Versa damage - repair vs resale

[jdsiii]

So I went to buy my Versa on Saturday and on the way out of the dealer to start the test drive I put a nice little dent in the drivers door (don't ask...). I loved the car better than the other cars I test drove. Since I was going to have to cover the damage anyway, even with the small bit of damage I bought it.

I was able to get the dealer to cover the cost of my deductible in our deal but after getting my estimate today, I'm wondering a couple things:

1. Since the dealer is covering my deductible (and my insurance the rest), do I get the work done regardless of the cost even though this will likely raise my insurance rates for the next 3 years?

2. Which devalues the vehicle more at time of trade in in 3-4 years, having the repair work done or not having the repair work done? One could be "hidden" while one is at least obvious and they would know it needs to be done. I ask because the purchase contract specifically asked if my trade had ever suffered more than $500 in collision damage, so I'm assuming that if it's over $xxx they decrease the amount of a trade.

Just looking for opinions.

Thanks.

[Ever Victorious]

You might want to ask your insurance agent if your rates actually WILL increase. If it does, and you're buying the car anyway... you might want to consider this:

If the ding isn't HUGE, but rather could be considered something you'd get in a parking lot within 3-4 years, ask yourself if you can live with the car in that condition. If so, don't bother fixing it. Just take the car and ignore it.

Car dealers usually ask if a car has been in an accident. They don't usually ask a specific damage limit when you trade in a car, so the dealer you're working with is a little unusual in that respect.

Most dealers that I know won't sweat a door ding on a 3-4 year old car because, well, it happens. They'll probably ding you a LITTLE money, but not anything hugely significant.

Now, if you tore the front bumper off the car in the process, that would be a different matter.

[bucksnort]

How bad is a little dent? Pics? Did the door swing open on you and hit something?