It's taken awhile, but it can't be fixed now, because the little holes for the bolts are broken.
I'm guessing that the existing bumper 'might' be engineered with something behind it to help with the broken holes...if you know of anyone who is 'handy' they could maybe look at it and give you an idea of how it might be fixed. Know any shade tree mechanics or handy men? Anyone you 'know' who could look at it and suggest something? Might your friends or neighbors know of anyone like that?

Can I look for the part, myself, and take it to the body shop to be installed?
I would certainly think so...if you find one at a wrecking yard, they might even be able to suggest someone who could put it on for you...or they might do it for you for a small fee themselves.

If I was there, I could help you maybe even fix/rig the one that is on it to hang on there a good while longer, providing you didn't run over any more curbs.

(Handy) Sue

I'd ask at the body shops, whether they'd be able to look for a used bumper for you. If not, you can just start calling junkyards (from yellow pages listings) and ask 'do you have a bumper for a dark green 1999 Volkswagon Passat?'. I'd also ask them if they can remove the part from the car it's on or whether you'd have to do that yourself.

My hubby works at an automotive repair shop.....

I think you should start out there, at a body shop. They will be able to let you know if a used one is available. Now getting it in the right color may be a challenge, but you never know. There will be, of course, a charge to remove your old one, and to install the new one.

There is always the chance that yours can be repaired, so that's why I say start out at a body shop.

The junk yard won't take off your old one, and some of them make you take the part off of the "donating" car yourself. Not fun.

Now hold on. The holes are broken. I assume you mean the side is ripped out of the hole or something? If the bumper is otherwise serviceable, just have a welder weld up the holes and redrill them or weld a plate to the side and rebolt it. Probably could get that done for $100 or less.

Junkyard parts often use a guideline of 50% of new price. The u-pull places will be cheaper than a place that pulls it for you, however many places will even install it for you so you could have a cheaper alternative to a body shop.

Another option for this is to check with welding schools and the like. Sometimes they'll let you bring in a vehicle to have it worked on if they're covering the type of work you need. Or you might be able to find a talented student to do the work for you.

Like with so many things, it's connections. Start spreading the word. Work, social places, church, etc. If you're not in a hurry you could find a shadetree mechanic or a good samaritan to help you out.

Personally, I'd first look into finding a welder and see about a repair.

It looks like it might be a fiberglass bumper.

Anyway, they are available (the front bumper cover only) for different models of 1999 Passet for as low as $129 plus shipping. They come primered ready for paint.

Now if that is all that is broken and really needs replaced, you might find someone to paint it and put it on at a reasonable price. I'd verify first with someone knowledgeable exactly what is broken, that can't be repaired and what needs to be replaced.

Sue

Here is a link that might be useful: Replacement Front Bumper Cover - Primered 1998-2001 Volkswagen Passat

Well, I took your advice and went to my regular body shop. The guy gave me an estimate for a new bumper, painted to match, at $800, as I'd expected. Then he said he thought that was too much to spend on the car, and that he could fabricate something to get the old bumper to stay on - plus replace a piece of the grille that had fallen off - for $250. Sold! And I've used his shop a number of times before, so I trust him.

Thanks for the help!

and that he could fabricate something to get the old bumper to stay on

YAY!

Yes, I was pretty excited! Just hope it works. He seemed very sure, though, and he's been in the same spot for 25 years, so I have high hopes!

There are two pieces up front that could be damaged: the bumper and the plastic bumper cover. Are you sure it was the bumper or was it the cover that was damaged? The bumper cover is the cosmetic piece that you see, is part of the styling, usually made of plastic, and some may have the color molded. The real bumper is an ugly looking piece, often made of plain channel iron with minimal corrosion protection, and will be rusty after it is a couple of years old. Its covered up by the bumper cover.

The good part about the age is that it's not the "crunch" bumpers with impact absorption. They can be quite spendy. I thought it should be pretty easy to repair. There's just not that much to it. Nice to hear the good news. It's nice to have a trusted shop.

Just be careful playing "bumper cars" from now on! :)

See?? Body Shops aren't always out to screw you.
Glad they were able to help.