Why should I fix the scratches on my car?

October 12, 2005 8:36 AM

Should we fix the scratches and dents on our (relatively) new car?

We have a 2005 Hyundai Sonata that we bought last December. Since then, we've managed to accumulate several scratches and dents through minor fender-benders. (This is why we can't have nice things in D.C....) A couple of the scrapes are deep (1/4 to 1/2 inch), but mostly it's minor cosmetic damage. The body shop estimates it would take about $2,200-$2,500 to fix them all (i.e. by replacing the scratched doors and bumper).

What are the potential problems we might run into if we don't fix these scratches? The blamishes don't really bother us, as long as the car runs well and is safe. We're not concerned about resale or trade-in value (it's a Hyundai, so it won't have any regardless), and we plan on keeping this car for at least 5-6 years, hopefully longer. I can think of several thousand things I'd rather spend $2,500 on other than this.

Aside from reduced value, are there reasons why we should fix these scratches? Bonus question: are there any cheap and easy things we can/should do to minimize rust or other concerns?

posted by arco to travel & transportation (11 comments total)

If you don't care about the dents, ignore them. If the scratches penetrate the paint, you should do something about them. If you don't, you'll have holes in a couple of years.

You can do it yourself. Sand the scratches with wet-or-dry sandpaper until there is no rust. Spray a coat of primer paint (from a spray can you can get at an auto-parts store). Let it dry, and cover it with paint that matches the original car color (also a can from the APS). Do not attempt to use Rust-Oleum, even if you find some that's a perfect color match. The stuff never hardens, and is useless on cars.
posted by Kirth Gerson at 8:46 AM on October 12, 2005

As Kirth mentions, I'd think rust would be your biggest concern. You could do it yourself, as s/he suggests, or find someone just to repair to hinder rust, not for looks.

I recently expressed the same concern to the dealer's service rep about a paint chip and key scratch on my car. Apparently, their body shop was not interested, as he gave me the card for a paint repair guy (he only does paint, no body work) who will come to your house. I havent' gotten around to calling him yet, but I assume it's SUBSTANTIALLY cheaper than repairing/replacing for looks. I'd think it would be worth a couple hundred bucks for you.
posted by tippiedog at 9:02 AM on October 12, 2005

This may only be a Boston thing, but there are some fellas who will bang out dents and fix scratches who hang out in the AutoZone parking lot. They're pretty cheap and do it while you wait. They have nothing to do with AutZone and it's a little sketchy, but it works. My friend has used them several times.
Perhaps there's some equally cheap way to get your damage fixed.
posted by jdl at 9:15 AM on October 12, 2005

Tom And Ray Magliozzi, the "Car Talk" guys on public radio, are adamant that one should repair these blemishes as soon as possible. Their reasoning is that small defects change your own view of the car, and you become less likely to take care of it in the more important ways, like changing the oil.

But even these guys would tell you not to throw money away on professional body work if there's no way to keep people from dinging your paint.

For the sake of your continued good relationship of your car, do more than just protect it from rust. Find less-expensive ways to keep it looking "good enough" -- and you're the only one who knows what that really means.
posted by wryly at 10:10 AM on October 12, 2005

Your dealer will have touchup paint (probably a pen) for sale for $10 or so. Minor and even major scratches can be treated with the paint which exactly matches your car, which will restore 75% of the previous look (the scratches will still be visible if you look for them, but much less noticeable).

Once you've done that, take a good look at the car and decide whether you want to spend more.
posted by jellicle at 10:13 AM on October 12, 2005

If you go the DIY paint route, you must use a single manufacturer's product line. Paint chemistry works best when it is applied as the engineers intended. And although the local air-freshener and floormat store may have paint supplies, you're better off calling a automotive paint supply shop. They can help you pick a product and can often make you a custom-mixed paintpen or rattle can, and all the primer, clearcoat and trimmings. Lastly, the paint supply folks will have the proper respirator if you're going to be spraying. VOCs and your nervous system don't play well together.
posted by Triode at 10:57 AM on October 12, 2005

Oh - and with all things paint-related, surface prep is 95% of the job. Use serious degreasing solvents (MEK, etc) and wear proper protection. This is another place where advice from the counter guy at the paint supply place is invaluable
posted by Triode at 11:03 AM on October 12, 2005

but what about the dents? (i have the exact same problem with a new-ish car from living in the exact same city!)
posted by echo0720 at 2:02 PM on October 12, 2005

We're not concerned about resale or trade-in value (it's a Hyundai, so it won't have any regardless)

Can I just say "Hey!"?

</Just bought a Hyundai>
posted by AmbroseChapel at 5:04 PM on October 12, 2005

The body shop estimates it would take about $2,200-$2,500 to fix them all (i.e. by replacing the scratched doors and bumper).
This seems excessive - have you got more than one quote? FIrst of all, doors that are scratched do not need to be replaced, they can be repaired easily. Secondly, plastic bumpers can also be repaired or you can usually buy either rebuilt or second-hand parts. Check around, I bet you can do a hell of a lot better than that price.
posted by dg at 5:45 PM on October 12, 2005

Which doesn't really answer your question, does it? You should fix them because, if you don't, you will not look after the car as well and it won't last as long or be as reliable. Strange, but true. Kind of like the way you try extra hard to keep the car clean when you have just washed it but, once it gets dusty, you don't worry so much.
posted by dg at 5:48 PM on October 12, 2005