1. Show both the location and extent of the corrosion
One close-up does not show where the rust is. Start with the whole side or corner, add a medium view and then a detailed image. Photograph in daylight, without wetting the body or using filters.
Useful areas include the wheel arches, sills, lifting points, lower door edges and boot-lid seams. If the car was welded or repainted, say what you know and include repair invoices if available.
- The complete car from all four sides
- Wheel arches, sills and lifting points
- Holes, lifting paint and previous repair seams
- Underside images only when they can be taken safely
2. Not all rust has the same effect on value
Surface corrosion on a replaceable panel is different from damage to a sill, mounting point or load-bearing area. Demand for the model, mechanical condition, mileage, documents and safe transportability also affect the offer.
Metal thickness cannot be confirmed reliably from images. An initial valuation therefore uses the visible information, while the final condition is confirmed during inspection. Accurate disclosure reduces surprises for both sides.
3. Cosmetic repairs do not always pay back
Quick filler and paint may hide the view without removing the cause. Compare an as-is offer with the complete cost of welding, paint, dismantling and reassembly before commissioning work purely for sale.
Record known corrosion and previous repairs in the sale agreement. Avoid absolute claims such as “perfect underside” unless the area has actually been checked by a competent specialist.