Should You Fix Dents Before Selling Your Car?

When it’s time to sell your car, one of the first things you’ll probably notice are the dents, scratches, or small bumps it’s picked up over the years. Maybe it’s from a runaway shopping trolley at Coles, a minor parking mishap, or even a hailstorm. But here’s the big question: should you fix those dents before selling, or just sell the car as it is?

The answer depends on who you’re selling to, how bad the damage is, and what kind of return you’re hoping for. Let’s break it down.

Private Sale: First Impressions Matter

If you’re selling privately—through Gumtree, Carsales, or even Facebook Marketplace—appearance counts for a lot. Buyers are often swayed by how a car looks before they even take it for a test drive.

A couple of small dents or scratches probably won’t ruin the deal, but if the damage is obvious, potential buyers may assume the car hasn’t been well looked after. That usually means lower offers or endless haggling.

For example, one seller in Sydney recently shared that fixing a $400 dent repair bumped their car’s sale price up by nearly $1,500. In this case, the fix paid off.

Trade-In at a Dealership

Dealerships will accept cars with dents, but keep in mind they’ll use any visible damage as leverage to bring down the trade-in value. They’ll usually repair it cheaply in-house before reselling, so if you want to maximise your trade-in price, fixing major dents beforehand can make sense.

Selling to a Cash-for-Cars or Removal Service

Here’s where things are different. If you’re planning to sell to a cash-for-cars or car removal company, dents and scratches don’t matter nearly as much. These businesses often buy cars for parts or recycling, so the cosmetic condition isn’t a big deal. In fact, fixing dents beforehand could mean you spend more money than you’ll actually make back in the sale.

For example, we recently bought a 2008 Ford Falcon with hail dents all over the bonnet and roof. The owner thought they’d need to repair it before selling, but we paid cash on the spot, dents and all.

When It’s Worth Fixing

Fixing dents before selling makes sense if:

• The damage is small and cheap to repair.
• You’re selling privately and want to make the car look as attractive as possible.
• The dent is in a spot that makes the car look worse than it really is (like the bonnet or driver’s door).

When It’s Not Worth Fixing

It’s usually not worth it if:

• The repair cost is higher than the value it will add.
• You’re trading in or selling to a wrecker.
• The car is older and already showing general wear and tear.

Rolling It All Together

So, should you fix dents before selling your car? If you’re selling privately and the repair is affordable, it can definitely help you get a better price. But if you’re selling to a cash-for-cars service or a removal company, dents aren’t a deal-breaker—you’ll still get paid without lifting a finger.

The bottom line: weigh up the cost of the repair against the type of sale you’re making. Sometimes, leaving the dents is the smarter move for your wallet.

 

If you are in Balwyn, and looking to sell your car or get cash for trucks, below is the best way to visit us.

Eastern Cash For Cars
720 High St Rd, Glen Waverley, VIC 3150
(03) 7035 7830
www.easterncashforcars.com.au