Completing Auto Repairs Before Selling Your Vehicle – Is It Worth It?

One of most common questions we get from people considering selling their vehicle is if it is worth completing Auto Repairs first. Obviously, you want your car to look as appealing as possible so you can sell it quickly and get top dollar, but you also don’t want to spend a fortune completing the repairs.

First and foremost, in order to ensure you sell your vehicle for the highest price possible is to check your vehicle for needed repairs that might obviously scare off potential buyers.

Auto Body Repairs And More:

Visible issues are going to be the first thing to deter potential buyers. Before putting your vehicle on the market you should consider any auto repairs that will be visible to a buyer at first glance.

Things like scratches, worn paint, or dents can easily be repaired, and if left alone can send a message to the buyer that you did not take good care of your vehicle.

Bald or unevenly worn tires are a quick fix and a new set of tires is always a great selling point. Many buyers make look past other issues or consider your vehicle above other comparables if there is a new set of tires in the mix.

Cracked or chipped windshields are also a relatively inexpensive and quick fix. Much like worn tires, a cracked or chipped windshield may scare buyers away – While a new windshield can be a great selling point.

You may also want to consider repairing any damage to your wheels. Damaged wheels can cause your entire vehicle to look in disrepair and give the impression that it was abused or uncared for.

Simple cosmetic repairs like having dents, scratches, cracked bumpers, or faded paint corrected can easily boost the sale price and interest in your vehicle. Even something as simple as replacing the car mats will help to improve the first impression your vehicle leaves on potential buyers.

 Quick Performance Repairs:

Any savvy buyer will want to take your vehicle for a test drive before purchasing it. If your vehicle has trouble accelerating, is jumpy, or your brakes squeal, chances are the buyer is going to become uninterested – regardless of how nice it looks.

Quick performance auto repairs like replacing the spark plugs, changing out the battery, air filters, or fuel filter will not only make your vehicle run noticeably better but will show the buyer you have taken care of the vehicle.

If you have noticed that your brakes are squeaking or squealing, or that they are often covered in brake dust it may be time to consider having your brake pads replaced. Once again, this is a great selling point, and buyers are sure to take note.

Remember, when a buyer is test-driving your vehicle they will be paying attention to how well it starts and stops. Completing these simple auto repairs is sure to instill confidence in your vehicle and help you sell it quickly and at a great price.

Regular Engine Maintenance:

Ensuring that everything is in good repair under the hood is just as important as repairing visible issues. Any knowledgeable buyers will recognize an engine that has issues and you may lose the chance to sell to them.

By making sure that everything is in good condition buyers will have more confidence when considering your vehicle, and you will be able to ask for more money than if there were potential problems.

Checking and completing auto repairs for things like cracked or worn wires and hoses will ensure that your vehicle is more reliable, and looks better to potential buyers.

Any cracks, tears or weak connections should be addressed. Even simply cleaning and wiping down the engine bay can not only bring potential issues to light but can greatly improve the appeal of your vehicle.

Consider A Full Service:

Getting a full service completed on your vehicle is a very simple way to increase its attractiveness to buyers. Furthermore, providing potential buyers with a service history will absolutely increase the value of your vehicle.

As mentioned above, your vehicle’s appearance (exterior, interior, and engine bay) will provide buyers with some tell-tale signs of how your vehicle has been maintained as well as any on-going issues. A full service can put some of these concerns to rest for buyers, and provide peace of mind, motivating them to purchase your vehicle above another.

During a full-service, technicians will check everything from the lights, tires, wipers, fluid levels, brakes and much much more. Having your vehicle professional serviced, and being able to provide the documentation to prove everything is in good order, can go a long way when trying to sell your vehicle.

Keep in mind that there might be a few minor repairs required, but completing these auto repairs can increase the asking price of your vehicle by up to 20%. Completing a full service shows buyers that your vehicle has been maintained and properly cared for.

Consider Vehicle Detailing:

It is true that when it comes to selling your car, first impressions do count. Both interior and exterior detailing can provide your vehicle with a serious edge over the competition.

Professional exterior auto body detailing packages will use special products that are designed specifically to clean stains left by bugs, grime, leaves, sap, and more.

Not only will a proper exterior auto body detailing package clean and protect your car, but it can also actually fill and repair small areas of damage to your paint. The special polishes and compounds used during auto body detailing can actually eliminate these small scratches and scrapes. This will obviously increase the appeal and resale value of your vehicle.

During a professional interior cleaning your vehicle will undergo a complete deep cleaning of all the hard surfaces and vents including cup-holders, vents, and every nook and cranny in between. All your windows, mirrors, and vinyl/leather will also be cleaned extensively.

Special cleaners and preservatives are used to ensure any dirt and odors are removed, as well as to protect your interior. Once the interior of your car is detailed it should be smelling fresh and clean, making it extra appealing to buyers.

Trust Southern Auto Body For Your Auto Repairs

Remember, everyone loves the look and feel of a new car.

For those in need of auto repairs, whether you are planning on selling your vehicle or just for yourself contact Southern Auto Body today!