Will prang effect value

hick

Howdy

Would appreciate points of view, especially from those in the trade.
I had the misfortune of being involved in a minor accident last week, a lady (I know it's hard to believe with their saftey record :rolleyes:) reversed straight out of her driveway and into my 6 week old car. She admitted liability and the car will be repaired this week "to my satisfaction"

Currently it appears to be only cosmetic damage, the right wing, bumper and right headlamp cluster will all be replaced with new genuine parts, proper finish etc. Assessor and two independent specialists confirm on initial inspection there does not appear to be any structural impact/damage.

So the question is, when I go to trade in/sell this car down the line (say 2/3 years), I will have to say, if asked, that it was involved in a collision.

Given that it's cosmetic and providing the work is all in good order will this have an impact versus if it wasn't ?
If it does have an impact on the value, is it just hard luck?

Cheers
hick

L1011

Yes, it'll have some impact on value if disclosed (which you have to if asked). If its not repaired on insurance it won't show as having happened, though. However, better to tell than to not.

If you're claiming on her insurance, ask for some more to cover the loss of value. Getting a % of the repair value is common enough.

corkcomp

MYOB wrote: »

If you're claiming on her insurance, ask for some more to cover the loss of value. Getting a % of the repair value is common enough.

+1 ask for a % for depreciation.. its normally only 10% though.. it sounds like minor damage so take pics and keep record of parts used and if you show these to buyer / garage at time of sale its unlikely to effect the value that much!

Seperate

99% of the time, someone in the 'trade' will be able to tell it's been resprayed, without having to be told.

Even when the panels are brand new, you can still spot a 'human' job when next to the factory spray.

Be as picky as picky can be when collecting the car from the body shop. Ask them to see the panels under direct light, so you can see if there is any colour shade differences. Then bring it outside to natural light and look for same. Also see how stuff reflects - ie - is the reflection in the factory panels pretty clear, but very fuzzy in the newly painted panels?

Get some cling film, put it over your fingers, and run your hands over the newly painted panels. This should be as smooth as smooth can be. Any roughness, any small bumps - send it back. Pay particular attention to edges and recesses. You're looking for paint runs, dirt in the paint amongst others. Do the same over the whole car to check for any overspray.

You might come across like a PITA, but this is a brand new car, it should be perfect.