Is My Damaged Car Worth Repairing — or Selling?

The question is rarely 'can it be fixed'. Almost anything can be fixed. The real question is whether the repair costs more than the vehicle is worth to you afterward.

Compare the repair estimate against what the vehicle would sell for running and clean. If the estimate is close to or above that number, salvage is usually the more honest outcome.

Age, mileage, rust and whether the frame is involved matter more than the size of the dent. A cosmetically ugly car with a good drivetrain is often worth more than a clean-looking car with a bent structure.

If you are not sure, describe the vehicle and the damage and get a straight answer before you commit to a repair bill.