I was rear ended and found minor damage to the bumper. Ford body shop looked at the damage and believes that it's limited to the rear bumper and step pad. Total damage just under $1k. Most people probably wouldn't even notice the 2 small creases in the bumper and would chalk the scuffs up to normal wear (which they aren't). So, will minor damage such as this have any impact on resale value?

 

It could, but I really doubt it. Bumpers are essentially replaceable components. It's when you get into the major body and mechanical components that you would run into any substantial diminished value.

 

Did they fix it? Was it an insurance claim? If so, it will probably come up under CarFax and affect value. I think the standard I heard was something like 10-20% of the repair. So you are looking at around $200.

 

Since you were rear-ended, I'd let the at-fault driver's insurance pay to fix it.
I'm kind of picky, so I'd have to get it fixed. I'd deduct some value in a used vehicle with noticeable damage, unless it was consistent with the condition of the rest of the vehicle.
That's just me. I'm sure there are others that wouldn't care at all.

 

Oops, my post above was assuming that you did have it repaired, which is where a diminished value claim comes into play. If you don't have it repaired, then it will most certainly affect resale.

 

For me, yes, any body repair is a negative and I would not be willing to pay as much. If I were you I would definitely file a diminished value claim with insurance.

 

The damage is limited to the bumper though...

 

I think he is saying he is keeping the money and not doing the repair. In which case I would say from described it probably would not affect value.

 

Wonder what percentage of body shops actually report to CarFax? Sister-in-law had her fender, wheel, tire replaced on her '14 Edge after somebody ran a stop sign. They sold the vehicle to an individual,CarFax showed it was clean. She did receive a diminished value settlement.

 

I was also rear-ended. 2 weeks after getting my new 2018. Didn't leave a scratch but bent the right side in. estimate was $1000 to fix. Their insurance company wanted to give me $300. I reminded them that their driver was at fault, and if I had to get a lawyer, they would want me to go to the hospital, and do numerous costly tests. I had a check in my mailbox 3 days later for $1000. I now have two options, put a 2x4 between the frame and bumper and bend it out, or spend $1000 to get a new bumper. It pretty much totaled their plastic Saturn.

I saved the pictures so if I ever sell it, I can show them what it involved. Yes, it may hurt resale value, as some won't touch a vehicle involved in an accident, no matter what the owner says. but hey, I got $1k to help with that down the road