Hi

Can I have your advice please?

I currently own an 09 Octavia 1.9 diesel Elegance estate in satin blue.

In a couple of months I am picking up a new Fabia vRS which I am taking on a contract hire basis, so can't PX the Octavia, so need to sell it privately.

The problem is that some kind person has keyed/scratched my drivers door, about 2 feet long and down to the white undercoat, and I can't T-Cut it out. I know in an ideal world I should bite the bullet and put it through the insurance, but am having secong thoughts on if it is really a cost effective option. I'm planning to price the Octavia to sell quickly and can send photos of the scratch to anyone planning to travel a distance to see it.

Any thoughts on what I should do? And if i pay for the repair out of my own pocket, how much is it likely to cost?

Thanks for you help.

reckon on £200-300 per panel for respray, which is probably less than your insurance excess. Since you are selling the car on what about one of the mobile franchises that sort dings and scratches?

If you dont get it repaired suspect it will seriously affect resale value as perception will be if you havent fixed cosmetic issue then have you trashed it mechanically

I had exactly the same happen to my previous Octy (there are some people who should not be allowed on this planet) about 4 days before completing trade-in for my new one. The dealer suggested a reduction of £200 in the trade-in allowance, which I accepted.

Is it definitely through to the primer, or are you seeing the scratched lacquer? If the later and your feeling brave, it can be sorted with a light sanding with 3000 grit wet 'n' dry then the finish can be brought back with something like Auto Glym Super resin polish......but, it will require a strong consitiution!