5 Body Repairs To Make Before Selling Your Car
Used cars are typically sold as-is, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't make a few small repairs. Fixing cosmetic body and exterior damage can greatly increase the value of the car.
1. Fix Minor Dents
Minor dents are those that can be pulled out or straightened with minor hammering. These dents tend to detract greatly from the cosmetic appeal of a car but generally require little time or money to fix. Dents with deep creases require more expensive repairs, so you must assess whether the amount of value added by repairing major dents will balance out the cost of the repair.
2. Touch Up Scratches
Any scratches or dings in the paint should be touched up prior to listing the vehicle for sale. This is a low-cost and quick repair that can greatly increase a car's value. It's especially important to repair any scratches that have reached down to the bare metal, particularly if rust is beginning to form. Even a small amount of rust can put off a lot of buyers and greatly reduce the perceived value of your car.
3. Buff Out Scuffs
Many panels on modern cars, including bumper covers, are actually made of plastic. These plastic panels are prone to scuffing, particularly the bumpers where they may come in contact with parking barriers. These scuffs are often fairly shallow but they can look quite bad. A repair shop can buff out the scuffs and polish the plastic panel so it looks new again. A bit of touch-up paint will finish the repair.
4. Replace Missing Parts
A bit of missing door trim, a damaged front spoiler under the bumper, or a broken rear light cover can greatly impact the perceived value of your vehicle. This small cosmetic damage may not affect how well the vehicle runs, but a buyer is likely going to pay less because of them. Your repair shop can help you source inexpensive aftermarket or used replacements for any missing or damaged exterior parts.
5. Repair Glass Damage
Damage to a windshield can make someone pass over your car on the used vehicle market, as it can seem like an expensive hassle to deal with. Glass chip repair is inexpensive and effective, so it should always be completed before selling a vehicle. It's also a good idea to replace broken side mirrors and to have headlamps polished to remove any hazing before putting the car on the market.
Contact an auto repair shop to schedule the minor fixes you need to sell your car.
