i have a g35 coupe that im thinking of trading in. the car has some minor body damage from hitting a mail box and wheels have curb rash. should i fix all damages before trading in or just trade it in? thanks in advance

 

I would see if PDR (Paintless dent removal) can get the small dents out. You can get the wheels refinished as well for about 100-150 a piece.
So that's probably 200 bucks for the PDR and some spray touch up paint and another 400-500 bucks for wheels. It's up to you if that total seems worth when it comes to trade in values. I would see what the wholesale value is and the value of a excellent condition trade-in on KBB. Take the difference and if the KBB difference is more than the repair costs, repair it. If not, just trade it.

There are some DIY wheel refinishing threads on the forums and if the body work needs paint, you could do that yourself if you if wanted to really reduce the repair costs.

 

This is always a tough call when trading. If selling privately, you definitely get it done. But when trading, it all depends on the dealer and whether they want to make it happen. They can usually get the repairs done cheaper than you can, so if they are working hard for your business, they may only reduce your trade value by the amount it will cost them to fix, which, like I said, is less than it will cost you to get it fixed prior to trading.

 

While not really important for the current topic, I always recommend for light damage like this, do NOT get it fixed if selling privately.

I would rather have known light damage and a lower price (or offer to get fixed) than unknown intensity damage that has been repaired. Much more risk in the latter than the former.

 

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