It was a completely normal day in Leipzig: I parked my car in the city center like I always do. But when I came back, I saw it — a huge dent in the driver’s door. No paint damage, but still a really annoying sight. First reaction? Anger. Second? The question: how do I get rid of this?
The local body shop quoted me €500 for the repair — including repainting and color blending. That couldn’t possibly be the only solution! So I started researching and discovered paintless dent repair, also known as PDR (Paintless Dent Repair). My experience? Surprisingly positive! Here I’ll tell you how it works, what it costs, and who it’s actually worth it for.
What is PDR — and what kind of damage is it good for?
I’ll admit it: at first, I was skeptical. How can a dent just disappear — no repainting, no sanding? But the principle is actually pretty simple: using special tools, the dent is carefully pushed out from the inside. The result? No marks, no color differences — just a smooth surface again.
But beware: PDR doesn’t work for every type of damage. Here’s when it makes sense — and when it doesn’t:
✅ Perfect for:
- hail damage (those small annoying dents on the hood or roof)
- parking dents (when someone bumps your car in a tight spot)
- small bumps from stone hits or minor accidents
- dents in doors, fenders, or the hood
❌ Not suitable for:
- damaged paint (then repainting is required)
- very large dents or sharp creases
- rust or deep scratches
My tip: If you’re unsure, simply send a photo of the dent to a PDR service — most will tell you immediately if it can be repaired.
How the repair went for me — step by step
After a few clicks on Google, I found a mobile PDR service in Leipzig. The biggest advantage? The technician came directly to my home — no workshop appointment, no waiting. Here’s how it went:
Contact: I called, described the dent and got a free quote.
Appointment: the next day, he was already at my door.
Inspection: he checked the dent and gave me a fixed price of €120.
Repair: after about 90 minutes, it was done. And the result? The dent was completely gone — like nothing ever happened.
What surprised me most: no marks, no paint differences. The car looked brand new!
Cost comparison: Is PDR really worth it?
I looked more closely at prices in Leipzig and the surrounding area. Here’s a realistic overview (as of 2025):
| Damage | Price (approx.) | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Small dent (up to 5 cm) | €80–€150 | 30–60 min |
| Medium dent (5–15 cm) | €150–€250 | 60–90 min |
| Hail damage (multiple dents) | €300–€800 | 2–4 hrs |
For comparison: a classic body shop repair would have cost me at least twice as much — and with a longer waiting time!
My conclusion: If the paint is intact, PDR is the smarter choice. Faster, cheaper, and much gentler than any body shop.
What to look for when choosing a PDR service
Not every provider is equally good. To avoid unpleasant surprises, here are my tips:
✔ check reviews — Google, Facebook, or car forums
✔ ask for before/after photos — reputable technicians are happy to show their work
✔ agree on a fixed price — no “hourly rates” that may end up more expensive
✔ use a mobile service — most come to your home or office
By the way: many PDR services also offer a warranty on their work. Just ask!
Conclusion: Would I choose PDR again?
Without hesitation! The repair was not only faster and cheaper than a body shop, but also much more stress-free. Instead of driving around for weeks with an ugly dent, my car was perfect again within just a few hours.