It depends on the dent
At Mashore Autobody we are asked this often. The honest answer is that it depends on the dent, the car and the buyer. A small shallow ding on an older car may not change what anyone pays. A noticeable dent on a newer car is often the first thing a buyer points to when they ask for a lower price.
When fixing usually pays
- The dent is large, or on a hood, door or roof where everyone sees it.
- The paint is cracked. Cracked paint can rust, and a buyer will see that as a bigger problem.
- The car is newer, where buyers expect it to look right.
When it often does not
- A tiny ding on an older car.
- A car you are trading in, because a dealer will price the repair in their own way.
Does repairing it show up on the car's history?
A small repair paid for by you usually does not appear in a vehicle history report, because those reports mostly come from insurance claims and police reports. A repair done through insurance may.
Next step
Bring your estimate or your car to us at 44 Sycamore Ave, Suite A in Brentwood, or call (925) 516-1930, and we will tell you honestly what we see. You can also reach us here.
See what we do for dent and ding repair.