Worth fixing car before selling it?

Spartan_Saver

Hi

I wanted an opinion from seasoned private car sellers. I am about to sell my first car: VW Golf 2008 GT 170 BHP TDI DSG @ 57,000 miles. As I have been learning how to drive, my car has a accumulated few scruffs and bumps - nothing major. Mainly scratches and small dents around the bumper. The car is in good condition however the wheels need to be refurbed as they have been kerbed quite a bit. Been quoted £550, £310 for the body work and £240 for the wheel refurbishment.

My question is: is it worth investing in getting the car up to show room condition or should I just sell it as it is? Mechanically the car is sound.

Let me know your thoughts ....

topdaddy_2

Dont tell prospective buyers you learnt to drive in it. A mint car is always going to be more desirable than a banged up one even if that means no additional value

IamNotAllowedToUseMyName

I guess there are two parts to the answer:
1) What is the difference in the value of a car that is mint and that is good?
2) Can you sell the car in that condition?

Some people will not want to buy a scruffy car regardless of price, so there is some value in getting it cleaned up, but then again, that is where the difference is.

I am slightly surprised at the damage you think is normal for a learner, the odd kerbed wheel perhaps, but scrapes shouldn't happen so it does not make for a good tale to tell when selling. Also, a learner's car is an abused car. Our old Golf lost a tooth or two from the reverse gear due to a learner - that was at 10,000 miles and it clatters in reverse dreadfully but has survived another 70,000 miles, much to the disappointment of my garage-owning mate.

I guess the answer is partly in the rest of the car's condition. The difference between a poor and a good condition car is more than some paint scuffs. Parkers suggests a wide range between poor and good (around £1400) for your car which has average mileage so if you can turn it from a poor into a good it might pay off, and it will be an easier sale as the price guide will be on your side. However, it will probably show that it has been painted so that will probably mark it down with some buyers.

colino

Are you going to get an extra £1100 (strangely round and excessive number) by doing this work?
Don't you think seeing an immaculated car from a private seller draws suspicion?
Sell it after a good clean and polish, and nothing else, otherwise it will look tartifed and most genuine buyers will run a mile.

Daz2009

colino wrote: »

Are you going to get an extra £1100 (strangely round and excessive number) by doing this work?
Don't you think seeing an immaculated car from a private seller draws suspicion?
Sell it after a good clean and polish, and nothing else, otherwise it will look tartifed and most genuine buyers will run a mile.

Where did you get that figure from ?
The OP was quoted £550

You need to know how much extra you will be able to sell your car for to determine whether spending the money will be worth it.
Look on ebay,gumtree,autotrader etc for comparable vehicles.

Also bear in mind that a car that looks a bit rough round the edges will probably put most buyers off unless it is dirt cheap

colino

You are quite correct, I scanned the numbers and added them up. I am duly chastened.

Spartan_Saver

Some really good opinions - thank you for your support. I think I will just give the car a good clean and see how much it goes for first.

Hintza

and polish..........