Does Car Repainting Cause Depreciation?
2 Answers
Car repainting can cause depreciation to some extent. Generally, aftermarket paint jobs are inferior to factory paint in terms of rust resistance and anti-aging capabilities. Factory paint consists of five layers: phosphating layer, electrophoretic layer, intermediate coat, color coat, and clear coat. However, due to limitations in equipment and processes, aftermarket paint jobs can only apply the color coat and clear coat, lacking subsequent rust resistance and anti-aging properties. Additionally, the absence of a phosphating layer means the metal sheet may corrode if the paint is damaged, so repainted cars will inevitably depreciate. When assessing whether a used car has been in an accident, the condition of the paint is a significant reference point. Inspectors typically use a paint thickness gauge to check. If the gauge shows abnormal paint thickness, it indicates the surface has been repainted, which will lead to depreciation. Usually, a repainted car is valued 10-15% lower than one with original paint. If the repainting quality is poor, the difference may be even greater. Precautions after car repainting are as follows: After repainting, pay attention to washing the car. Avoid using anything other than soft water, including hot water, alkaline water, or hard water, as these can damage the paint. If hard water is used, it may leave marks on the surface after drying. Do not leave the car exposed to strong sunlight or wash it immediately after the engine cools down, as this can affect the paint and accelerate aging. Avoid using high-pressure water jets to wash the car. If there is stubborn dirt, soak it with water first and then rinse gently. Use a dispersed water flow for washing, as excessive water pressure can damage the paint. Use appropriate cleaners for tough stains. If there are residues like dead insects or plant sap on the car, soak them with soapy water first and then clean with a water-soaked sponge.
Whether a car depreciates after repainting depends on the specific circumstances. If the repainting was done due to accident repairs or a DIY color change with rough workmanship, noticeable color mismatch, or paint bubbling, used car buyers will likely assume the vehicle has been in an accident or poorly maintained, immediately demanding a price reduction, resulting in a loss of several thousand dollars upon resale. I once sold an older car that had been repainted, and the buyer specifically brought tools to inspect it, haggling down the price by 30% due to uneven color. However, if you go to a professional shop for an original factory color repaint using high-quality paint and equipment with standard procedures, achieving a finish as good as new, the car generally won’t depreciate and may even maintain its original value. Before repainting, consider the vehicle type and usage—for example, a daily commuter car can be repainted without much issue, but choose a reputable shop that ensures proper protection. Regular paint maintenance, such as waxing, can also reduce depreciation risks. Overall, the investment isn’t large, but the return depends on craftsmanship—don’t skimp to save a few bucks.
