Dent in car, fix before trading in?

[slackerinabox]

We have a strictly cosmetic dent on a door of our minivan - an older one (2008). Is it worth the investment to repair it before getting a trade in offer, or just accept the loss and let them deal with it?

 

[ThatsABigOne]

Let them deal with it.

 

[Raizinman]

On a 2008 mini van if you spent $300 or $400 to get it fixed, you would not reap any of the benefit from this repair. Most people who want a used mini van expect some dents and scratches. If a buyer points it out, just say I'll take off $50 due to the dent.

 

[slackerinabox]

Awesome, thanks guys. See, I assumed the opposite - you've saved me quite a bit!

 

[lxskllr]

I assume you're trading to a dealer. They don't even want your car. Something that old will be sent to auction for the second and third tier vultures to pick over. A dent won't matter to them.

 

[Pacfanweb]

I assume you're trading to a dealer. They don't even want your car. Something that old will be sent to auction for the second and third tier vultures to pick over. A dent won't matter to them.

Yep, you're getting "rough book" or less for it anyway.

 

[SparkyJJO]

If it isn't a creased dent, you could always give it a quick DIY paintless dent pull to make it less visible.

We have a few of these at the office (came with iPad screen replacement kits for whatever reason) and I used one on a dent on my coworker's car. A quick 10 second pull removed 75% of the dent.

 

[slackerinabox]

If it isn't a creased dent, you could always give it a quick DIY paintless dent pull to make it less visible.

We have a few of these at the office (came with iPad screen replacement kits for whatever reason) and I used one on a dent on my coworker's car. A quick 10 second pull removed 75% of the dent.

Worth a shot, thanks! There's a tiny crease on the fender, but it would be barely noticeable if I could get the door dent out.

 

[Thump553]

One dent on a seven year old minivan and you live in NYC? That qualifies as pristine.

 

[Banana]

I assume you're trading to a dealer. They don't even want your car. Something that old will be sent to auction for the second and third tier vultures to pick over. A dent won't matter to them.

It won't, but the dealership will wail and gnash their teeth over the dent's dent on the minivan's resale value.