You might be tempted to skip the car wash and immediately begin snapping photos for an online ad or head straight to the dealership when you decide to part ways with your current vehicle. After all, why bother cleaning the car you’re about to sell or trade?
But don’t jump ahead of yourself — a little effort and expense could translate into more money in your pocket.
Your car’s appearance can play a significant role in determining its value, whether you’re negotiating with a dealer or selling the vehicle in a private sale.
The power of first impressions
You’d likely turn around and walk out of an open house if you noticed a lingering odor, muddy footprints on the carpet, smudges on walls and a sink full of dirty dishes.
The same principle applies to automobiles. A clean interior and exterior sends a powerful message: This vehicle has been well-maintained.
Credit: SPECIAL
Credit: SPECIAL
On the other hand, it’s easy to imagine the owner didn’t follow the recommended maintenance schedule if they haven’t made time to clean up that crusty glob on the floor mat, remove Cheerios from seat crevices or wash bird droppings off the trunk lid.
So just as you wouldn’t show up to a job interview in wrinkled and stained clothes, your car shouldn’t meet potential buyers looking like it just rolled out of a mud pit.
The case for a clean car
A vehicle’s value falls in a dollar range based on its year, make and model. Higher trim levels with upgrades and optional equipment increase the value. Higher mileage on the odometer, an indicator of wear and tear, decreases the value. Its overall condition and other criteria also come into play.
Cleanliness is one of those many factors determining a car’s value, although appearance is much less crucial than evaluating mechanical wear and tear. Still, a clean vehicle and the perception that it’s had proper care can lead to a better evaluation and, therefore, a better price.
A car’s value does not increase because of its immaculate condition. Instead, a filthy vehicle has less value because of the effort needed to get it looking good and the perception that the owner didn’t take care of the vehicle.
A dealership thoroughly cleans or details every vehicle before placing it for sale. A dirty car requires more work — and might not have enjoyed a pampered life — and the dealer will likely offer less for the trade. A clean automobile requires less work to prep for the used car lot, so the dealership may be likelier to make a trade-in offer in the higher range.
A private buyer will likely take a similar view. Nobody wants to see, feel or smell someone else’s grime in a vehicle they’re buying. A clean, well-maintained car can attract buyers and help maximize the selling price or trade-in offer.
An investment that pays off
Cleaning your car before selling or trading it requires time and money, but the potential return on investment makes it smart.
Suppose you’re ready to sell or trade a 2019 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited Wagon. It is 55,000 miles old and in “very good” condition, meaning it has minor cosmetic defects and is in good mechanical condition. Kelley Blue Book’s average private sale value for that vehicle in my Atlanta-area ZIP code is $20,190.
Improving the car’s condition to “excellent” — it looks new and is in excellent mechanical condition — boosts the average private sale price by $676. Visit kbb.com to find your car’s value.
Of course, there’s no guarantee that the showroom shine from a detailing service will increase your sales price to the upper end of the range. However, it does show the potential for more money when some cosmetic issues go away.
Effort vs. reward
A car with visible stains, odors and scratches may fetch $500 to $1,000 less than the same car in pristine condition. You can recover part or all of that difference if you commit to deep cleaning the vehicle before placing an ad to sell it. Consider the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Higher selling/trading value: Clean cars often sell faster and can bring a higher price. Dealers might be more willing to negotiate when your vehicle appears well-maintained.
- Pride of ownership: A clean car gives the impression that you’ve taken good care of it. This can reduce skepticism and reassure buyers that the vehicle has been well-maintained mechanically.
- Big gains for moderate cost: Comprehensive car detailing is a DIY project with the right equipment, supplies and patience. For those lacking the time and tools, many reputable detail shops around Atlanta can provide complete interior and exterior detailing for about $300, depending on the vehicle.
Cons:
- Expense: Choosing a professional detailer will yield the best results, with shampooing carpets, buffing scratches and restoring faded paint, but the up-front cost can be a burden.
- Time-consuming: Thorough car cleaning takes hours of your time. For many, tight schedules that lack long blocks of availability make DIY deep cleaning challenging.
- Physical effort: Cleaning a car is labor-intensive. It can require a lot of scrubbing, bending and stretching, which can be uncomfortable for some people.
More than just a presale spruce up
Getting your car clean should be more than a last-minute effort before selling. Regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial for protecting your investment throughout your car’s lifetime. Think of it as preventive care for your vehicle. Regular cleaning helps preserve the paint and finish, preventing long-term damage from contaminants like bug guts, bird droppings and tree sap.
It also allows you to spot and address minor issues before they become significant problems.
The routine maintenance mindset
Incorporating cleaning into your routine maintenance schedule is a savvy move. Just as you wouldn’t skip oil changes or tire rotations, don’t neglect the cleanliness of your vehicle. A quick wash every few weeks and a more thorough cleaning every few months can go a long way in maintaining your car’s value over time.
It’s not just about the exterior looking good. Regular interior cleaning, including vacuuming crevices and wiping down surfaces, helps preserve the upholstery, carpet and plastics.
Regularly cleaned cars are less likely to need comprehensive detailing before a sale. Plus, as the old saying goes, a clean car rides better.
Chris Hardesty is a veteran news researcher and editor who provides advice on buying, owning and selling cars for Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader.
The Steering Column is a weekly consumer auto column from Cox Automotive. Cox Automotive and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution are owned by parent company, Atlanta-based Cox Enterprises.
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