I have been in the car business for close to a decade now, and I’ve seen many cracked windshields. How will this affect trade in value when that time comes?
In my opinion, there are few things worse than having to fix an already broken windshield. The only thing that might be worse is when it happens during winter, and you don’t have any heat or defrost to help you see.
Nonetheless, a cracked windshield is an unfortunate reality for many car owners. The big question then becomes, does a cracked windshield really affect the trade in value of your vehicle? The answer is, unfortunately, yes. This blog post will explore how much a cracked windshield affects trade in value.
So How Much Does a Cracked Windshield Affect Trade in Value?
The answer, unfortunately, isn’t as simple as a percentage or a dollar amount. There are several factors that play a role in how much your cracked windshield will affect trade in value.
However, in general, you can expect to see a reduction in trade in value of anywhere from $200 to $1000.
Read also: How to Trade in Your Car When You Owe Money on It
Considering that the average trade in value is about $5,000.00, a cracked windshield can take a significant amount of the potential earnings.
Most insurance companies will not cover the cost of repairing or replacing a cracked windshield. This means that the entire cost will likely come out of your pocket.
Factors That Will Affect How Much Your Cracked Windshield Will Reduce the Trade in Value of Your Car
The severity of the crack
Obviously, the larger and more severe the crack, the more it will affect trade in value. A small crack will not have as big of an impact as a large crack that spans the entire windshield.
Plus, the larger the crack, the more likely it is to spread. This means that you’ll need to replace the entire windshield, which will be even more expensive. This is one of the reasons why it’s so important to get cracks repaired as soon as possible.
The location of the crack
A crack that is in the driver’s line of sight is going to be much more detrimental than a crack that is off to the side.
This is because it can be very dangerous to drive with a crack in your line of sight. It can make it difficult to see, which increases the risk of an accident. So the location of the crack is definitely something that potential buyers will take into consideration.
Read also: Does a Trade-In Count as a Down Payment for a Car?
The make and model of the car
The make and model of the car can also play a role in how much a cracked windshield will affect trade in value. Certain luxury cars or sports cars may see a bigger impact than a more common sedan or SUV.
This is because buyers of luxury cars or sports cars expect the car to be in pristine condition. Even a small imperfection can have a big impact on potential earnings.
The age of the car
The age of the car is another factor that can play a role in how much a cracked windshield will affect trade in value. A newer car with a cracked windshield is going to see a bigger impact than an older car with the same damage.
This is because potential buyers are going to expect a newer car to be in better condition. So, if you have an older car, don’t be too worried about a cracked windshield affecting trade in value too much.
The car’s history
The car’s history is also something that can affect how much a cracked windshield will reduce trade in value. If the car has been in an accident or has other damage, then a cracked windshield is going to have a bigger impact.
This is because potential buyers are going to be concerned about the structural integrity of the car. So, if you have a car with a clean history, you don’t have to worry as much about a cracked windshield affecting trade in value.
The demand for the car
The demand for the vehicle can also influence how much a shattered windshield will reduce trade-in value. If there is high demand for the car, then buyers are less likely to be concerned about a cracked windshield.
That said, if there is a low demand for the car, then a cracked windshield could have a bigger impact.
The dealership
The dealership may also have an effect on trade-in value after a broken windshield. Some dealerships are more flexible with customers damaged cars, while others are not.
If you’re concerned about a cracked windshield affecting trade in value, call a few dealerships to learn about their policies.
The factors outlined above are just a few that may have an impact on trade-in value after a broken windshield. So, if you’re thinking about trading in your car, be sure to get it repaired beforehand. It could definitely save you a lot of money in the long run.
In Conclusion
Repairing a cracked windshield is definitely worth it if you’re planning on trading in your car. A cracked windshield will lower the trade in value of your car by anywhere from $200 to $1000.
The severity and location of the crack; and the age, make, and model of the car, play a role in the trade in value.
Repair a cracked windshield before taking attempting to trade it in. That way, you can be sure that you’re getting the best deal possible.