I Am Selling My Car-Should I Fix the Dents?

Ready to sell your car? Regardless of whether you are trading it in at a dealership or selling it yourself, there are a few things you can do to ensure that your car is visibly and mechanically appealing to potential buyers.

This article will explain why getting your car dents fixed before selling is a good idea. It will also give you a few other ideas that may improve your chances of selling it faster and hopefully for more money.

Preparing to Sell

So you are ready to sell your vehicle. First, you need to determine your car’s value. You can get the value by taking your car to a dealership or using an appraisal site such as Parkers.

Next, it’s time to look at your car’s body. Does it have dents or dings? While they may seem minor to you, there are some advantages and disadvantages of fixing up your car’s dents before selling.

Advantages to Fixing Your Car Dents Before You Sell Your Car

Increases the Value of Your Car

Though a few minor dents probably won’t be a dealbreaker for most buyers, medium to large dents that mar your vehicle’s body can be. Large dents can affect the condition of your car, which can ultimately lower the value of your vehicle. 

Fixing bigger, more unsightly dents can actually increase the car’s value, as aesthetics are always a factor when someone is shopping for a new (used) car. When you use paintless dent repair, the cost is minimal, and you don’t have to worry about painting the car either.

Helps Your Car Sell Faster

Another advantage to repairing a dent before selling your car is that it can help it sell faster. Buyers may be leery about buying a car with a significant dent. They don’t know the cause of the dent or if there is hidden damage behind or near the dented area.

Also, the car may simply not appeal to them because of how it looks. You can remove these worries when you repair your vehicle before selling it.

Give Less Reason to Argue Price

Fixing up your car’s dents will give the buyer less chances to argue and negotiate down the price. This is beneficial to both you and the new owner. They won’t have to go out and get the dents fixed themselves, and since your vehicle is now dent free, you get what the car is worth. 

Disadvantages of Repairing Car Dents Before Selling Your Car

Cost

The biggest and most obvious issue with fixing dents before selling your car is that it costs money. If you have an older car that isn’t worth much, maybe you don’t need to fix any of the dents, which should be okay with who is buying. While the same may not be true for a newer car, it is up to you to weigh how much you stand to lose if you choose to save money upfront and forgo the fixes. 

Time

Fixing anything on a car takes time, and if you are in a rush to sell, you will have to wait for the repairs to be done. If the dents have gone past the paint job, you will need a body shop to fix them rather than the faster, more economical paintless dent repair shop. Doing this could take a week or two, depending on the shop. 

Prepare Your Car for Resale

Here are a few steps you can take to get your car resale ready after you choose (or choose not to) fix your dents.

Fix Small Issues

Making sure your tires, headlights, windows, and battery are all in good working order will help you get the most out of your vehicle when you sell it. Replacing minor issues like broken wiper blades or dead headlights is easy, affordable and will give the new buyer a sense of ease when purchasing your car.

Clean the Car Inside and Out

Another simple step to take before selling your vehicle is to make sure you have cleaned it thoroughly before potential buyers look at it. Make sure to wash the exterior, clean the rims, and give it a good wax if you can. Getting your car detailed inside and out can go a long way to making it look sellable and pleasing to the potential new owner.

Get Your Car Looking Brand New Again Before You Sell 

Here at Caversham Coachworks, our mission is to provide top quality car repairs and dent removal services. Our technicians have the skills and tools to get your vehicle looking new again. 

Whether you’re dealing with a minor or significant dent, we offer exceptional service and use the most modern, safe techniques to repair your vehicle.
Call us today or go online and use our free and easy online free estimator tool. See why we are the leading independent vehicle repair and paintless dent repair centre in Berkshire and Central Oxfordshire.