Short answer? Usually, yes.
If you're about to sell, even small dents or scrapes can hurt your car’s value. Buyers notice them straight away. Whether you're going private or trading it in, visible damage gives people an excuse to offer less.
Before you list, consider a quick panel beating job to tidy up the body. It could be the easiest way to add value.
While structural and mechanical condition drive the core value of a vehicle, appearance can account for 10 to 20 percent of resale pricing in the used car market. Dented panels, chipped paint, and scuffed bumpers reduce buyer confidence and provide easy leverage to negotiate down your asking price.
That’s why fixing cosmetic issues through a skilled smash repair service can be a smart investment — especially if you're selling a mid to high-value car. It may only cost a few hundred dollars to fix, but that work could make a difference of thousands when it comes to sale price or trade-in offer.
If your car has had a previous accident, even minor misalignment can raise concerns for potential buyers. Uneven panel gaps, wind noise, or poorly fitting doors could suggest underlying problems. In these cases, a professional realignment and panel inspection may be needed before listing the vehicle.
This is where experienced technicians at Auto Panel Service can assess your car and identify whether repairs are cosmetic or part of a deeper issue. Either way, we’ll provide clear advice on what’s worth fixing — and what you can skip.
At Auto Panel Service, we’ve helped countless Melbourne car owners boost their sale price with professional, cost-effective repairs. Whether you need full panel beating, quick paintless dent removal, or expert spray painting, we’ll make sure your car looks the part when it’s time to sell.
Ready to get your car resale-ready?
Click here to request a fast quote or drop by our Richmond workshop and speak to the team.