The Importance Of Keeping Your Car In Tip Top Condition
Before you start trying to sell your car, it is essential to put yourself on the same level as the potential buyer. When you are looking to buy a used car, you don’t want a car that “looks” used.
My father always told me that when searching for a car to buy, always pay close attention to the exterior and interior condition. Why? Because it will probably reflect how well the engine was cared for.
The Rule of Normal Wear & Tear
Unless you lease your car, you might not fully appreciate the meaning of “normal wear and tear.” The moral of this part of the story is to always treat your vehicle like it isn’t yours. Treat it more like it is on a lease.
We will start by defining the meaning of a lease.
An auto lease is a financial arrangement that enables an individual to obtain a vehicle for use without paying for it entirely. They get access to the vehicle for a certain term and then return the vehicle at the end of that period, sometimes with an option to buy it outright.
When a leasing agency signs an agreement with a lessee, it is made very clear how the vehicle is to be returned.
Auto lease terms and conditions often have penalties for wear and tear or mileage that is put on the vehicle above a predetermined amount. When the lessee returns the vehicle, they might owe additional money beyond their monthly payments.
What is considered normal “wear & tear”?
In general, damages that are small in nature or have a smaller diameter of usually less than ½” will be considered normal wear and tear. While each lessor’s definition can vary, typical examples of normal wear and tear include:
- Small dings and scratches on exterior panels that can be easily buffed out.
- Interior spots & stains or damage that can be repaired or removed.
- Tires that match the manufacturer’s recommended guidelines.
- Minor nicks or scuffs on the wheel covers or wheels.
- Tread depth over ⅛ of an inch at the most shallow point in the tire
- Any damage to the windshield that is less than ½ of an inch
- Cracks in lamps, turn signals, and lights that are less than 2″ in diameter
- No broken parts or missing equipment
TAKE NOTE: A good rule of thumb is to stay on top of all of the above points while you own the vehicle & BEFORE trying to sell your vehicle. You will not only keep your vehicle looking at it’s best but also ensure you will be getting the most out of your vehicle when it comes time to sell.
Many normal wear and tear items may also include the replacement of light bulbs, tires, and brakes.
When does “normal” wear and tear become “excessive”?
Four or more dents or scratches that break the paint are also often considered excess wear and tear. The average vehicle owner incurs $1,800 in excess wear and tear damages.
In conclusion.
What to take from the car leasing companies rulebook is to keep the wear and tear level at “normal.” We promise that if you keep this mentality, your vehicle will appraise at the top of its game when it’s time to resell.
| # | Factors | Points to Check |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mechanical Issues | Performance of other car systems such as air conditioning, heating, and brakes. |
| 2 | Exterior Issues | Check if there are any major dents or scratches. Try to get any big dents fixed and the paint finish repaired. |
| 3 | Window or Light Issues | Check if any windows are cracked. Check if the bumpers or headlights are cracked. |
| 4 | Tire Issues | Check the treads on all tires. See if the tires have even wear & tear. Determine if the car pulls to one side or the other when driving. |
| 5 | Interior Issues | Check the condition of the car’s interior. See if the seats are free of tears, stains, pet or kid residue. |
Don’t Put A Dent In The Deal
Those tiny car hail dents or parking lot door dings that used to be barely visible to the naked eye will quickly become a larger and more expensive problem when they get in front of a car dealer or appraiser.
When it comes to resale, the buyer will search for any signs of wear and tear that they can use to reduce the value of the vehicle. They are good at bargaining.
This is why it is imperative to take care of those seemingly tiny and insignificant dents as soon as possible. Even the smallest dent might push a buyer away from purchasing your car.
They might even pay more for a vehicle with similar characteristics, model, mileage, etc., but it looks in better condition.
Paintless dent repair, your best option to boost resale value.
Just as there is no “good time” to get auto hail damage or a parking lot door ding, there will never be a “good time” to get it repaired. The best approach to take when it comes to protecting any huge investment is to take care of it any damages or updates ASAP.
Paintless dent repair is the fastest and cheapest way to restore your vehicle back to its original pristine condition.
Paint Me Green With PDR
Some give more importance to the paint than the maintenance record sheet or the actual engine’s condition.
The reasons are simple.
- The quality of re-painting can never be as good as any OEM paint job.
- The manufacturer paint job keeps your car looking great and shiny.
- Original factory paint is designed to work as a protective barrier against weather elements and other pollutants.
- The type and quality of primer applied (Epoxy Resin based) and the method (Electrophoretic Painting) by which it is applied, far outweigh and outperform any conventional metal primers used by the Re-finish Jobbers. *
PDR is also a fast, affordable, and reliable technique for getting rid of the dents and dings on the body panels without affecting its original paint.
Reference: * Quora – Will the paint quality of a repainted car be as good as the original OEM paint job? https://www.quora.com/Will-the-paint-quality-of-a-repainted-car-be-as-good-as-the-original-OEM-paint-job