Selling Up - How much tidying should I do?
Discussion
I'm fed up with my Turbo being scratched and damaged on the street, I've had it for 5 years and enjoyed it immensely but I now resent having to pay to fix the paint every year and the enjoyment of it is fading. A second child on the way has also convinced me it's time to move it on.
But, it's been scratched in four or five places by now and being basalt black it shows up the scratches nicely so I need to either stump up the cash and get it repaired or leave it as it is and knock some cash off.
I was just wondering what peoples opinions are on buying a car that has a few scratches and marks on? Shall I just get an estimate for repairs, show it as part of the sale and show I've reduced the price from cars with a similar mileage / age? Or shall I get them repaired at a "reasonable" quality but risk people spotting a repair and getting suspicious? Or go the whole hog and get a fully professional repair and paint and risk never getting any of that cost back in the sale?
Aside from the scratches, the car has been well serviced etc. I'm just not sure what's my best path of action; part of me thinks that if the new owner also keeps it on the street then they might not mind a few scratches already on the car?
But, it's been scratched in four or five places by now and being basalt black it shows up the scratches nicely so I need to either stump up the cash and get it repaired or leave it as it is and knock some cash off.
I was just wondering what peoples opinions are on buying a car that has a few scratches and marks on? Shall I just get an estimate for repairs, show it as part of the sale and show I've reduced the price from cars with a similar mileage / age? Or shall I get them repaired at a "reasonable" quality but risk people spotting a repair and getting suspicious? Or go the whole hog and get a fully professional repair and paint and risk never getting any of that cost back in the sale?
Aside from the scratches, the car has been well serviced etc. I'm just not sure what's my best path of action; part of me thinks that if the new owner also keeps it on the street then they might not mind a few scratches already on the car?
Looking at things logically I agree with you, if the car is priced accordingly then the next guy might be happy to buy it and use it, however Porsche buyers are a fickle bunch, just read some threads on here. 
Aside from major mechanical work paintwork is the most expensive thing to put right on a car and not only is it a hassle getting it done, but quite often the results aren't exactly factory finish depending on how good a bodyshop you stumble upon.
With that in mind I think most buyers will want to see an immaculate car when viewing.
There's also a bit of vanity at play too. Not many people want to take their expensive new toy home and have their wives, neighbours or friends say "Ooh, what are all those scratches!?".
The front of my GT3 looks like it has been shot-blasted
but I got it for a fair price and the rest of the car is fantastic, so I'm more than happy to spend the £1000 or so for a front end respray when I get round to it.
There are a lot more 996Ts to choose from though so buyers can easily move onto the next car for sale if they like.
Good luck with the sale though, whatever way you decide to tackle it.
Aside from major mechanical work paintwork is the most expensive thing to put right on a car and not only is it a hassle getting it done, but quite often the results aren't exactly factory finish depending on how good a bodyshop you stumble upon.
With that in mind I think most buyers will want to see an immaculate car when viewing.
There's also a bit of vanity at play too. Not many people want to take their expensive new toy home and have their wives, neighbours or friends say "Ooh, what are all those scratches!?".
The front of my GT3 looks like it has been shot-blasted
but I got it for a fair price and the rest of the car is fantastic, so I'm more than happy to spend the £1000 or so for a front end respray when I get round to it. There are a lot more 996Ts to choose from though so buyers can easily move onto the next car for sale if they like.
Good luck with the sale though, whatever way you decide to tackle it.
Get it repaired.
I was in a similar situation last year. I got the front of my 964 resprayed due to a very annoying scratch across the top of the bumper. I took some before and after photos and included these with the receipt in the history file.
This definitely aided a quicker sale for a better price as the car looked great and people were drawn to it. Even the time saved was worth the extra expense. Personally, scratches on a nice car would put me off. I don't want to have to spend time and money tidying up a car I want to be driving.
I was in a similar situation last year. I got the front of my 964 resprayed due to a very annoying scratch across the top of the bumper. I took some before and after photos and included these with the receipt in the history file.
This definitely aided a quicker sale for a better price as the car looked great and people were drawn to it. Even the time saved was worth the extra expense. Personally, scratches on a nice car would put me off. I don't want to have to spend time and money tidying up a car I want to be driving.
Trev450 said:
Marky911 makes a good point relating to the issues of bringing a 'new' car home with scratches that will attract negative comments from family, friends, etc. You also should ask yourself would you purchase a car in this condition? I would'nt.
He does, true. Not sure I'd like to bring home a "new" scratched car.Damn, best get some quotes then...
Anyone recommend a "reasonable" body-shop around West London?
Do also get some trade offers so you can weigh up whether it's worth the bother of it all.
Dealers will be happy to take the car "as is" and most would prefer to in fact, as they will have a trusted bodyshop to sort it out, and at a better rate than you as a one-off (better still if they have an in-house bodyshop). Also consider the hassle if you get it done yourself and it's not quite right (plenty of stories on here of people not happy with paintwork they've had done).
Dealers will be happy to take the car "as is" and most would prefer to in fact, as they will have a trusted bodyshop to sort it out, and at a better rate than you as a one-off (better still if they have an in-house bodyshop). Also consider the hassle if you get it done yourself and it's not quite right (plenty of stories on here of people not happy with paintwork they've had done).
How deep are the scratches? Is it not something a touch up pen and then some tlc via a 'detail' wouldnt solve?
I bought my last car with scratches and dings in but then i planned on using it for shopping runs/bike rides etc so the mechanicals meant more to me. Bit of a different car though (scooby Forester vs a 996T)
I bought my last car with scratches and dings in but then i planned on using it for shopping runs/bike rides etc so the mechanicals meant more to me. Bit of a different car though (scooby Forester vs a 996T)
Agree might be worth asking a detailer if they can get rid of them. My local guy (Autoshine / spearsy) removed absolutely every mark from my 3 year old Fiesta when I sold it. It looked quite literally brand new (stone chips aside). Amazing job.
If not, then I'd say get it sorted but make sure you have some photo proof that it was done not because of a shunt.
All of my Porsches have had paint done in a previous life - seems par for the course on these cars and Porsche have to do this to resell as Porsche approved anyway if there are more than 2-3 stone chips on a panel.
To expect a pristine example with no scratches or chips and to never have been resprayed is the realms of fantasy buyers only. Direct those types to the OPC showroom.
If not, then I'd say get it sorted but make sure you have some photo proof that it was done not because of a shunt.
All of my Porsches have had paint done in a previous life - seems par for the course on these cars and Porsche have to do this to resell as Porsche approved anyway if there are more than 2-3 stone chips on a panel.
To expect a pristine example with no scratches or chips and to never have been resprayed is the realms of fantasy buyers only. Direct those types to the OPC showroom.
Go the detailer route first - a good un should be able to tell you if they can be removed without resorting to respray.
If they can be removed, do it.
The car will look amazing as a resutl of a pro detail, and will assist on sale - and no hidden paint issues.
or:
keep it as is, advertise it sensibly, and be prepared to negotiate downwards due to condition
buyer happy, they got a discount (we all love a discount)
seller happy, less hassle to remedy
result
worked for me a few times
If they can be removed, do it.
The car will look amazing as a resutl of a pro detail, and will assist on sale - and no hidden paint issues.
or:
keep it as is, advertise it sensibly, and be prepared to negotiate downwards due to condition
buyer happy, they got a discount (we all love a discount)
seller happy, less hassle to remedy
result
worked for me a few times
I'm just about to sell a black Z4 roadster which has a parking ( clumsy door opening) ding and a small scratch on the OSR wing above the wheel arch. The ding is easily left and the scratch looks OK from 5 metres away.BUT, the rest of the car is in very good condition, so I am getting it done.I want to give a good impression as I have been careful with the car throughout it's 5 years with me, and leaving the damage sends a message out that I didn't care about the car, which is not the case.IMO, it will be £180 well spent, and I know I'll get that back when I sell.
in the mind of an enthusiast if you sell the car with a discount that is more than what i would pay to fix it id buy it. if you the sell the car with new paint ill never be able to buy in confidence
thats how id view it from an enthusiasts perspective as id always want any work to be done by one of my guys
if joe bloggs is your likely buyer then it needs to be drive and go ie get it done prior to sale
thats how id view it from an enthusiasts perspective as id always want any work to be done by one of my guys
if joe bloggs is your likely buyer then it needs to be drive and go ie get it done prior to sale
Gassing Station | Porsche General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff