Is honesty the best policy....?

[TVRBRZ]

Hi all, some sage advice please,

I've got a Suzuki Swift advertised on autotrader at the moment. As it is not a pristine example, I've clearly stated that there is evidence of accident damage (no insurance damage history) and priced it accordingly. It is easily the cheapest Swift for its age and mileage in the country.

Zero calls! Have I been a muppet and been too honest by stating the car's issues upfront? I just didn't want to waste my time or potential purchasers if they thought it was mint....

I bought it as a cheap commuter car in Feb, which was excellent timing as I've been working from home ever since and it looks like permanent WFH from now on. I knew it had some dodgy repairs but as they were cosmetic I didn't mind. I just wanted a cheap fun thing for a couple of years.

Price is just above what WBAC were offering with the repairs declared as actual accident damage as opposed to repaired panels.

Advice/mild abuse/wit/banter all gratefully received.....

[ashenfie]

I would ensure you clearly photo any marks/dents. Remove the wording accident damage and refer people to the photos stating scatches dents etc. That might help.

[Roboticarm]

I think it's a difficult balance, my dad bought a car recently cheap because it was "scratched on every panel" however most were very very minor and I personally think to be expected on a 10 year old car. I suspect he got it cheap because the description was too negative putting off other potential buyers.

However it's probably better being slightly over cautious than the other way around, I've been to see some "mint" cars which were on very poor condition and wasted my time and the sellers.

People do have different expectations though which is the hard bit.

As above, close up pictures are the best way as theres less risk of mismatched expectations.

[Bennet]

"Accident damage" could mean a lot of different things, so if what you really mean is "scrapes and dings", say that.

If it actually does have poorly repaired collision damage, I think you're doing the right thing in being honest about it, and sadly you may need to reduce the price a little further.

To be honest though, based on the amount of cringeworthy online ads I come accross, there could be any number of other things in your ad that are putting people off besides the mention of accident damage.

[DaveyBoyWonder]

I'd give it to WBAC if you're only asking for a bit over what they quoted. Zero hassle, no wasted time and money with tyre kickers etc.

[TVRBRZ]

Understood, advert now changed accordingly- Less is More!

I have probably been overly open as a result of buying in the past from both dealers and individuals where the advert gushes about the condition of the car and then you get there and realise it is a bit of a dog.

Perhaps I need to be more cynical and if a prospective purchaser can't spot overspray and orange peel then they deserve what they get, caveat emptor!!!!

Cheers
TVRBRZ

[TVRBRZ]

DaveyBoyWonder said:

I'd give it to WBAC if you're only asking for a bit over what they quoted. Zero hassle, no wasted time and money with tyre kickers etc.

Ta - that is the fallback option and looking like the most realistic. I do have a reserve price that if it is not met I'm off to do the NC500 in it 😁

[Bumblebee7]

What price range is it in? Feel free to PM me the details as looking for a runabout for my mum. Thanks

[Bumblebee7]

Thanks for the message, but yes a bit far and a bit over budget. Good luck with the sale.

[Limpet]

I am looking at mk1 Focuses at the moment, and found one on Autotrader last week with the side view photo clearly showing a front wing that had been replaced and aligned by Ray Charles. The gap to the passenger door must have been twice as big at the bottom as it was at the top.

My first thought was fair play for making it so obvious in the pics, but then the advert text stated that the panels were all original and the car had never been in an accident....

I’d just take good, representative photos and describe the car honestly.