Steven,
You will have more luck checking with your neighbors and friends in the Denver area.
Get multiple estimates (3-4, the more the better), and be sure the estimate includes everything, or atleast mentions that there may be some hidden damage that they cannot see until they dismantle some of the damaged sheet metal, to see what's happened underneath. Also, get a time-line on how long it will take them to get parts, and make repairs. A good shop will give accurate repair times and stick to them. Very frustrating when you expect your vehicle to be finished, and they start making a lot of excuses that they should have known and planned for in the original estimate.
Be suspicious if you get an estimate that is much lower than the others. It common to give a low estimate to get the work, but then they make excuses to charge more, like hidden damage, parts cost have increased...yada, yada, yada?
Also, ask if they use OEM parts or aftermarket parts. That often makes a big difference in the final costs. OEM parts tend to cost a bit more, but can save on labor because the parts will often go back on easier and fit better. Aftermarket parts often are cheaper but may require more labor to adjust and get a good fit.
Look the shops up online for other customer reviews...not necessarily from the body-shop's website, but there are other sites that rate services in your area. Also check with the local Better Business Bureau online.
The fact that their maybe one or two complaints, does not mean the shop is bad. Sometimes you just can't please everyone....sometimes people want other damage repaired beyond what was covered by their insurance, etc.
Finally, a lot depends on if the work is being paid by an insurance company (yours or theirs). Often times, the insurance company will give an estimate and that's all they will pay unless the body shop can show proof of hidden damage, etc. Sometimes, insurance companies can legally specify used parts like fenders, hoods, etc, especially on older vehicles? So be sure you know what you are getting in any estimate. Of course there is nothing wrong with used parts if they are undamaged and going to be refinished since they are probably factory original parts and should fit well and should closely match the quality and age of the rest of your vehicle.
...Rich
