Scratch and dent removal and car detailing - worth it?

roundnumbersonly on 13/08/2018 - 14:10

So at the end of the year, I have to decide what to do with my Camry (2015, 60k odo) - I can keep her for good (about $10K balloon), trade her in for something else, or pay the balloon and sell privately. It's looking like we will need a 7 seater, so I guess she needs to be in better shape before she goes.

Over the years i've accumulated quite a few scratches and stone chips, not to mention my wife backing into our letterbox, the kids opening the doors on to things, and a stubborn gyprock offcut in the garage that always liked to fall on the bonnet from time to time. I've tried to keep the inside protected, but with kids in the car most days, it's succumbed to a fair share or food, drink, slime, etc.

So my question is this: is it worth paying to get the car detailed (approx. $250-$300) and the scratches fixed (price unknown) before trading in, or selling privately? or am I just going to end up getting the same price regardless?

Automotive

Comments

  • Godric on 13/08/2018 - 15:05

    How does one identify a vehicles gender?

    • Illian on 13/08/2018 - 15:13
      +2

      When I was a kid, I could just look at one and tell, it's like a vibe you get from it. I only buy male cars :/

    • EightImmortals on 13/08/2018 - 15:21
      +1

      Anything with less than 6 cylinders is a 'she'.

    • BOGOF on 13/08/2018 - 16:20
      +2

      Australia Post's vehicles are all mail.

      • Yummy on 14/08/2018 - 07:48

        And drives like a snail.

    • Oz8argain on 13/08/2018 - 16:22
      +1

      you (profanity) car - she
      car (profanity) you - he
      (if you're straight male..)

  • Illian on 13/08/2018 - 15:16
    -1

    I'd say if trading in it won't make a difference they'll just detail it etc anyway. Privately I probably would get it detailed, but I don't think the cost to fix the scratches will be worth it, it always costs much more than you would think and you're going to be lowballed no matter what you do.

  • EightImmortals on 13/08/2018 - 15:23

    I tend to avoid detailed cars if I am looking to buy, makes it seem like the seller is trying to hide something. :) On the other hand I can usually tell if a car has been looked after properly along the way (i.e no need to have it detailed and painted). But that's just me.

    • RyanMK on 13/08/2018 - 17:07
      +1

      That's kinda contradictory in a way no? While I see your point, for some including myself, detailing forms part of the "taking care" of my car routine.

      • EightImmortals on 13/08/2018 - 17:59

        Fair point. :)
        But I still reckon you can tell the difference between one that's been detailed to make a sale and one that has been maintained (and detailed :) )as part of it's regular maintenance.

      • HighAndDry on 14/08/2018 - 10:25

        Very few people regularly detail their cars, to the point where most people would think a car that's been detailed has been specifically detailed for the sale - and ergo: "what's the seller hiding?"

        Having it very clean, but not looking professionally cleaned I think is the ideal level to aim for.

  • kahn on 13/08/2018 - 19:14
    +2

    Clean the interior yourself, save money. Wash the outside yourself. Only pay a professional if you want it polished. You can apply a spray/paste wax yourself. Only very fine scratches will be removed with polishing, so I wouldn't bother if I was you.

    Don't allow children to eat anything in your next car. Only allow some water drinking. It's a car, not a kitchen.

  • ShannonN on 14/08/2018 - 09:22

    take the car to a decent car wash clean it yourself using the soap broom, water jet etc then use the apply wax feature etc. From memory the are a few at Gaven or Helensvale shopping complex? well 6 yrs ago when I lived that way there were.

    Make sure you clean the wheels and tyres at the wash when dry just wipe any left over brake dust from them with a cloth then spray the cheap tyre shine all over the tyres

    cost you time and about 20 bucks

    The car is only 3 yrs old so the paint should be like new.

    As for the interior don't let the kids turn it into a mobile maccas table and floor, you are in control so no eating in the car.

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