Body Work Before Sale

[goonsquad]

Hey all, been a LONG time since I've posted here. It's been a great 10 year run with my titanium 2003.5 MSP, but I'm ready to sell. The car runs great, but parallel parking has taken its toll on the bumpers. I have roughly $1,500 of body work to do to repair a right rear fender which has some minor damage from a low-speed parking lot nudge from another car that deflected the fender inward about 1" in one section--unfortunately, this will require painting (at least) the rear quarter panel. Otherwise, the damage is all cosmetic scratches on the bumpers and doors

So my question is whether you think it's worth doing the repair, base on sales you have seen. The car is low mileage (<90k) and runs great. But I'm worried that putting in $1500 won't be worth it. What is your advice?

 

[dcdirtrider]

I am having the same problem. I have an 03.5 tit. msp and I am going ahead and doing most of the bodywork. I have family members that own a body/pain shop so I will be getting the work done for pennies on the buck! (rockon)(rockon)(rockon) But if I was you, Id put it up for sale and see what offers you get for it. And if you get alot of hits off the ad with the damage, F##k the bodywork. You prolly will not get your money out of it unfortunately. Also, if you are going to put it on CL, then you might wanna check and see if there are many listed for sale to see what kind of competition you are gonna have. In denver, there has not been one posted for at least a month. Good Luck Sir!!!

 

[goonsquad]

I wish I were in your position. If I knew I could get a good deal on the body work, I probably would. What I'll probably do is fix the obvious/cheap stuff and list it and see what bites I get. For instance, my rear bumper lip is sagging (common problem). This is probably 1/2 hour fix for the shop. I'll keep you posted. Any other thoughts appreciated.

 

[Installshield 2]

Yeah agreed on the 2nd post; its very unlikely you'll get your money out of aesthetic repairs on a 10 year old car...around that age, most buyers are simply looking for an inexpensive car that runs...cosmetic damage, unfortunately...costs a lot...but its hit and miss on how it effects the buyer's decision...especially considering there isn't really a standard to go off of with the repairs...some shops will return the body to new...some will barely even mask the damage already there...

but going on what he said...just put it up by whatever means you're planning and gauge local interest...just obviously be aware you'll get some pressure to lower the price...if you can easily point out its just cosmetic, and that there is no mechanical damage...chances are most buyers will handle the repairs on their own...but if a lot of people turn it down, at least you have a better idea of how important the repair is or isn't...

but getting it fixed and expecting to easily get the cost of the repair out of the sale...isn't likely...

 

[Noob-MSP]

i bought my msp roughly 6 months ago with 95k miles for $5300, but since yours is a one owner car then you should be able to make ($4500) or so depending on your area