Has anybody ever experienced a body repair shop saying they can't get a part because LR will only send to a "certified repair" shop? In my case it is the right rear quarter panel. My guy is saying LR will not send it to them and I have to have to take the vehicle to a dealership that is two hours away.

 

What country are you in? In US I believe that's right that only a certified body shop can order panels for bodywork. But that doesn't mean a dealer. In fact dealers don't do bodywork. There are many body shops certified to work on aluminium vehicles. Your dealer can prob tell you who they use. Or you should be able to search online and find places that can do it

Working with aluminium is v different than steel so you will want someone who knows what they are doing.

 

I needed a replacement drivers door, was trying to determine whether to make a claim or self pay. I chose not to ask my dealer for a recommendation, wanted a place very nearby, didn't want to mess around with loaner cars. Rang 3 places randomly, all 3 quoted me which meant they were able to get a parts quote and presumably supply commitment from JLR. It took less than 2 weeks from quote to done, most of that being parts shipping. Not just for aluminium and perhaps not fairly, if your shop can't quote it, you probably don't want them doing the work.

 

This is one of the top body shops in the area, no doubt. They were recommended by a local used LR dealer that has an excellent reputation. They just aren't certified by LR. I was thinking about ordering the part myself. I found it on myroverparts.com so will see if maybe they can get it there.

 

I think the doors are aluminum but aren't the quarter panels plastic?

 

They are aluminum. I believe the entire body is.

 

Somebody recently posted that the tailgate was plastic. They had broken off a corner of it.

 

The doors are steel. Yeah I broke the corner of the plastic liftgate with my forehead.