The Two Types of Repairs, What to Fix and What to Skip
As you may have assumed, not all repairs are a good investment.
Some will help you get a better price, while others might just waste your money. As a result, you can put the type of repairs into two brackets: the must-repair ones, which are your easy wins, and the maybe-not ones, as they won't be worth the cost to you to do so.
Here is a detailed breakdown of common repairs and a rough guide to their expected costs. Use this to help you decide what is worth your time and money.
| Repair Item |
Must-Do? |
Maybe Not? |
Expected Price to Repair* |
| A Good Clean |
✔ |
|
£50 - £150 |
| Small Scratches and Dents |
✔ |
|
£50 - £300 |
| Worn Tyres (per pair) |
✔ |
|
£100 - £400+ |
| Failed or Expiring MOT |
✔ |
|
£100 - £1,000+ |
| Replacing Worn Brake Pads |
✔ |
|
£100 - £250 |
| Broken Headlights or Taillights |
✔ |
|
£50 - £200 |
| Air Conditioning Fix |
|
✖ |
£250 - £1,000+ |
| Engine or Gearbox Problems |
|
✖ |
£1,500 - £5,000+ |
| Major Bodywork Damage |
|
✖ |
£800 - £3,000+ |
| Clutch or Timing Belt Replacement |
|
✖ |
£400 - £1,000+ |
| Suspension or Shock Absorber Issues |
|
✖ |
£200 - £800+ |
| Broken or Faulty Electrics |
|
✖ |
£150 - £1,000+ |
*Please note: These prices are estimates only and can vary widely based on the car's make, model, age, and your location.
The 'Must-Do' Repairs, AKA the Easy Wins
The most repairs are small, cheap fixes that make a huge difference to a buyer.
For instance, these make the car look well-cared for and help you avoid awkward price talks.
A Good Clean
This is the most effective thing you can do, as a clean inside and outside shows that you have looked after the car.
As a result, a professional clean can cost a small amount, but it can make the car seem a lot more valuable as a result as well.
Small Scratches and Dents
Others, such as minor marks, can be a red flag for buyers, as it can show that the car - rightly or wrongly - may not have been looked after on the outside, so what could be hiding on the inside.
So by fixing them with a touch-up pen or a small repair can stop buyers from asking for a lower price in turn.
Worn Tyres
Tyres with low tread are a safety problem and a sign of neglect.
Consequently, if your tyres are worn down, replacing them does tend to be a good idea - even just for your own safety.
As new tyres show, the car is safe and ready to go to prospective buyers as well.
Failed or Expiring MOT
A car with a fresh MOT certificate is also much more appealing to buyers, and by fixing any small issues to get a new MOT can justify a higher price in return.
The 'Maybe Not' Repairs, AKA the Expensive Ones
These are the big, costly fixes that will often cost you more than they add to the car's price.
For instance, ones that fall into this category can consist of:
Engine or Gearbox Problems
These are the most expensive issues, as the cost to repair them is usually too high to make it worthwhile.
Major Bodywork Damage
A large dent or serious rust is very expensive to repair as well, and the cost of a full body shop job is unlikely to be worth it, especially if the car is older.
Replacing a Clutch or Timing Belt
While these parts are important, they can be very costly, so unless your car is very valuable and has low mileage, you probably won't get your money back from these types of repairs.
Things To Consider When Making the Right Choice
As you know, deciding whether to repair your car is a big choice that can save or cost you money.
As a result, to make the best decision, you need to be a bit of a detective.
As a result, we have put this section together to help you understand the steps you should consider in your process.
Step 1, Get Quotes for All the Problems
Do not guess what a repair will cost.
Instead, take your car to a few local garages and ask for a detailed quote for all the work that needs doing.
Here, you should make sure these quotes include the cost of parts and labour, as this will then give you a clear and realistic idea of the total bill you will expect.
A good mechanic can also tell you if a problem is a minor issue or a sign of something much bigger and more expensive down the line as well.
Step 2, Check Your Car's Current Value
Before you spend any money, you also need to know what your car is worth right now.
For instance, here you can use our reliable online valuation tool to find out its current market value in its present condition.
This will then give you a baseline figure.
But remember, this price will be lower if your car has a lot of problems.
Step 3, Compare the Repair Costs to the Value
Now you know the cost of the repairs and the expected valuation of your car, next comes the most important step: the maths.
Here, you should look at your car's market value and compare it to the total cost of the repairs.
. A general rule of thumb is that if the repair cost is more than a quarter (25%) of the car's value, it's often not worth it.
For example, if your car is worth £2,000 and the repair quote is £1,000, you will likely struggle to get your money back when you sell it or come close to it.
Step 4, Think About What Happens Next
Finally, you also want to consider the future.
Is this repair a one-off, or is the car getting old and likely to have more problems soon?
If you fix one thing only to have something else break a few months later, you will be back where you started.
As a result, sometimes, a car is simply at the end of its life, and no amount of repair will make it reliable again.
So there you have it, and we hope that by following these steps, they can help you avoid losing money on repairs that don’t pay off.
If the process seems too complicated, or if the numbers just don’t add up, selling your car as it is might be the best and easiest option for you as well.
Beyond Your Immediate Repair Costs
Beyond the immediate repair costs, you should also consider your car's long-term viability, which it has left as well, when considering if selling is right for you or not.
For instance, a full service history that shows consistent servicing and routine maintenance can extend the life of a car.
However, even a vehicle with a solid warranty will experience depreciation and eventually require frequent repairs as it gets older.
As a result, you must ask yourself, "is this just a one-off fix, or a sign of future repairs to come?".
As a result, it might be more profitable to sell now than to face a constant cycle of ongoing repairs, breakdown cover, or a costly breakdown service in the future, for instance.
Should I consider Scrapping it over Selling It?
When your car has major mechanical issues, such as engine or gearbox problems, it might feel like your only options are a stressful private market sale or a trip to the scrapyard.
While selling to a car broker like us, a dealer or dealership is an option, it's only if your car has a known fault, the resale value of a damaged car is minimal, and selling it for scrap value can feel like a significant loss.
Due to this, we specialise in buying cars in any condition, often giving you a better price than you'd get from a scrapyard as well.
So before you take it down, why not first give us a call to see if we can get you a better deal?
Direct Buyer vs. Private Sale
Your decision to repair your car is also a matter of how you plan to sell it as well,
For instance, this is because:
Selling to a Direct Car Buyer, like us here at Cotswold Car Buyers
This is often the best choice if your car has a lot of damage or mechanical problems, as companies like ours are experts at buying cars in all sorts of conditions and can do repairs for less money than you can.
No Need to Repair
We will give you a fair price for your car just as it is, and you don't have to spend any time or money on big fixes, so there's no risk of losing money by doing so either.
Easy and Simple
You don't have to deal with haggling, time-wasting buyers, or the stress of making your car perfect.
You simply give us the details, and we handle the rest, and we may even be able to handle any outstanding finance as well, depending on what you have contractually in place.
Quick and Convenient
Our process is designed to be fast, you get a car buying valuation, and if you're happy, you can sell the car and get paid quickly.
Selling Privately
Selling a car on your own might get you a slightly higher price, but it does require more work and comes with a bigger risk, especially if the car has problems.
Private Buyers Expect Perfection
A private buyer wants a car that is ready to drive with no surprises, and no to very little work to be expected to be done on them.
This is why those "must-do" repairs are so important.
More Haggling
As a result of the above, if you do not fix the car's small problems, a private buyer will use them to talk you down on the price, often by more than the repair would have cost you.
Time and Effort
You will also tend to spend a lot of time preparing the car, creating an advert, and dealing with questions and test drives, and on multiple occasions as well.
What Are Your Financial Solutions for Repair Costs?
When unexpected car trouble hits, the bill for repairs can be a major stressor for you.
Thankfully, there are several ways that you can cover these costs without draining your savings, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
But which one should you choose?
When choosing the right option depends on the size of the repair bill and your personal financial situation.
For instance, you have:
Personal Loans
A personal loan is a popular choice for larger, more expensive repairs.
These loans typically offer a lower interest rate than credit cards and provide a fixed repayment schedule, making it easier to budget for the cost over time.
However, getting approved for a personal loan can take a few days, and it may not be an option if you have a poor credit history; however, the interest you pay will also decrease the amount you make back from the sale.
Credit Cards
For smaller, more immediate repair costs, a credit card can be a quick and easy solution for you to consider.
As many people already have a card they can use, there's no application process.
The main drawback here is the high interest rate, which can quickly add up if you don't pay off the balance promptly.
Payment Plans
Some garage and car repair shops do offer their own payment plans or a specific finance agreement.
This is a great option because it's easy and designed specifically for the cost of the repair.
You can set up a manageable series of repayments directly with the business, but it is still important to read the terms carefully to understand any interest or fees that may apply.
Friends or Family
In some situations, you might consider reaching out to friends or family for help.
This can be a good way to avoid interest payments altogether, but it can also be a difficult conversation and potentially strain relationships.
So you really need to think about whether the cost of repairing the car makes sense, especially if you need to add interest for repairs you need to place on credit on top as well.
Cotswold Car Buyers, Your Easy Solution
Here at Cotswold Car Buyers, we believe selling your car should be simple, not stressful.
That is why we specialise in buying cars of any make, model, age, and condition, so you don't have to worry about whether a repair is worth the money.
Due to this, we have made our car buying process clear and honest, and it consists of, for instance:
Get a Free Online Valuation
You just enter your car's registration and some details. Our system, backed by expert knowledge, will give you an instant, no-obligation price estimate.
Expert Assessment
Unlike some services that rely only on computer-generated numbers, our experienced team will then provide you with a fair price based on your car's true condition.
Hassle-Free Sale
We then handle everything for you, from the paperwork to settling any finances, we don't charge admin fees, and we'll pay you quickly and securely.
So, whether your car has a few scratches or a major mechanical issue, our goal is to give you a fair price and a simple selling experience.
Your Legal and Safety Obligations When Selling a Car
When you sell a car, it is also not just a simple exchange of keys and cash; as you also have important legal duties to the buyer as well.
As a result, being open and honest about your car's condition is actually important, not only to build trust but also to protect yourself from legal trouble later on if something goes wrong that you did not disclose.
The Importance of Transparency
For instance, in a private sale, the phrase "sold as seen" is often used, but it's not a magic shield that protects you from everything.
As here you still have a legal obligation not to misrepresent the car.
This means you must be truthful about what you know, and if you are aware of a major fault or an existing mechanical problem, you must tell the buyer and be honest about it.
For instance, if your car has a known issue with the brakes or a serious engine fault that you have chosen not to fix, you can't simply pretend it doesn't exist.
As here if the buyer finds this out shortly after the sale and can prove you knew about it, they could take legal action against you to get their money back.
Safety is Your Responsibility
As a consequence, hiding a serious safety issue, like a problem with the steering or a major rust issue on the chassis, is especially risky.
As here, especially, the consequences can be very serious for the new owner if the fault causes an accident.
As a result, being transparent about these types of faults is a moral obligation, and it also protects you from potentially severe legal and financial consequences.
So Is Repairing Your Car Right For You?
As you can see, when it comes to selling your car, the best approach is to be smart about your repairs.
Here, small, cosmetic issues like a faded headlight or a minor scratch are often worth fixing to make a great first impression.
However, you'll almost always lose money on expensive mechanical work.
For a simple and straightforward sale, remember that a direct buyer like us here at Cotswold's Car Buyers will give you a fair price for your car in its current state, saving you the hassle and cost of repairs and selling it privately as well.
Got a Car to Sell?
If you are looking to get a valuation or sell your car for a fair price, contact our expert team today, and they will be able to help you.
If you liked our guide on whether it's worth repairing your car before you sell it, then you may like some of our other latest news and guides about car selling as well.
For example, some of these are, for instance:
Who is Cotswolds Car Buyers?
Here at Cotswold Car Buyers, we are a division of the Cotswold Motor Group. This privately owned business was established in 1995 and is classed as an FCA-regulated car and automotive finance company.
We also specialise in purchasing vehicles from all brands, offering you competitive and higher prices than you would think, with a hassle-free experience in a safe way. Our experienced buyers are happy to come to you to facilitate the sale of your vehicle as well.
We have recently opened a new facility called Cotswold Group Select, situated in Tewkesbury, and our friendly, helpful team of buyers can work tirelessly to provide you with a best-in-class service with a customer-first culture as well.