What You Should and Shouldn't Fix Before Selling Your Car

After raising seven children through their teenage years, I've had my fair share of experiences with selling used cars that have body damage. As a child saved up to buy a newer car, I was relied on to find a way to sell their old one for the most money possible. I have learned that fixing small dents and other aesthetic issues with your vehicle is a great way to significantly increase the sales price you ask when you put it on the market. But not all dents are worth paying to have fixed because it won't affect the value much. Whether you are just trying to make the money back that you've put into your vehicle or you're trying to make a profit, hopefully the pages on this website will give you some insight into what's worth putting your time and effort into fixing and what's best left untouched.

How To Help Your Car Recover From An Accident

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You and your car have been through a lot.  Together you've listened to hours of good music and taken some unforgettable road trips.  However, along the way, the two of you may have been involved in a traffic collision.  After getting in an automobile accident, you should stay hydrated, rest, see a doctor, and ice your injuries.  But, what about your car?  It's only natural for you to want your car to get the care it needs.  Here are some ways to help your car recover from an accident.

Getting Original Equipment Manufacturer Parts

If you've been in an accident, it's likely your body may have suffered some bumps and bruises.  The same goes for your ride.  For this reason, you'll want to take your car to an auto body repair shop.  Before choosing a shop, find out if the business will be using OEM, Original Equipment Manufacturer, parts or non-OEM components, otherwise known as aftermarket parts.  OEM parts are created for the original car and, for this reason, are often considered safer.  In addition, since a car maker is associated with an OEM part, there is more accountability with the repair.  On the other hand, non-OEM parts can be cheaper.  Thus, it's important to talk to your car insurance to see what type of parts are covered under your plan.

Finding the Right Color

When your car is being fixed, it will probably need at least one panel painted.  Painting a car can be tricky.  After all, it's difficult to match the original color.  For this reason, you should pick up your car from the auto collision repair shop during the day.  In addition, look at your car from different angles so you can see if your car's new paint and finish is consistent with the old paint.  Be aware that the original paint may be faded so it might not be a perfect match.  Finally, look for dust, dirt, drips, or hairs in the paint.  After all, what car wants a bumpy complexion?  If you see inconsistencies or an uneven finish, make sure to have the job redone.

Keep an Eye on Your Car

Even when your car appears to have made a full recovery, it's important to pay attention to your roadtrip sidekick, in case it wasn't fixed properly.  For instance, if the front tires are not wearing evenly, this may indicate that your car wasn't properly aligned.  

Before choosing an auto body repair shop, make sure to shop around, look at reviews, and get several estimates.  After all, you want the best for your car, right?

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24 February 2015