When you’re considering selling your car, one of the first things to think about is how much dents and other minor collision damage will affect its value. Of course, bigger and more serious damage will mean a lower price tag, but even small dents can put a big dent (pun intended) into your profits. So how does this all shake out exactly?
How Is Car Value Typically Affected?
Within the first year, new cars typically decline in value by about 19%. In the second-and third-year span, it’s by roughly 15%. By the ten-year point, the percentage of inherent value gradually evens out. From there, it’s all about the vehicle’s condition, its mileage, and its trendiness. A typical accident can knock a car’s value down immediately and possibly permanently by 10 to 20% every year. A minor accident that doesn’t buckle the paint only changes the value by about 5 to 15 percent.
So now you’re probably asking yourself if minor dents and scratches are even worth the extra effort before selling your vehicle. We say “YES!” And here’s why…
Paintless Dent Repair May Be an Inexpensive Solution!
Dents and scratches that haven’t left deep folds or disturbed the paint with cracks or chipping are in the best shape for easy fixes. With paintless dent repair, BodyGuard can readily push and pull the dent back into its correct shape. This method of repair is growing in popularity for how quickly and affordably these adjustments can be made!
Are Saleability and Value Estimation the Same Thing?
Remember that there is a distinct difference here. If a potential buyer is considering two similar vehicles, odds are cosmetic appearances will be what makes the decision. The prettier car is the winner in this scenario, especially if they are not deeply knowledgeable about cars. So even though they may have zero impact on the vehicle’s performance, small dents and scratches can still be perceived as a big issue.
Say you decide you’d rather trade in your vehicle with some dents here and there around the body. Even valuations by dealerships must consider how the average car shopper will perceive the vehicle and thus very likely offer you much less than what the car would be worth otherwise. You may easily get thousands less for your vehicle all because of details that would’ve cost you much less upfront than the difference.
Which Dents Should You Fix Before Trying to Sell Your Car?
The simplest gauge of reference is, if the dent is clearly visible from 10 or so feet away, it’s probably worth at least having it assessed by a repair shop. Consider also if any body paint has been affected. If either is an issue, it’s likely the dent devalues the vehicle by 5 to 10% of its worth. Dents that are noticeable will likely cost more in said depreciated resale value than the cost of simply repairing it. These types of dents can also lead a potential buyer to be more concerned about the condition of the car and what damage might be hiding.
Specialists at Your Service
The most reliable way to know whether or not a dent is likely to impact your car’s value is to bring it into a paintless dent repair shop. Whether your vehicle’s body has been affected by door dings, hail damage or any other minor impact collision, the team at BodyGuard will give you an honest assessment of if a dent truly needs repairing and if the PDR method is the best solution for it. Book an appointment with us, and we’ll help get your car back into sellable shape!