Drivers are slashing the value of their vehicles by up to £200 due to a simple yet costly ‘oversight’.
Motorists looking to sell their cars second-hand have been warned that failing to give their vehicle a thorough clean and leaving it without a shine could see them out of pocket.
Steven Edwards, editor at the pre-owned car hub MOTORS, issued a stark warning: “A gleaming, showroom-ready motor will give buyers that new car feeling and demonstrate that your vehicle has been well maintained, increasing the price potential buyers are willing to pay.”
He advised sellers: “Before putting your car up for sale, give its interior and exterior (including wheels) a good spruce with professional detailing or, if you plan to tackle the job yourself, car-specific cleaning products. Make sure to double-check hidden areas like under seats, doors and glove compartments to remove any of your personal belongings and lingering bits of rubbish.”
Edwards further explained: “While buyers know they’re purchasing a used car no one wants to buy a vehicle that looks like it’s still being used by someone else. With car detailing costing between £80 to £200 on average, you can expect to lose out on this amount at the very least should you overlook the importance of thoroughly cleaning your car before listing it.”
A statement from Direct Line strongly stressed the importance of keeping your vehicle clean and tidy to increase its value, reports Birmingham Live.
An expert at car valuation firm Glass’s said: “The better your car looks, the easier it’ll be for a dealer to imagine it sitting on their forecourt
“If you invest £50 or £100 in a professional valet, you’ll make twice or possibly three times that back because of the increased amount it will be worth in the buyer’s eyes. If you want to save money and do the cleaning yourself, take time to clean the inside as well as the outside.”
