5 Problems that Will Make Your Car Harder to Sell
If you plan to sell your car, you should know about certain types of damage that can make the sale more difficult. Most “average” buyers won’t give you the time of day if you try to sell a car with a damaged motor or transmission, since repairs typically start at $1,000. Prepare for buyers to also ask you to lower the price or walk away when your car has any of these problems:
Cracked Manifold
A mechanic can inexpensively fix a minor manifold crack by welding it. Larger and multiple cracks require manifold replacement because they indicate material breakdown. Without replacement, new cracks can form around welds and allow toxic exhaust to leak into the cabin. The replacement usually costs $300 or more.
Rusted Exhaust System
Rust anywhere in the exhaust system, including on the manifold, pipes, and muffler, can result in holes that leak harmful fumes and loud combustion noises. In some states, a rusted system doesn’t meet state air quality protection guidelines. Replacing the muffler alone can cost between $250 and $800. Some buyers might also consider a rusted exhaust system a sign of more widespread car damage because rust implies that you didn’t take care of your car.
Non-Working AC Compressor
When the air conditioner compressor starts going, the replacement repair bill can range between $200 and $700. Outside of parts and labor costs, the AC might need a refrigerant recharge with Freon. This one vehicle component can kill a sale if you’re asking for less than $1,000 – especially in a seasonal or year-round hot climate region.
Cracked Windshield
Even something as small as a cracked windshield can be a major turnoff for potential buyers … it may only cost a couple of hundred dollars to instantly improve the cosmetic look of your car and assure buyers of its glass’s durability and safety.
Dented Front Bumper
Mild front bumper dents can put off buyers because of the potential of underlying problems unless you can provide a professional inspection statement confirming cosmetic-only damage. Even cosmetic damage can cause buyers to hesitate: Bumper cover replacement alone can cost between $300 and $800 because removing a damaged cover often requires time-consuming, labor-intensive removal of other parts. Serious damage to underlying structures can add up to thousands of dollars in repairs.
Repair costs depend on the geographic location, the make, model and year of the car, the complexity of the vehicle design, the prices set by the mechanic and state taxes. If you can’t afford to repair these problems, consider trying to sell to a mechanic or hobbyist in your region who’s looking for a “fixer upper,” lowering the price or selling your car for parts and scrap.
