How rust affects a car’s value

Rust is a common issue for cars, especially in cold, wet winters. It can eat away at the metal, damaging the body and frame – and that can lower your car’s value. Curious about how much your car is worth? Get a free valuation in seconds by entering just a few details!

Found some rust on the bonnet? Before you start to worry, have a read below to see how this might affect your car. To make sure you’ve got all the information you need, we’ll cover the following topics:

• How much does rust devalue a car?
• Is it worth removing rust from your car?
• How much does it cost to get rust removed from your car?
• Is rust considered frame damage?
• Will a dealership accept a trade-in with a rusty car?
• Selling a car with rust

How much does rust devalue a car?

The amount that rust devalues a vehicle depends on a number of factors, including the severity of the rust, the location of the rust, and the make and model of the car. In general, however, rust can reduce the value of a car by 10-20%. Still unsure? Get in touch with one of our experts and we can take a look at the situation for you.

Is it worth removing rust from your car?

The answer to this changes from case to case. It depends on a number of factors, including the severity of the rust, the cost of repair and the age of your car. If you are going to remove rust, get it done sooner rather than later, to stop the damage from getting worse.

When it comes to the value of your car, it’s not completely necessary to remove minor rust as this can be considered general wear and tear. However, if the rust is severe, or if it’s in a critical or obvious area, getting it repaired will protect your car’s value.

How much does it cost to get rust removed from your car?

The cost of repairing rust depends on how bad it is and where it is on your car. If the rust is minor, you might be able to repair it yourself. However, if the rust has grown significantly and is located in an important area, such as wheels or hinges, it can cost hundreds or even thousands of pounds.

Is rust considered frame damage?

If the rust is just on the surface, this is not considered frame damage. However if it has gone through the metal and started attacking the frame, this would be considered frame damage. In cases like these, it’s important to get your car looked at as it can make it unsafe to drive.

Will a dealership accept a trade-in with a rusty car?

Most dealerships will not accept a trade-in with rust damage. However, some dealerships may be willing to accept a trade-in with minor rust damage, especially if the car is otherwise in good condition.

Selling a car with rust

Are you struggling to find a buyer for your rusty car? Don’t stress – that’s what we’re here for. We love every type of car, rust buckets and all. And even better, we make it extra easy for you to sell your car.

All you’ve got to do is enter some details to get a car valuation that’s guaranteed for 7 days. We won’t pressure you into anything, and we will stick to the price we give you. Got some questions? No problem, our team of experts are on hand to help. Get in touch today or give us a call on 03303 41 09 09.

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