my friend asked me this question yesterday and now I am very curious what your opinion would be...
he drives a 2004 BMW 325i and has damage on the side panel and a little damage to the front right bumper. he was planning on trading-in his car for a newer model beamer, but wasn't sure if he should trade it in with the damage or get it fixed first?
I was thinking, why not just trade it in with the damages since the dealer will probably mark off just as much as it costs to repair!?
So with that...what do you guys reccommend in this situation!?
2007-06-28 09:42:45 · 6 answers · asked by kingsfan916 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Buying & Selling
He'll clearly get more money if fixed, but of course it will cost to get if fixed. Look up the Kelly Blue Book value for excellent condition vs. good condition and see what the difference is. If the difference is a lot more than it would be to get it fixed, then get it fixed. In other words, if it looks like it might pay to get it fixed, do it. Of course, he could just want it out of his hair and it might just be easier to trade it in. He could also just see what a dealer is willing to offer. If he's not satisfied, he doesn't have to trade it in there or at all or he could get it fixed.
2007-06-28 09:52:04 · answer #1 · answered by A M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keep in mind that the dealer is in business to make a profit. He will not only knock of the actual cost of doing repair, he wii knock of a bit more for the time and trouble his dealership will incur for arranging for the repairs, storing the vehicle and anything else he feels like knocking off.
In general, for higher end cars, it is worth having the reapairs done before the dealer even sees the vehicle. If the car is sold to the dealer (traded in) in a safe condition, you are NOT obligated to tell him anything about the damage. It is up to him and HIS inspectors to find out anything about the car's history.
2007-06-28 16:53:28 · answer #2 · answered by Vince M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a repair estimate. Go to www.edmunds.com. With all of the details on the car, you can get a trade in value on the car. Subtract the cost of repairs, and that is what you should expect on a trade.
The dealer can get the vehicle fixed at his cost, which would be less than retail.
2007-06-28 16:49:59 · answer #3 · answered by regerugged 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get the damaged repaired and sell it yourself.
Other than that, just take it in and let them knock off dollars for the repair. Good luck.
2007-06-28 16:46:37 · answer #4 · answered by Fordman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have him go to kbb.com and look up the difference in value for a trade in in good condition and one in poor condition, see what the difference is then decide
2007-06-28 16:51:36 · answer #5 · answered by Pengy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will get more out of your car if you fix it.I work at a car dealership in Ohio.
2007-06-28 16:51:35 · answer #6 · answered by Dew 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋