Part Exchange Disasters

Tuesday, 26. January 2010

Carsite, the online reseller of ex lease cars, has used their experience gained over the last few years to identify the top 10 contributors to a sharp intake of breath from the car dealer, when you part exchange your car, which results in much less being offered for you car than would have been otherwise. They have even suggested what the dealer is likely to knock off his offer as a result. Some things are damage items such as a chipped or split windscreen which you may have been able to have repaired on your insurance without losing your no claims discount and the payment of a £50 excess. Executive cars with a manual gearbox can be worth £1,500 less than an auto version even though it may have been a no cost option when new. Premium cars without leather can be worth £1,000 less and the car that looked quite ‘funky in yellow or orange is likely to be worth £500 less than a car in black, grey or silver. Luxury cars in what is known as Doom Blue can be worth much less. Alloy wheels that have been damaged can knock £100 off the value when they can be reaired for just £30 and a clean car gives a dealer a better ‘feel’ for the car and he is likely to offer a little more for the sake of a good clean and a bit of elbow grease. Those good people at Carsite have provided a top ten as follows (visit their website at www.carsite.co.uk ):

Top 10 trade-in tragedies

Bad Colour ((£200 – £500)

Scuffed Alloy (£50 – £100 per alloy)
Damaged Body (£200 – £300 per panel)
Damaged Windscreen (£250 – £300)
Damaged Windscreen (£250 – £300)
Scruffy Trim and Upholstery (Up to £500)
Messy Interior (£300 – £400)
Bad Specification (Depends on model)
Incomplete Service/Vehicle History (£300 – £400 or even refuse the car)
Bald Tyres (£100 – £150 per tyre)
Short MOT (£200 – £300)

Actually, this isn’t a bad guide as to what a leasing company is likely to charge if you return your car with any of the damage shown above. By Graham Hill