How much does it cost to replace your car door?

Does a damaged door affect my car’s value?

A damaged door can knock down the value of your car, even if it still runs like a charm. Aesthetic appeal can be a deciding factor for car buyers, something to bear in mind if you’re debating whether to repair or sell your car.

Superficial scratches and small dents are relatively easy to repair, so aren’t likely to affect your car’s resale value by too much (usually less than 5%). Deeper damage (anything you can see from 10 feet away) is likely to lose you 5-10%. The impact on resale value will be significantly higher if there’s structural damage, as this leaves the buyer with a hefty repair bill.

Average car door replacement costs in the UK

If repairing your car door is not an option and you need to replace it, you can expect to pay around £200 to £1,000+ in the UK. Remember, this is just a ballpark range; costs can vary widely depending on numerous factors (which we cover in the next section).

A replacement door for a standard model with few, if any advanced features, is likely to cost between £200 and £500, as they’re relatively simple to install and use basic materials.

Door installation for mid-range cars with features such as advanced locking mechanisms and power windows is trickier and more labour intensive. These doors also use better quality materials. All of this pushes the price up to around £500 to £800.

Luxury models, as expected, fall at the higher end of the price scale for door replacement. Their advanced technological features, specialised components, and premium materials (such as carbon fibre) drive the cost up to £800 to £1,000 or above.

What factors affects car door costs?

How much it costs to replace a car door depends on a variety of factors.

The first, and most obvious, is the severity of the damage. For example, if a door has been badly smashed, it will be hard to remove, because the frame will be twisted and warped. The frame itself will also need to be straightened or repaired before a new door can be fitted.

The type of car door also affects replacement costs. Standard doors will be the cheapest to replace, thanks to the availability and cost of replacement parts – and the relative ease of installation.

However, many luxury and high-performance cars have unconventional door designs, such as butterfly, canopy, coach, gullwing, and scissor doors. There are also sliding doors, which are often used for vans and taxis. All these door types require specialist parts and labour, making a larger dent in your wallet.

Your car’s brand and model has a bearing too, as each manufacturer uses specific parts and materials. Luxury and high-end car doors will inevitably be more expensive, as their components and materials are more specialised and of higher quality.

If you choose aftermarket rather than OEM parts, the cost of replacing your car door will be much lower. Of course, with some makes and models, OEM will be the best, if not the only option, but aftermarket parts are worth considering if your budget is limited.

Painting is an additional cost to consider, as you’ll want your new door to match the rest of your car as closely as possible. For standard models, this isn’t so much of an issue, as many have pre-painted replacement doors in the manufacturer’s common colours, but for higher-end cars, you may need to have a custom colour made up. This could cost anything from £100 to £500.

You might also need to factor in the cost of window repair or replacement. This will vary depending on the type of glass, the window’s features, and the extent of the damage - but is likely to cost between £50 and £200.

On top of the cost of all the different parts, you’ll need to pay the labour and service charges. Some car door replacement jobs can be incredibly complex and time-consuming, whilst others are more straightforward. Either way, having a skilled and experienced professional replace your car door is worth the price.

Should I repair or replace my car door?

Replacing a car door as a home DIY project is inadvisable unless you’re highly experienced, as it’s a very complex job. There are some advantages to this approach, such as saving money on parts and labour, and having a choice over which parts to use, but DIY car door replacement carries a great deal of risk.

You’ll need advanced mechanical skills and knowledge to correctly install a door with features such as electronic locks, power windows, and sensors. The placement of the new door will need to be precise so that these features can connect and function properly. You may also need to upgrade your toolbox with specialist equipment, which would add to the overall cost.

Safety is another issue. Car doors are heavy, and you risk hurting yourself, or damaging your car by trying to do all the work yourself. If a problem occurs during or after the replacement work, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurer. Conversely, most repair specialists will offer a warranty for your peace of mind.

Finally, attempting to replace a car door yourself could take days, whereas a professional will often get the job done in a matter of hours. All in all, unless you know exactly what you’re doing and are highly experienced, it’s probably better to let an expert replace your car door.

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