I'm either going to sell or trade my car very soon.

What would you do>?

 

A listing on autotrader doesn't really cost that much money. See if it sells as is.

 

Selling cars is a lot about putting an image into people's minds.
If you sell a car with a noticeable scratch or dent and don't get it repaired, they will think that other parts of the car are the same too.

I would fix it and make it look flawless before taking pictures and price it slightly higher than you would sell it for.

When people see a high priced car, they think that it is in better condition than low ball prices.

 

I agree. If someone sees a picture of a scratched or dented car they'll expect a deal on it or even think they can negotiate the asking price down using the defect as leverage. If it looks good and drives good just add the repair price to your asking price.

 

cant you just buy a new hood for like 500?

 

or you can make life easier and just buy a cf hood. lols. well its best to get the noticebale things repaired like people have stated above.. it'll make selling the car easier in the long run.

 

to be quite honest, ive seen some cars for sale where there have been dings, dents, and scratches around various areas. and when i asked the owners of those cars for sale, they'd always give a ridiculous amount. one even said "yeah, i can paint that, but its gonna cost you more".

 

I would rather buy a car that I didn't have to fix for a little more than get a deal on one and fix it myself. I would recommend fixing it first

 

If I wanted a beater car, then I wouldn't care. But in this case, it's a nice car and I'd want things in (mostly) perfect condition.

 

I would not buy a current generation lexus, bmw, or mercedes that had a huge dent on the hood, unless it's 3 or 4 thousand below offer price. It's too much of a hassel for buyer to get it repaired unless they get a really good offer.

 

1/2 the legitimate buyers will not even consider it then you are stuck with the bottom feeders. Fix it, feel good about what you are selling and move on.

Only other idea is go to Carmax and see what they will give on the spot then decide for yourself if it is worth repairing but I think it is.

 

Its better to have 16k now than 17k in 6 months. Time value of money. Once a car is for sale it should be sold ASAP. You run the risk that you might total the car, etc. Just sell it as is.

 

get a carbon fibre hood. (like was mentioned above). It'll make it look more sporty. When they ask about it, say the orginal was damaged, and that you have it, if they want it. If they want the orginal, but not the carbon fibre, resell it. You won't lose much $$, but it'll certainly upgrade the resale value a lot over a damaged hood.


Jeff

 

+1. There's a definite hassle factor--I'd really need to get a steal to buy a car and then have to get it painted.

 

some sellers sell their oem hood when they buy their cf hoods, i remember acouple selling their hoods b4 for around 500