Hello Group; Looking for some advice regarding minor body work on a 2001 996 Cabriolet. There is a 5" scratch in the drivers door and a couple of scratches in the front bumper near the license plate. The scratch in the door isn't down to the metal but it is visible and you notice it every time you get into the car. Will it devalue the car if I have the door and bumper repaired by a good auto body shop? I plan on keeping the car for several years but may sell it someday. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

As long as the person does a good job I don't think it makes too much difference. I had my front clip re-shot and a dent and nick fixed. Can't tell

 

Thanks. I've had people tell me it would hurt the value but I couldn't imagine how it could, especially if you documented the damage prior to the body work.

 

Take a photo of the damage before and after and keep it with your records.. That should be good enough for any prospective buyer. If it's not, stick with your asking price and Bollux to him. He probably missed out on a great car lol.

 

That's the plan I have. The car is perfect other than the door and front clip and I would rather rather have the work done. I could understand not doing it if it was a very rare, classic model however I don't think a '01 996 fits into that category! lol

 

What Hurdigurdiman said.

I'd add that the shop should measure the paint thickness *before* it does any work and after the painting sand the paint to the same thickness. (If the shop offers to do this without you asking that's a good sign you have picked the right shop for the work.)

After a few years the fact the car received some minor paintwork for a scratch -- all of which you can back up with pictures of the damage and even of the car in the body/paint shop with the door prepped, etc. -- will count for little compared to the servicing the car received while you owned it -- all of which you can back up with receipts for the work -- and the car's good condition.

 

Great advice. Thanks!