Same city. Same technician. Two dents — one costs $197, the other $500. Is PDR worth it? Yes, and here’s exactly why prices vary so dramatically — and how to know what you’re actually paying for.
Why Your Neighbor’s Dent Cost Half What Yours Did
The most common question Dent Time gets: “My coworker paid $180 for a dent repair. Mine is the same size — why is my quote $420?”
The answer: dent pricing isn’t just about size. It’s about 6 specific factors that each independently affect difficulty, time, and result quality. Miss any one of them and the quote makes no sense.
Here’s the complete breakdown — with real price ranges for San Diego.
The 6 Factors That Determine PDR Cost
Factor 1: Dent Size (The Most Obvious One)
Size matters, but it’s not the only thing that matters.
| Dent Diameter | Typical PDR Cost in San Diego |
|---|---|
| 1 inch (door ding) | $197 |
| 2 inches | $220–$264 |
| 3 inches | $290–$344 |
| 4 inches | $370–$425 |
| 5–6 inches | $480–$584 |
| 8+ inches (large impact) | $700–$900+ |
Example: A 1-inch door ding in a flat steel door panel? $197. Done in 20 minutes. A 5-inch crease from a low-speed parking lot bump? $480+. Takes 90 minutes of careful work.
Factor 2: Location on the Panel — The Biggest Price Driver Most People Don’t Expect
Where the dent sits on the panel changes everything. Access determines technique, and technique determines time.
| Location Factor | Price Impact |
|---|---|
| Flat center of panel | Base price |
| Panel edge | +25% |
| Near a body line or crease | +50% |
| On a body line directly | +50% |
| Behind a brace (obstructed) | +25% |
| Near wheel arch or trim | +25% |
Real example: That 2-inch door ding? If it’s dead center on a flat steel door → $220. If it’s on the body line running across the door → $330. Same dent size. Totally different repair.
Body lines are the most challenging PDR work. The metal memory along a body line creates resistance — overcorrect by even a millimeter and you create a secondary crease. Dent Time has been working body lines for 32 years.
Factor 3: Metal Type — Aluminum vs Steel
This is why Tesla and Rivian repairs cost more than a Honda Civic repair.
| Metal Type | Price Impact |
|---|---|
| Standard steel | Base price |
| High-strength steel (HSS) | +25–50% |
| Aluminum | +50% |
| Classic/vintage metal | +30% |
| Exotic vehicle panels | +40% |
Aluminum panels require:
- Different specialized tools (aluminum-specific tips, wider contact area)
- More time per inch — aluminum work-hardens faster than steel
- More conservative technique — aluminum has less elasticity and can crack if overworked
- Glue-pull method often required instead of traditional rod push
A 3-inch dent on a Honda Accord door (steel): ~$310
A 3-inch dent on a Tesla Model 3 door (aluminum): ~$465
Same size. Different metal, different skill requirement, different tools. That’s why EV owners pay more — and why you should verify your PDR tech is actually trained in aluminum work before letting them touch your Tesla.
Factor 4: Depth and Shape of the Dent
Not all dents are equal at the same diameter.
| Damage Type | Price Impact |
|---|---|
| Shallow dome dent | Base price |
| Medium depth | +15% |
| Deep impact dent | +30% |
| Crease (sharp line) | +25% |
| Multiple peaks/compressions | +25–50% |
Why deep dents cost more: Metal stretched beyond its elastic limit develops “work hardening” — the panel becomes stiffer and more resistant to massage. Deep dents require slower, more precise technique with more steps. Rushing a deep dent creates high spots that are harder to fix than the original dent.
Why creases are expensive: A crease locks metal tension along an entire line. You can’t just push from the center — you have to release pressure progressively from both ends toward the middle, like carefully unzipping a zipper. One wrong move pops a crown you then have to chase.
Factor 5: Panel Access — What’s Behind the Dent
This one surprises people the most. You can have a simple 2-inch door ding that costs $350 instead of $230 — not because of the dent itself, but because of what’s behind it.
| Access Factor | Price Impact |
|---|---|
| Full open access from inside | Base price |
| Sound deadener material | +25% |
| Internal brace in the way | +25% |
| R&I required (removal & reinstall) | $50–$200+ additional |
| Laminated glass nearby | +25% |
Sound deadener is the big one on modern vehicles. Many newer cars and trucks pack the door cavity with thick sound-dampening material. To reach the dent with a rod, the tech has to work around this material — or remove it (adding time) — and the resistance of the sound deadener fights every push.
Some dents require removing a trim panel, handle, or molding to get access. That R&I (removal and installation) time adds to the quote.
Factor 6: Multiple Dents — The Discount Zone
This is where PDR becomes an especially great value.
| Multiple Dents | Price Impact |
|---|---|
| First dent | Full price |
| Additional dent (same panel) | +50% of base (not full price) |
| Multiple panels | Per-panel pricing, usually discounted |
Translation: If you have 3 door dings from the same parking lot incident, you don’t pay 3× the first dent price. The tech is already there, already has access open, tools staged. Additional dents on the same panel or adjacent panels are significantly discounted.
The $197 vs $500 Dent: Two Real Examples
$197 Repair: The “Simple Door Ding”
Vehicle: 2020 Honda Civic
Damage: 1.5-inch round door ding, right front door
Location: Center of door panel, flat area, away from body lines
Metal: Standard steel
Access: Clean — rod access through window opening
Depth: Shallow
Result: 25-minute repair, back to factory condition
This is PDR at its most efficient. One technician, no R&I, no special tools. The dent lifts cleanly because the metal isn’t fighting back.
$480–$540 Repair: The “Looks Simple But Isn’t”
Vehicle: 2022 BMW M4
Damage: 2.5-inch dent, rear door
Location: Directly on the character line (body line) running the length of the door
Metal: High-strength steel
Access: Sound deadener throughout the door cavity
Depth: Medium-deep
Result: 90-minute repair, multiple passes, body line restored
Same basic description — “dent on door.” But this repair is 3× more difficult due to body line location, HSS metal, and sound deadener. The technician is working in tight access, fighting material resistance, and holding the line true through multiple carefully sequenced moves.
Is PDR Worth It? The Value Calculation
Short answer: yes, almost always — when the paint is intact.
Here’s why:
Scenario: 3-inch parking lot dent on a 2023 Toyota Camry XSE, steel panel, center of door.
| Option | Cost | Time | Paint | Car Value Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PDR (Dent Time) | ~$320 | 1 hour | Preserved | +$400–600 resale |
| Body shop repair | ~$800–1,200 | 3–5 days | Resprayed | -$500 resale (repaint history) |
| Ignoring it | $0 | — | May rust eventually | -$1,500+ (visible damage) |
PDR at $320 prevents $1,500 in resale value loss and beats the body shop by $500–900 in out-of-pocket cost. The math isn’t close.
Where PDR pays for itself instantly:
- Lease returns: Dealer dent charges run $200–$500 per dent. PDR at $197–$350 per dent saves you money directly.
- Before selling privately: Remove $200 worth of dings and ask $800–$1,500 more on the sale price.
- Insurance claims: File no claim, pay out-of-pocket for PDR, and protect your insurance premium from increases.
- Luxury and EV vehicles: Factory paint preservation matters most on $40K–$100K+ vehicles.
Why Does PDR Cost Vary So Much Between Shops?
You’ll get quotes ranging from $80 to $600+ for “the same dent” from different shops in San Diego. Here’s what’s behind the spread:
The $80–$120 quote:
Often mobile techs working event parking lots or using quick-pull glue systems. Fast and cheap for truly minor dings, but these methods don’t work on aluminum, body lines, or any dent with depth. If you have a newer vehicle or a complex dent, this is risky.
The $197–$500 Dent Time range:
Trained PDR technicians with full tool sets, proper lighting, and 32+ years of experience. These quotes reflect actual difficulty assessment, not a flat price per dent.
The $500–$800+ quote:
Usually shops factoring in overhead (storefront, equipment amortization, insurance). Legitimate for complex work but often overkill for standard door dings.
What to ask any PDR shop:
- Do you have aluminum-specific tools? (Critical for Tesla, Rivian, BMW)
- Can you work body lines? (Ask for examples)
- What’s your process for sound deadener?
- Do you offer a satisfaction guarantee?
Frequently Asked Questions About PDR Pricing
Why does dent repair price vary so much?
Six factors drive PDR pricing: size, location on the panel, metal type (steel vs aluminum), depth/shape, what’s behind the panel (access), and whether multiple dents are on the same panel. A 2-inch dent on a flat steel panel costs ~$220. The same 2-inch dent on an aluminum panel body line with sound deadener access can cost $500+. The dent looks similar from the outside — the repair difficulty is completely different.
What’s the average cost of paintless dent repair in San Diego?
For a typical door ding on a standard steel vehicle in San Diego, expect $197–$350. For medium dents (3–4 inches) on steel, $280–$425. For aluminum panels or body line dents, add 25–50%. For multiple dents in a single visit, additional dents on the same panel are typically discounted 30–50% off the first dent price.
Is paintless dent repair worth it compared to just ignoring a dent?
Yes. Unrepaired dents deteriorate: the clear coat around the dent flexes and can micro-crack, eventually allowing moisture in. On a lease return or resale, buyers and dealers use the visible damage to negotiate $500–$2,000 below value. PDR typically costs $197–$500 and protects full vehicle value.
How do I know if my dent can be fixed with PDR?
If the paint is intact (no chips, cracks, or flaking), PDR is likely possible. The main limitations: metal that’s been torn or punctured, paint that’s broken through, or dents on structural panels. Text a photo to Dent Time at (858) 408-6200 for a same-day estimate.
What affects PDR cost the most: size or location?
Location often matters more than size. A 1.5-inch dent on a body line can cost as much as a 4-inch flat-panel dent. Body lines require the most precision of any PDR work — one millimeter off and you’ve created a secondary crease that’s harder to fix than the original damage.
Does PDR cost more for aluminum vehicles like Tesla?
Yes — expect 40–50% more than the same repair on a comparable steel vehicle. Aluminum requires different tools, slower technique, and more conservative approach. Not all PDR technicians are trained for aluminum. Dent Time specializes in Tesla Model 3, Model Y, Model S, Rivian R1T, R1S, and other aluminum-intensive EV platforms.
Get a Transparent PDR Quote in San Diego
Dent Time gives you the full breakdown — every factor affecting your quote — before any work starts. No surprises.
📞 (858) 408-6200 — Text a photo for a same-day estimate
📧 denttime@gmail.com
📍 Mobile service — we come to your home or office in Escondido, Carlsbad, San Diego, or anywhere in North County
32+ years. Satisfaction guarantee on every repair.