Hello! I have a a 2009 Honda Civic LX with 141k miles I am looking to sell. Unfortunately I have a dent with a little rust on the back of the car that is noticeable (see attached images) . I'm guessing I can get about $6500-$7000 for the car. Maybe more.

Do you think it is worth it to fix this dent? I have got a quote to fix it for $500. Would that $500 spent increase the value of the resale by over $500?

Thanks in advance!!!!

 

Why don't you check car-part or your local salvage yard for that same lid and replace it yourself? By me there is a grey one for $300. Sometimes the u pull its are cheaper. I doubt it'll take more than an hour or two.

 

It's probably going to be borderline at that amount you're going to get if you fix it. I would probably fix it. Seems like a good deal however you should be sure they are going to do it right. Hopefully it's a legit shop.

 

is that even "fixable"? I mean, I know with the right amount of money anything can be, but that dent rippled up the trunk lid. its not exactly a pull it and flatten it out type of dent on a curve like that...

IMO you might be better off buying a new lid or sourcing a junkyard one. You can go online and a few sites let you search the exact part with the exact color, and they send you an estimate if they have one.

or check the for sale section and find someone that did the jdm conversion and buy their lid.

 

Get another trunk, repaint. Beer.

 

Unfortunately I don't have mechanical skills to replace a trunk on my own or even know much about salvage yards. Just trying to make a decision before I sell the car. I definitely agree with you @holmesnmanny. It is like a borderline wash!!

 

Best bet is to find another trunk lid that is used/same color and have someone install it for you. I would not buy a car for $6500 with a dent like that knowing I'd have to spend more to fix it.

 

Factor in the cost of the trunk and paint, then reduce it from the amt you want to sell it for.

 

Fix the dent by either getting repaired or looking for another trunk used have someone install for you... and then get the car detailed. Easily will make the car go fast and at a better price as in you can be much more firm on the negotiations and not budge to much on lowering the price.

 

That spot where it's rusting is going to start staining all the paint below it when it rains, including the paint on the bumper.

You don't want that to happen, so at least cover the rust with some paint in the meantime.

 

I would be curious to see how a shop would fix that dent for $500. Bang the dent out and then hondo?

I would probably just buy an old trunk and repaint. Personally would never buy a vehicle with a dent like that and would gladly pay $500 extra to not have that dent.

 

I don't know the about the $500 making your resale value higher but i do know that itll be more worth it cause selling it will be a lot easier

 

-It's true that it will be easier to sell, but you might want to get some offers first, the time and money you put into it could be less than the amount you earn in the same amount of time, or, that time and $ could be put into your new car. Did you check with a paintless dent repair option? For that amount, whoever gave you the quote is probably going to replace the trunk lid. It's easy, just search Youtube.