Two comments on this:
1. Rather than just finding out what it cost to make this particular repair, what would have been more interesting is to actually take the same type of swing(s) at a 2014 F150 with steel body panels. One of the talking points is that these new panels are as tough, if not tougher than the steel panels they are replacing. Would have been interesting to see that - if the amount of damage inflicted was similar, more, or less and then compare costs. If it takes more to inflict the same amount of damage, one could surmise that the added cost of repair may be less likely. (That is pure speculation, but we don't know).
2. Unsurprisingly, a new body style and parts were more expensive to repair. As more of these units hit the market, one can expect that costs will come down some with time. I'm not claiming that the two materials will be priced the same, but shops are going to have to figure this out - and one of the better selling vehicles in the marketplace is going to force that to happen.
1. Rather than just finding out what it cost to make this particular repair, what would have been more interesting is to actually take the same type of swing(s) at a 2014 F150 with steel body panels. One of the talking points is that these new panels are as tough, if not tougher than the steel panels they are replacing. Would have been interesting to see that - if the amount of damage inflicted was similar, more, or less and then compare costs. If it takes more to inflict the same amount of damage, one could surmise that the added cost of repair may be less likely. (That is pure speculation, but we don't know).
2. Unsurprisingly, a new body style and parts were more expensive to repair. As more of these units hit the market, one can expect that costs will come down some with time. I'm not claiming that the two materials will be priced the same, but shops are going to have to figure this out - and one of the better selling vehicles in the marketplace is going to force that to happen.