Should I fix minor damage before trading in my car?
My 2020 Camry has a golf-ball-sized dent on rear door and cracked mirror housing (mirror works fine). Trading in next month. Worth fixing first, or won't recoup repair cost in higher trade-in value?
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asked 1 May 2024, 10:09 am by Leo G.
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Generally no. Dealers have their own body shops and fix things at wholesale cost. A $500 dent repair costs dealer $150-200. You won't recoup the difference. Cracked mirror is borderline - get a quote, if under $100 to fix, do it. Otherwise leave it. Focus on presenting a well-maintained vehicle, not a perfect one.
Exception: if damage makes the car look neglected (big scrape on prominent panel), it can lower overall appraisal because appraiser assumes mechanical maintenance was equally neglected. Small normal wear dings won't affect value much.