How much does fugly affect value?

[N147JK]

Regardless of price, probably tougher to sell because if the exterior was not cared for, a buyer might wonder if the interior (the critical mechanicals) were also not cared for. Just my 2 cents..

[susswein]

So was my response to your post :-)

BTW haven seen your dm yet.

[susswein]

I really don't understand the folks looking for a pertinent garage queen in a 4wd van. These vehicles areTOOLS designed to take us to the most remote places, which means 3rd world drivers, rough goal and narrow forest service roads.

Given the places I go to, it would be incredibly stupid not to keep the vehicle in absolutely perfect mechanical condition, but if I wanted to keep it looking showroom clean it would have needed at least 5 paint jobs in its lifetime :-)

[susswein]

Ps: I've found that having a fully vehicle is actually an advantage I Mexico. You're less of a target for theft, and less likely to have the cops hit you up for the rich gringo tax.

[JWA]

Originally Posted by susswein

I really don't understand the folks looking for a pertinent garage queen in a 4wd van. These vehicles areTOOLS designed to take us to the most remote places, which means 3rd world drivers, rough goal and narrow forest service roads.

Given the places I go to, it would be incredibly stupid not to keep the vehicle in absolutely perfect mechanical condition, but if I wanted to keep it looking showroom clean it would have needed at least 5 paint jobs in its lifetime :-)

Therein lies the problem with selling anything used---its actual physical appearance and condition absolutely depends on a potential buyer's POV.

People assume what they will, too often completely incorrect and go about trying to conduct a purchase accordingly. When those expectations and assumptions meet another POV then you're fighting all those misconceptions.

When I'm selling something its NEVER due needing money---chances are the item has lost its importance to my operation or has been replaced with something already in use, said item just sitting around waiting for the right guy or gal. That's just me and I know its maybe not the right approach for others.

Frankly I'd post a few photos of the exterior, point out the apparent issues and then briefly and concisely detail the mechanical upkeep etc you've done to maintain its reliability. Those interested in a working van over a hanger queen will "get it" and you'll make a sale.

If this sale is not time critical you have the luxury of selling at your price to the right guy, or gal. If money is tight then post a price along with the OBO caveat and take what you can get.

Never easy selling something that's not 100% pristine and in near perfect condition sorry to say.

[shenrie]

You should post pix of van so we can see exactly how bad off it is.

Personally, knowing what I was going to use the van for exterior condition would not affect my decision at all. All I would be concerned about is maintenance records. If you had all the records, exterior condition wouldn’t impact the sale. In fact, I would use it to my advantage to get the price down.

[SMB123]

Pride of ownership says everything. How well records maintained , interior, mods, etc. may cover some exterior sins. As a buyer my guidance of "chaos outside = chaos inside" has served me well.