Repair before shifting or not?
Discussion
Morning all.
Appreciate there have been a few of these posts over the years. In my case, have a MB C Class AMG Line Premium Plus - a decade old but only 51k on the clock. Has a full MB ser vice record.
Alloys are very scratched up - but they were when I bought it.
There was one bad scratch when I bought it - but have acquired two fairly large ones (left rear passenger side wheel arch) and a scratch along the rear bumper that looks like it was inflicted by a key or something.
There is also a rear tail light which has a piece of glass missing - not enough to fail an MOT (was on it when I bought the car).
Just wondering: with the accumulation of visual eyesores - is it worth giving these a fix up before I try to shift it? Worried that the value of the full ser vice background will be negated by all the minor issues.
Appreciate there have been a few of these posts over the years. In my case, have a MB C Class AMG Line Premium Plus - a decade old but only 51k on the clock. Has a full MB ser vice record.
Alloys are very scratched up - but they were when I bought it.
There was one bad scratch when I bought it - but have acquired two fairly large ones (left rear passenger side wheel arch) and a scratch along the rear bumper that looks like it was inflicted by a key or something.
There is also a rear tail light which has a piece of glass missing - not enough to fail an MOT (was on it when I bought the car).
Just wondering: with the accumulation of visual eyesores - is it worth giving these a fix up before I try to shift it? Worried that the value of the full ser vice background will be negated by all the minor issues.
Thywillbedone said:
Morning all.
Appreciate there have been a few of these posts over the years. In my case, have a MB C Class AMG Line Premium Plus - a decade old but only 51k on the clock. Has a full MB ser vice record.
Alloys are very scratched up - but they were when I bought it.
There was one bad scratch when I bought it - but have acquired two fairly large ones (left rear passenger side wheel arch) and a scratch along the rear bumper that looks like it was inflicted by a key or something.
There is also a rear tail light which has a piece of glass missing - not enough to fail an MOT (was on it when I bought the car).
Just wondering: with the accumulation of visual eyesores - is it worth giving these a fix up before I try to shift it? Worried that the value of the full ser vice background will be negated by all the minor issues.
Appreciate there have been a few of these posts over the years. In my case, have a MB C Class AMG Line Premium Plus - a decade old but only 51k on the clock. Has a full MB ser vice record.
Alloys are very scratched up - but they were when I bought it.
There was one bad scratch when I bought it - but have acquired two fairly large ones (left rear passenger side wheel arch) and a scratch along the rear bumper that looks like it was inflicted by a key or something.
There is also a rear tail light which has a piece of glass missing - not enough to fail an MOT (was on it when I bought the car).
Just wondering: with the accumulation of visual eyesores - is it worth giving these a fix up before I try to shift it? Worried that the value of the full ser vice background will be negated by all the minor issues.
2 posts in 10 years. Fantastic!
I'd do what I could to make it shine as much as possible without actually laying out hard cash. Elbow grease is fine, so an afternoon buffing and polishing?
Lo-Fi said:
2 posts in 10 years. Fantastic!
I'd do what I could to make it shine as much as possible without actually laying out hard cash. Elbow grease is fine, so an afternoon buffing and polishing?
Any product recommends? Not sure the pictures are showing how deep the scratch along the bumper is - inflicted with a key or something sharp.
I think a combination touch up pen and some elbow grease using T-Cut would have that looking a lot better, and the realisation that things dont have to absolutely perfect on a ten year old car (Well on a run of the mill one, maybe on expensive stuff)
It has to not draw the eye to it, its amazing the difference you can make to a car with a wash, polish, tyre black, new reg plates, headlamps that have been refurbished and painting certain bits.
Doesn't always need a body shop, if you can steer someone's eyes away from stuff, they likely wont even notice in a lot of cases.
It has to not draw the eye to it, its amazing the difference you can make to a car with a wash, polish, tyre black, new reg plates, headlamps that have been refurbished and painting certain bits.
Doesn't always need a body shop, if you can steer someone's eyes away from stuff, they likely wont even notice in a lot of cases.
I’m going to upset you now.
That full MB service record is worth maybe £300. It has no value what so ever on a car that old. Once the warranty expires it doesn’t hold much weight.
I would fix it if you’re expecting any sort of “top money” for this and leave it if you are happy to take what it’s actually worth, which is the same as every other 10 year old C Class with 50k miles.
That full MB service record is worth maybe £300. It has no value what so ever on a car that old. Once the warranty expires it doesn’t hold much weight.
I would fix it if you’re expecting any sort of “top money” for this and leave it if you are happy to take what it’s actually worth, which is the same as every other 10 year old C Class with 50k miles.
J4CKO said:
I think a combination touch up pen and some elbow grease using T-Cut would have that looking a lot better, and the realisation that things dont have to absolutely perfect on a ten year old car (Well on a run of the mill one, maybe on expensive stuff)
It has to not draw the eye to it, its amazing the difference you can make to a car with a wash, polish, tyre black, new reg plates, headlamps that have been refurbished and painting certain bits.
Doesn't always need a body shop, if you can steer someone's eyes away from stuff, they likely wont even notice in a lot of cases.
Thanks - mainly don't want someone to think the car was not looked after properly. Passing the 'glance test' might do the trick as it's not the type of car to throw more money into. It has to not draw the eye to it, its amazing the difference you can make to a car with a wash, polish, tyre black, new reg plates, headlamps that have been refurbished and painting certain bits.
Doesn't always need a body shop, if you can steer someone's eyes away from stuff, they likely wont even notice in a lot of cases.
Ry.Clarke said:
I m going to upset you now.
That full MB service record is worth maybe £300. It has no value what so ever on a car that old. Once the warranty expires it doesn t hold much weight.
I would fix it if you re expecting any sort of top money for this and leave it if you are happy to take what it s actually worth, which is the same as every other 10 year old C Class with 50k miles.
You've upset me now! J/k - just like to maximise what I get for anything I sell. I bought it with some visual warts on it but the accumulation of more warts had me wondering if it was worth giving to a local body shop to deal with the worst bits. The consensus seems to be it's not. That full MB service record is worth maybe £300. It has no value what so ever on a car that old. Once the warranty expires it doesn t hold much weight.
I would fix it if you re expecting any sort of top money for this and leave it if you are happy to take what it s actually worth, which is the same as every other 10 year old C Class with 50k miles.
If you have scratches etc 95% of buyers just move on, and the ones who don't are bottom feeders (like me!) who will bid you square in the nuts.
So for an easier sale, and probably all your money back, get the cheapest chips away repair you can. It's what all the dealers do and almost nobody will notice s
t colour match or crap paint, but everyone notices scrapes and scratches. Remember it's someone's exciting new car, the less reasons to be unexcited the better. Making sure it's well presented, recently serviced, and fault free goes a long way too because so many dealers are selling absolute heaps.
Poster is absolutely spot on about main dealer service history, adds minimal if any value. Also the options they insist you MUST HAVE for resale make nearly no difference.
Always makes me smile when I see a Cayenne or other Porsche with £20k of options and a main dealer service history that cost £15k more than going to an independent selling for £12k
So for an easier sale, and probably all your money back, get the cheapest chips away repair you can. It's what all the dealers do and almost nobody will notice s
t colour match or crap paint, but everyone notices scrapes and scratches. Remember it's someone's exciting new car, the less reasons to be unexcited the better. Making sure it's well presented, recently serviced, and fault free goes a long way too because so many dealers are selling absolute heaps.Poster is absolutely spot on about main dealer service history, adds minimal if any value. Also the options they insist you MUST HAVE for resale make nearly no difference.
Always makes me smile when I see a Cayenne or other Porsche with £20k of options and a main dealer service history that cost £15k more than going to an independent selling for £12k
Edited by GeniusOfLove on Tuesday 16th September 10:50
GeniusOfLove said:
If you have scratches etc 95% of buyers just move on, and the ones who don't are bottom feeders (like me!) who will bid you square in the nuts.
So for an easier sale, and probably all your money back, get the cheapest chips away repair you can. It's what all the dealers do.
Poster is absolutely spot on about main dealer service history, adds minimal if any value. Also the options they insist you MUST HAVE for resale make nearly no difference.
Always makes me smile when I see a Cayenne or other Porsche with £20k of options and a main dealer service history that cost £15k more than going to an independent selling for £12k
Ironically, the local VW garage had a couple of chips away guys working on an AU Golf yesterday as i passed. Even they cannot be assed!So for an easier sale, and probably all your money back, get the cheapest chips away repair you can. It's what all the dealers do.
Poster is absolutely spot on about main dealer service history, adds minimal if any value. Also the options they insist you MUST HAVE for resale make nearly no difference.
Always makes me smile when I see a Cayenne or other Porsche with £20k of options and a main dealer service history that cost £15k more than going to an independent selling for £12k
Edited by GeniusOfLove on Tuesday 16th September 10:49
Ry.Clarke said:
Ironically, the local VW garage had a couple of chips away guys working on an AU Golf yesterday as i passed. Even they cannot be assed!
They pay very little per car too, not sure what it is now but a few years ago the chap would come round on a schedule and you'd pay £40 per vehicle or something.Work was... well.. plenty of PHers would be clutching their pearls but for an 11 year old hatchback it was fine. The "smart repair" wheel refurbs were the most egregious, and the paint would be falling off after 3 months.
Rscut said:
Ry.Clarke said:
I m going to upset you now.
That full MB service record is worth maybe £300. It has no value what so ever on a car that old. Once the warranty expires it doesn t hold much weight.
I would fix it if you re expecting any sort of top money for this and leave it if you are happy to take what it s actually worth, which is the same as every other 10 year old C Class with 50k miles.
Mate, shut up.That full MB service record is worth maybe £300. It has no value what so ever on a car that old. Once the warranty expires it doesn t hold much weight.
I would fix it if you re expecting any sort of top money for this and leave it if you are happy to take what it s actually worth, which is the same as every other 10 year old C Class with 50k miles.
Selling private and want top dollar, get it done, numpties will want a retail ready car and kick tyres.
Difficult to see how deep the scratches are but as others have said you’d be surprised at how much a decent polish would improve it.
I had some spectacular results on our sons first car that had some age related scratches on it.
I can’t see from your profile wheee you are from but if you’re near to me (Southport)I have a small Meguiars machine polisher and some left over compound that you’re free to borrow.
I had some spectacular results on our sons first car that had some age related scratches on it.
I can’t see from your profile wheee you are from but if you’re near to me (Southport)I have a small Meguiars machine polisher and some left over compound that you’re free to borrow.
I am in the same predicament at the moment.
For some reason, my wife hates the left hand side of her car and has damaged it 3 times, the last time causing a scratch from front wheel arch to the rear door inc small dents.
Given its about 10 years old I am reluctant to spend much money on it but on the other hand, we'll be selling in 3 months time so don't want to lose loads of money.
For some reason, my wife hates the left hand side of her car and has damaged it 3 times, the last time causing a scratch from front wheel arch to the rear door inc small dents.
Given its about 10 years old I am reluctant to spend much money on it but on the other hand, we'll be selling in 3 months time so don't want to lose loads of money.
I had a similar car but it was 7 years old and no damage apart from the usual stone chips.
I paid £150 for a full valet inside and out and was offered £1500 more than I expected when I traded it in.
One of the reasons the dealer said they made such a strong offer was that the car looked really well looked after (full MB history like you) but it was how shiny and clean it looked that really convinced them.
I paid £150 for a full valet inside and out and was offered £1500 more than I expected when I traded it in.
One of the reasons the dealer said they made such a strong offer was that the car looked really well looked after (full MB history like you) but it was how shiny and clean it looked that really convinced them.
Those scratches look pretty diy fixable. There’s plenty of YouTubes about it if you are interested.
I had a few bits to fix on a car a few years ago and I thought it was worth a try myself, before getting a Chips Away type fix. If I cocked it up, then no harm done.
As it turned out, the results were more than acceptable.
I had a few bits to fix on a car a few years ago and I thought it was worth a try myself, before getting a Chips Away type fix. If I cocked it up, then no harm done.
As it turned out, the results were more than acceptable.
If you are selling to the trade, just give the car a good clean. Dealers will be able to get the damage fixed much cheaper than you can.
If selling privately, you need to improve the bodywork to achieve a sale price above trade value. I'd take the following steps.
1. Have a go at the scratches with T Cut, but don't go too mad with it. Then polish to whole car with a decent amateur product like Autoglym Super Resin Polish. Be sure to use a proper polishing cloth and some elbow grease.
2. If the damage still looks bad, obtain quotes from a couple of mobile repairers and decide whether the outlay is worth it. Don't bother with paint shops as they will be too expensive.
3. I wouldn't spend what is likely to be c.£200 on the wheels. Just give them a good clean and dress the tyres with tyre gel.
I disagree with what others have said about full Mercedes s/history. It will give private buyers confidence that the car has been well maintained, give you an edge over the competition, and make it easier to sell.
Good luck.
If selling privately, you need to improve the bodywork to achieve a sale price above trade value. I'd take the following steps.
1. Have a go at the scratches with T Cut, but don't go too mad with it. Then polish to whole car with a decent amateur product like Autoglym Super Resin Polish. Be sure to use a proper polishing cloth and some elbow grease.
2. If the damage still looks bad, obtain quotes from a couple of mobile repairers and decide whether the outlay is worth it. Don't bother with paint shops as they will be too expensive.
3. I wouldn't spend what is likely to be c.£200 on the wheels. Just give them a good clean and dress the tyres with tyre gel.
I disagree with what others have said about full Mercedes s/history. It will give private buyers confidence that the car has been well maintained, give you an edge over the competition, and make it easier to sell.
Good luck.
Maybe some are not as fussy as me but the service history would hold no sway with me - just grease monkeys doing what needs to be done.
If I saw those scratches, I'd assume it had been raced and rallied and I'd walk away or not look, in the first place.
Far better to get it patched up, contingent on what you might gain over the cost but also vs not selling it at all. Once it's out there, people will remember it was the scratched car.
If I saw those scratches, I'd assume it had been raced and rallied and I'd walk away or not look, in the first place.
Far better to get it patched up, contingent on what you might gain over the cost but also vs not selling it at all. Once it's out there, people will remember it was the scratched car.
I would go and have a look, clock how easy it would be to make the car look better, some stuff is just too hard or expensive, like paint on rear quarters but a lot of stuff is easy to sort.
Then make noises like its not the one, couldnt make an offer as would be too low and dont want to insult you etc.
Can do some amazing changes in a weekend with £100 or less.
I cant believe the state of some cars for sale, trade stuff is usually ok but seen some utter dungheaps for sale privately, needs four tyres, brakes, a valet inside and out, paint, a service etc. Drain the life out of it, cant be arsed cleaning it yet want top money.
Then make noises like its not the one, couldnt make an offer as would be too low and dont want to insult you etc.
Can do some amazing changes in a weekend with £100 or less.
I cant believe the state of some cars for sale, trade stuff is usually ok but seen some utter dungheaps for sale privately, needs four tyres, brakes, a valet inside and out, paint, a service etc. Drain the life out of it, cant be arsed cleaning it yet want top money.
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