Cracked Windshield Impact: How Much Does It Really Affect Trade-In Value?

When trading in a car, even minor imperfections can affect the dealership’s offer. A cracked windshield, in particular, is more than just a cosmetic issue—it directly impacts your car’s value. You may wonder, How much does a cracked windshield affect trade-in value? Should you fix it beforehand, or will the dealership handle it? What other factors could lower your car’s trade-in offer?

This blog will address these questions and explain how windshield damage and other issues influence trade-in value. Whether you’re preparing to trade in your vehicle or simply curious, understanding these factors will help you make more informed decisions.

Does a Cracked Windshield Affect Trade-In Value

A cracked windshield will impact your car’s value. The damage will be taken out of the dealership’s offer, as they will have to replace or repair the auto glass, and that could lead to a lower return than what you may have expected. Windshield repairs can cost upwards of $60, while replacements usually range from $350 to $550. Getting this work done before trading in a vehicle will always yield a higher offer from the dealership, so if possible, be sure to do so.

Can You Sell a Car With a Cracked Windshield

Yes, you can trade in a car with a cracked windshield. However, the dealership will assess the damage and lower the trade-in value accordingly, as they must cover the repair or replacement costs. Being upfront about the damage is essential to avoid misunderstandings during the trade-in process.

What Factors Impact the Trade-In Value of a Car

Beyond simply fixing or replacing a damaged windshield, there are several other factors that can reduce your vehicle’s value. By addressing mechanical, cosmetic, and safety issues—such as scheduling a windshield replacement for chips or cracks—you can help ensure a higher trade-in offer.

Does Cosmetic Damage Lower a Car’s Trade-In Value

Even if a vehicle is fully functional, cosmetic damage will decrease its value in the eyes of a dealership. The extent to which your return is harmed depends on the type of damage, though, so it is not as key to fix in specific scenarios. The following list details common cosmetic issues a car may have, and how they would lower its value.

• Minor Scratches: Smaller scratches that fail to get through the clear coat are very cheap to fix, typically costing $150 to $300, but it is possible to fix them without the help of an auto shop.
• Paint Scratches: A scratch that has penetrated the paint layer likely cannot be fixed at home, as it requires an entire panel to be repainted. At shops, repairing a paint scratch could cost anywhere from $400 to $1000.
• Deep Scratches: A scratch deep enough to damage the metal of a car’s frame is especially expensive, usually costing over $800 to fix.
• Dents: Repair costs for dents vary widely. You can fix some minor dents at home, but professional dent removal at auto shops ranges from $50 to $2000.

Does Internal Damage Lower a Car’s Trade-In Value

Damage to a car’s internal systems can seriously reduce its value. These problems cannot be solved without professional help or experience, so having them sorted through a shop before trading in your vehicle is necessary. The following are common internal issues to watch out for before trading in.

• Suspension System: Suspension systems are vital to the functioning of any vehicle, so dealerships will heavily reduce their offers on cars that have damage in that area. Fixing a suspension is very pricey, threatening to set someone back by a minimum of $1000, with terrible damage raising that figure to as high as $5000. If only select components, such as a shock absorber, need replacement, the figure can be as low as $200.
• Electrical Systems: The electrical system includes a car’s battery and alternator, which are necessary for a vehicle to work correctly. While it is rare that an electrical system would be damaged simultaneously, replacing its various pieces is essential if you want the best return on your car. Repairing and replacing these pieces can vary in cost, with small things like batteries sometimes being as little as $45 to replace, but big things like a starter costing a minimum of $720 to be replaced.

Need a windshield replacement before trading-in?

Kryger Glass delivers unmatched quality and expertise. Whether you need cracked windshield replacement in Davenport or reliable residential and commercial glass repairs, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today for a quote!