I dont have a preference between the v6 and v8. The $3500 was for painted dent repair I know that, and the paint itself was $757 out of the $3500 estimate (seller showed me the estimate). The car hasnt needed anything yet and runs perfectly. Been maintained and tuned like clockwork.
Im no mechanic, I work on my own vintage motorcycle as problems arise so I know a bit but not enough as I'd like, definitely around cars. But boy was the engine clean, or maybe I'm used to my 36 year old engine
In the shop estimate labor was $80/hr totaling $1680/21hrs. But there are local schools I could take the car too where I just pay for parts+paint and they will fix without labor costs. Only draw back is they will have the car for a month+ which sucks but wouldn't effect me much since I have my motorcycle to rely on. I could replace the fenders myself I'm thinking but the paint and dents will probably have to be done by someone else.