Fix the little problems prior to sale or sell it as it is?

[Ruskie]

What are peoples opinions on this?

Do you fix all the minor issues with a view to getting better money at sale time? Or sell it with the minor issues advertised honestly but accept a lesser offer?

[aka_kerrly]

I tend to end up fixing 99% of the niggles prior to selling a car and then once its sold think why the hell didnt i fix the issues whilst it was still mine!

[sherman]

It would depend on if it was something that I had the skills and money to fix or not. Also if it would add a significant amount to the cars value.

[magpie215]

sherman said:

It would depend on if it was something that I had the skills and money to fix or not. Also if it would add a significant amount to the cars value.

^^^^^^^^^^^^

[soad]

Would like the car to be in tippy top shape if doable- providing funds, time and skills are there.

[AJS-]

You'll almost never get your money back unless the car is in really top condition with just one or two minor niggles that stick out like dog's bks.

Most people buying older second hand cars will expect there to be a few little things wrong with them.

[Boshly]

Depends on what your selling and general expectation.

If an 'expensive' item or a toy type purchase, a very wise dealer advised you must make sure you don't give the purchaser an excuse not to buy!

[angusc43]

aka_kerrly said:

I tend to end up fixing 99% of the niggles prior to selling a car and then once its sold think why the hell didnt i fix the issues whilst it was still mine!

+1 When I was younger I did this time and time again. And always kicked myself.....

[deveng]

aka_kerrly said:

I tend to end up fixing 99% of the niggles prior to selling a car and then once its sold think why the hell didnt i fix the issues whilst it was still mine!

On the other hand, wear and tear items like floor mats I never bother changing as they will just look tatty again soon! Come to sell it and I'll stick a set in!

[farrendahl]

Having just spent the last three days sourcing and sorting out parts for the Combi to sort out a few little problems before putting it up for sale I don't think I will be bothering in the future, outlay vs income is not going to be that huge and in retrospect I honestly don't think it will have that huge an impact on the potential sale-although I'm hoping that if nothing else it will make for a quicker sale with the problems sorted.

[mikeyr]

Just put "aircon needs regassing" - seems to be what most people say when a car needs new discs, bumper and clutch!

[Jasandjules]

sherman said:

It would depend on if it was something that I had the skills and money to fix or not. Also if it would add a significant amount to the cars value.

This.

And as another poster has said, you then wonder why you didn't do it earlier.. (same as with a house)..

[Mark Benson]

It's not just adding to the value though, it also, rightly or wrongly sends a signal to potential buyers about the type of owner you are.

If a seller hasn't sorted out the little things, what's to say they've been diligent about the bigger things? It's as big a warning sign as budget tyres on a performance car in my opinion.