Is it worth fixing the bodywork of my dented/scratched old car?

Kamran

Ebe_Scrooge wrote: »

At the risk of sounding "holier-than-thou", what's the problem ? If the car is mechanically sound then it's a no-brainer - who gives a stuff about other people's opinions over what the car looks like ? And if it's already scratched and dented, then you aren't going to be worried about a few new dings that occur from lugging baby seats and prams in and out of it. If it were me, I'd be touching up any really bad parts, purely to stop rust taking a hold, then not worrying about the rest.

Thanks for your reply. Like I said, it's a perfectly good runner, and yes this is an MoneySaving forum, but to be perfectly honest I probably draw my personal line in that I'd rather not be driving a car that looks the way my ford does.

Kamran

chrisw wrote: »

I would keep it as it is then you can park it wherever you like without worrying about it.

There's obviously a reason it's as battered as it is, if you have it repaired or replaced it would be gutting to have it damaged again.

I agree that having a car with the exterior as it is gives me a little more freedom to not stress over tight parking spots or little dings, but quite frankly the way it looks gives it somewhat a negative curb appeal.

I'm not particularly superficial that I'm after a brand new Ferrari, but at the other end of the spectrum I also have a desire that I don't drive a scrached up car. Hence I think to have it looked at and repaired would be a reasonable middle ground.

Kamran

bobbymotors wrote: »

op whereabouts are you in the country?

I sold 5000 cars in 12 years, and know of the most sensible bodyshop anywhere...!

Thanks Bobby, I'm based in North West London - sort of the Harrow/Wembley/Edgware region.

From what some have posted here, I think it's definitely worth at least taking it to some local bodyshops and getting a sense of what the cost of repair would be.

Kamran

Herzlos wrote: »

Unless there's any rust, sharp edges or dents affecting doors opening etc I'd just leave it alone and put the money aside for a replacement in the future.

It's going to be a £500 banger whether you spend another £500 tidying it up or not, and it's going to drive just the same.

It's feasible for me to purchase the replacement now, but the MSE in me feels bitter given the Ford runs so well!

Kamran

khcomp wrote: »

Bodywork is expensive - very expensive.
If it were me, and the car was otherwise fit for purpose, I'd keep an eye on Ebay for body panels in the right colour and good condition, and buy & replace them as necessary: Front wings, bonnet, bumpers and doors all bolt on, so it's easy enough as a DIY job. You can buy bits and replace them as & when you can afford to do so, or buy them as they come up for sale & pay a garage to swap them all over for you. There may even be some resale value in the old panels...

ps Hammerite £8 a can? That's a VERY small can these days!

Thanks for this - having had a read of comments and had a think, I think this is a reasonable middle ground.

1) Visit local bodyshops to see what the cost of repairing the major panels are
2) In the event that the above is too pricey, then have a look on ebay to see if panels are available in the correct colour, at a better price
3) Where it's just a scratch or minor issue I could seek to do a DIY job on it using some of the paints/materials suggested in the replies, or leave them be, so long as the major issues have been dealt with

Thanks again all for your replies - i'll take some before/after pics and share how she looks!

bobbymotors

you have a pm kamran

Herzlos

Kamran wrote: »

It's feasible for me to purchase the replacement now, but the MSE in me feels bitter given the Ford runs so well!

Certainly get a quote for the repairs but TBH you're probably as well using the money to just buy a replacement in better condition.

Your approach of getting quotes, looking for replacement doors/panels and then DIYing the rest might work, but it's still going to cost you a fair bit of time/money which you're unlikely to get back on it (i.e. you're not going to be adding any real resale value to a £500 car whatever you do to it).

takman

Kamran wrote: »

Thanks for your reply. Like I said, it's a perfectly good runner, and yes this is an MoneySaving forum, but to be perfectly honest I probably draw my personal line in that I'd rather not be driving a car that looks the way my ford does.

Why is it dented and scratched in the first place?

There is no point in getting it repaired if it's just going to happen again. If you can't be sure it's unlikely to happen again then it will be a waste of money getting it done.

Kamran

takman wrote: »

Why is it dented and scratched in the first place?

There is no point in getting it repaired if it's just going to happen again. If you can't be sure it's unlikely to happen again then it will be a waste of money getting it done.

Good question. I loaned the car to my mum for 2-3 years!

Kamran

FYI I ended up fixing a couple of urgent issues but decided on leaving the scratches and having the car as a run-around. It gives me much peace of mind knowing that if a little knock or scratch happens it's no biggie.

Thanks:j:j