Selling a car, level of prep required

[ash reynolds]

Ok, I'm selling my Mk2 MX5 and as is typical for many at 17 years old it has some rust bubbles on three of the arches, not too bad but evident. Now my question is this, should I do anything with these myself or leave them as is in the name of honesty. I know that prep and presentation is everything but should it stop at the reapir of these defects which are extrememly common on these cars? Quite adept with filler and paint but it'll be done with rattle cans rather than in a spray booth.

On the one hand I imagine a buyer may like to see what he's dealing with and not wonder how bad it was or how much filler may be involved and on the other they may prefer just not to see rust bubbles at all and won't care how bad it was.

In every other respect the car is probably just above average @ 55k miles. All the important stuff is done, new hood, sills professionally repared, and new cam belt fitted professionaly.

Opinions please.....

Thanks.

[Dr Interceptor]

I'd leave it as it is in the name of honesty - then the buyer decides whether he/she lives with it, or has it done, or does it themselves.

[james_gt3rs]

I wouldn't bother. As long as it doesn't leak, has got MOT and decent service history it will sell quite easily I would have thought.

[benters]

I would choose the honesty route, the buyer will expect some areas will need attention given the age and may be they want a car that is straight but a little love shown will turn it into a real gem, so clean it up, and don't try to hide its age related patina in my view !

[Matt UK]

I work on the basis that if I couldn't be bothered to fix it for me, I'm not fixing it for the next person - reason being you'll never make the money back on the work unless you are aiming for A1 condition. All used cars have their faults and buyers know this, otherwise they would be stumping up to buy box fresh.

Just price accordingly and let the market decide if your condition to value ratio is right.

[ash reynolds]

Thank you all, it seems clear what to do!