Worth repairing before selling???

InsideInsurance

People always under estimate the cost of repairing cars and hence insurers only at most knock off 80% of the repair costs from a total loss where there was pre-existing damage. For older cars the percentage deducted is even less because people dont expect the cars to be 100% perfect and may well live with things.

The difficulty is that your old woman buyer who just wants a little run around doesnt want the hassle of fixing up a car. So by not repairing it you reduce the number of people that will be interested in it.

To maximise your money, sell it in the current condition, the increase in value will not outweigh the cost of repairs but be prepared to wait

To get your money quick, fix it and sell it fast in good condition but for a lower net amount.

KatieDee

I wouldn't be so sure about the eBay/selling privately thing. I thought the very same when my dear Fiesta decided to give up the ghost (suspected piston problem, knackered alloys, huge scrape on the front bumper, less than a month left on the MOT which is was clearly going to fail).

I put it on eBay and got a very good price for it, from a guy who bought cars to do up and sell on. He came to collect it straight away, paid in cash and we provided each other with receipts (we also completed the logbook together, as this was something I was a tad nervous about!).

As long as you're careful, this would probably be the best bet. You'd be surprised how much some people are willing to pay for something they can patch up and sell on.

Just make sure you are completely honest about every issue with the car, to avoid an unhappy customer! I sold mine as spares/repairs (although it was running).