Scuffs and scratches can cost you money when it comes to selling your vehicle with private and commercial sellers looking for ways to knock you down
Selling a car can be daunting, especially when buyers and dealers look for any excuse to knock the price down.
However, Halfords Motoring expert, Andy Turbefield, has revealed a series of simple yet effective hacks that can significantly boost your car’s resale value, potentially adding hundreds to your final price. With March being the busiest month for new car registrations in the UK, there’s no better time for motorists to take advantage of these tips before trading in or selling their vehicles.
One of the easiest ways to enhance your car’s appeal is by addressing minor scratches. Andy said: “Whether you are selling privately or to a dealer, the buyer will always look for ways to knock the price down and these can easily add up. Each small bump or scratch can see hundreds of pounds knocked off what you get to put towards your next car.”
Touching up your scratches
A significant scratch might require professional repair, but minor ones can often be treated with a simple touch-up pen. For just £4.99, motorists can purchase a paint pen that matches their car’s colour and apply two to three layers to make scratches disappear. This minor fix alone can increase the car’s value by £200-£350, a massive return on investment for such an affordable product.
Dents are another major red flag for buyers, but a simple suction dent remover can solve many minor issues. Andy states “Like scratches, dents are really obvious to see from a quick inspection – and many dealers may say significant repairs like replacement panels are needed in order to knock a significant amount off the price. Dent pullers use suction to stick to a panel and in many cases will simply pop a minor dent back into place. For more serious dents it won’t always work, but in many cases, it will fix the issue in an instant.”
While this method won’t work for more serious damage, it’s a quick and effective fix for many common dents, potentially increasing the car’s value by as much as £800.
A missing or incomplete service history can also dramatically reduce a car’s resale price. Many service records are now stored digitally, but not all garages update these databases. Ensuring you have paper records of all services is key, as a complete history can increase resale value by up to 20%.
Interior stains can be another deterrent for buyers, as they may fear permanent damage. However, a quality stain remover and some effort can refresh your car’s interior, making it far more attractive to buyers.
Similarly, reassuring buyers with a free Five-Point Car Check from Halfords, which includes an inspection on battery health, lights, and windscreen wipers, can make a significant difference. Presenting this report to potential buyers reassures them of the car’s condition, making it harder for them to negotiate a lower price.
First impressions matter when selling a car. A professional clean, polish, and black tyre dressing can make a vehicle look showroom-ready. Andy’s says, “My no. 1 tip is to use black tyre dressing. This gives your tyres that brand new, deep black shine.”
By trying out these quick and affordable fixes, car sellers can add over £1,000 to their vehicle’s value with minimal effort. Whether a £4.99 touch-up pen or a £10 dent remover, these minor investments can result in significant returns, ensuring sellers get the best possible deal when parting with their car.