a different one this time. Explained to him what had happened perviously and he said not to worry, they could deal with it. Looked great on collection and great under street lights.

So make sure they know you are aware of the problems matching solid red paint.

6 months later I had a final demand from the first garage but unfortunately I was not in a position to challange their workmanship since it had been painted over by garage number 2. Had to pay the bill, not happy.