Diminished Value - What's a repainted door do?

[ard]

A hypothetical for you all-

Perfect car, 2003 M5, low miles, well cared for...

just discovered that one door had been repainted due to a parking lot mishap.

How does that impact the value? Sure, I know it needs to be undetectable, etc. But if there was the same car without any work, is this one worth less?

I am thinking it is a minor 'deduction'- like (vis-a-vis the olympics) a 'mandatory one-tenth'.

I know I am looking to put a value on an intangible- but let me know your thinking.

BTW, I am the buyer looking to acquire said M from a dealer!

ard

[DarkStar]

Originally Posted by ard

A hypothetical for you all-

Perfect car, 2003 M5, low miles, well cared for...

just discovered that one door had been repainted due to a parking lot mishap.

How does that impact the value? Sure, I know it needs to be undetectable, etc. But if there was the same car without any work, is this one worth less?

I am thinking it is a minor 'deduction'- like (vis-a-vis the olympics) a 'mandatory one-tenth'.

I know I am looking to put a value on an intangible- but let me know your thinking.

BTW, I am the buyer looking to acquire said M from a dealer!

ard

My M5 was involved in a parking lot mishap which required replacement of the driver's door (pickup truck backed into me at low speed). I am very picky but I had a hard time noticing anything once the repair was done. However, these issues need to be disclosed to the potential buyer which in turn may slightly devalue the car depending on the current supply of "no paintwork" M5's on the market. It really boils down to the buyer: if they are truly looking for "no paintwork" they are going to be passing up a significant number of cars out there. Keeping a car in good shape involves maintenance, and paint defects are part of that. my .02

[baf3472]

I wouldnt be put off by just the painted door. The car i own now had its front drivers door and the rear bumper painted because of parkinglot dings. As long as its only from that and not from a major collision and the work itself is up to snuff, i wouldnt be put off by it. I think anyone buying a used car has to expect that the car had some paint work done to it. Look at how many body shops are in business.

[Teutonaddict]

I say 'nil'

My '00 Beast had a hood respray at the Spartanburg PDC as a result of some shipping mishap. Looked factory new. Could not detect refinish--even by some independent body shops.

Since I took delivery at the Performance Center, they handed me a disclosure sheet that informed me of the work. Had it been thru a dealer, I'm not sure I would have known.

The rock chips now on the resprayed hood look exactly the same as they would have on the factory fresh finish!

-Dave

[EdP]

Originally Posted by ard

Perfect car, 2003 M5, low miles, well cared for... BTW, I am the buyer looking to acquire said M from a dealer!

Probably nothing. Mention it, make a lowish but reasonable offer, and see where it goes. The dealer isn't likely to be terribly concerned about the repaint; he's got a cherry car and if you don't buy it because of the repair, the next guy will.

[johnv]

Originally Posted by ard

A hypothetical for you all-

Perfect car, 2003 M5, low miles, well cared for...

just discovered that one door had been repainted due to a parking lot mishap.

How does that impact the value? Sure, I know it needs to be undetectable, etc. But if there was the same car without any work, is this one worth less?

I am thinking it is a minor 'deduction'- like (vis-a-vis the olympics) a 'mandatory one-tenth'.

I know I am looking to put a value on an intangible- but let me know your thinking.

BTW, I am the buyer looking to acquire said M from a dealer!

ard

A topnotch bodyshop can do minor paint repairs that are undetectable even to the pickiest buyer. Based on the quality of the OEM paint, paintwork done at a great shop might be superior. Just look at the front ends of any of our cars that have been driven a little and you will see all the pits/chips. A car with over 50,000 miles is probably a good canidate for the frt bumber, hood and mirrors to be repainted if your looking for perfection.

Another thought is to by a car that is not perfect and not let the first door ding or chip ruin your weekend. If you have kids and the car is going to be a daily driver - purchase something that isn't perfect. Best John