What does it cost to refurbish a car for resale?
15 Jul 2025
What is considered refurbishment?
Refurbishing a car means leaving it in optimal condition for sale. It is not about restoring it completely but correcting visible defects, ensuring its proper functioning, and improving its presentation. The goal is to increase its perceived value and facilitate a quick and profitable sale.
The most common tasks include:
Deep cleaning interior and exterior
Painting and headlight polishing
Repair of small dents or scratches
Replacement of worn-out parts (brakes, filters, oil...)
Touch-ups or interior upholstery
Basic mechanical review
Besides the technical aspect, refurbishment also has a strong psychological component: a clean, well-cared-for car without visible defects generates more trust from the customer, which facilitates the sale and allows for better price justification. It is not just a matter of costs but of value perception.
Common costs by type of repair
Concept | Approximate range (€) |
|---|---|
Interior + exterior cleaning | 50 – 120€ |
Simple polishing (utility vehicle) | 80 – 150€ |
Intensive polishing / SUV | 250 – 400€ |
Headlight polishing (per unit) | 20 – 50€ |
Bumper repair / scratches | 150 – 300€ |
Filter + oil change | 250 – 350€ |
Brake pads (complete axle) | 120 – 180€ |
Timing belt | 350 – 450€ |
Clutch kit | 600 – 1,200€ |
Dual-mass flywheel (if applicable) | +300 – 500€ |
Partial upholstery / new covers | < 100 (if DIY) |
How to estimate the cost according to the type of car
The refurbishment budget depends greatly on the type of vehicle:
Utility vehicles (Clio, Ibiza...): between 500 and 800 € is usually sufficient.
Compact SUVs (Kuga, Captur...): they may require between 800 and 1,500 €.
Sedans or station wagons: if coming from leasing, the investment can rise to 1,000–2,000 € if a flawless finish is sought.
The key is to adjust the investment to the potential benefit. It is not worth spending 1,500 € if the final margin will only be 800 €.
To refine the estimation, also consider the vehicle's history (DGT, ITV, maintenance) and its current market: there are models that sell better even if they are somewhat more "used", and others where the buyer expects a flawless condition.
Real cases: gross margin before and after
Example 1: Seat Ibiza 2015
Purchase price: 3,900 €
Refurbishment: 700 € (cleaning, brakes, polishing, headlights)
Sale price: 5,900 €
Gross margin: 1,300 €
Example 2: Renault Kadjar 2017 (SUV)
Purchase price: 7,200 €
Refurbishment: 1,200 € (bodywork, timing, upholstery)
Sale price: 10,000 €
Gross margin: 1,600 €
Tips for negotiating refurbishment with workshops
Always work with the same workshops: you will get better prices and preferential treatment.
Group tasks into packages: for example, polishing + headlights + interior cleaning.
Compare prices by province: in large cities, costs tend to be higher.
Consider detailing workshops: sometimes they offer more competitive prices than traditional bodywork.
Request a fixed quote in writing: this way you will avoid surprises and can compare with other providers.
Practical summary
Refurbishing a used car can cost between 500 and 2,000 €, depending on the model and its condition. Controlling these costs is essential to ensure a good profit margin.
Before investing, carefully calculate the final sale price and negotiate as much as possible with the workshops.
Want to simplify this whole process? With Dealcar, you can manage your stock and margins in one clear and automated panel.
