Effect of scratches/dings on resale value?

[Kev]

I have a 7 year old Mazda 6. It runs well, only has about 60K miles on it, but does have an accident on its record (I was not at fault!). The car was practically totaled in the accident, and they basically had to rebuild one whole side of the car.

Anyway, recently somebody randomly keyed my car all along the driver's side. This is in addition to a previous dent from what looks like a bicycle hitting it. I honestly don't give a crap what my car looks like anymore, but I want to know how much this will affect the resale value. If it's worth paying the insurance deductible, I will probably get it fixed. If not I;ll just live with the scratches.

 

[JulesMaximus]

It will cost more to fix than it will increase the value.

 

[Kev]

but say my insurance deductible is $500 so I only have to pay 500 out of pocket, would it still be worth it?

 

[Capt Caveman]

but say my insurance deductible is $500 so I only have to pay 500 out of pocket, would it still be worth it?

No, unless you like having to pay a surcharge.

 

[KDKPSJ]

Since it has an accident record, there already is an upper limit for the car's value to begin with. Fixing relatively small, compare to an accident that practically totaled the car, dent and scratch won't do much to improve it. What you should have done was pushing the insurance company to total it if the damage was big and you care about resale value.

Fix them if you don't like scratch and dent, but not for resale value. Also, I'd avoid insurance as well. Even if the first accident was not-at-fault and fixing scratch & dent may also from comprehensive coverage as not-at-fault as well, they may provide sufficient ground for surcharge.

 

[hanoverphist]

it wouldnt be too much to find a small shop that would touch it up and buff it out for ya. probably way less than the deductible. i had my new quarter panel painted and installed for 300 bucks total cost, color matched.

 

[ShawnD1]

It will cost more to fix than it will increase the value.

True for most things. Addition to your house raises the value of the house by less than what the addition costs. Super awesome stereo system in your car does not raise the value. Spending $800 to get a dent out will make it worth $20 more unless it's the kind of car people buy for style (new-ish BMW)

 

[Kev]

That's what I figured, I just wanted to make sure. Thanks AT Garage!

 

[Doppel]

I think you do want something done with that keying. I would tolerate scratches and dings on a car that old (don't go to insurance to fix), but a long streak where somebody keyed it I would not accept.