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.

Choosing Your Car Color

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When you choose the color of your car, you need to consider more than your personal preferences. Certain colors actually affect your car's resale value. In addition, your vehicle's color projects your personality to the world. When it comes to your motor vehicle, you need to choose wisely or prepare to have it repainted. 

Resale Value

Choosing an unpopular vehicle color can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in resale value. Cars that are in neutral colors appeal most to buyers. In fact, the most popular colors are silver, white, and black, in that order. A bright orange car may satisfy your itch to make a statement, but not everyone appreciates a car that glows in the dark. One study shows that 39% of buyers will change their mind about buying a certain model if they cannot get their color preference. 

Insurance

Many people are under the impression that a snazzy colored vehicle will increase your insurance rates. Fortunately, that belief is a myth. A red sports car will cost you more to insure than a family sedan, but the color has nothing to with your premium. Sports cars cost more to insure because people tend to drive them faster and have more accidents in them. Red is the sixth most popular color for sports cars, but it is the color many people associate with these models. 

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Experts say that people choose silver metallic paint because it projects a "futuristic" image that is flashy while still being elegant. In contrast, a simple gray is for the more practical among motorists. As a car color, it is the equivalent of sensible, low-heeled shoes. Vehicles in the blue spectrum emit a sense of trustworthiness. Light blue appeals to people who are calm and faithful, while dark blue cars make you seem powerful and confident. A basic black auto delivers the same message as a black suit: power and elegance. Black makes a statement about your personality and retains its resale, making it a double threat.

If you want to show your creative side by choosing a canary yellow or tangerine model, be aware that you may lose money when you decide to sell it. You may also grow tired of such a vibrant hue. If you change your mind about your vehicle's color, you can always invest in having it repainted at an auto body paint shop. Your choice of lime green doesn't have to haunt you until you sell your car. 

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10 August 2015