Thoroughly clean the car
Exterior
A thorough cleaning is the most effective and least expensive preparation you can make. Wash the car carefully, treat the paint with a good wax or sealant, and clean wheels, tires, and wheel wells. A clean car immediately makes a better first impression, both in photos and during viewing.
Pay extra attention to details: door jambs, around the fuel cap, and the gaps between panels where dirt accumulates. These spots reveal whether a car is truly well-maintained.
Interior
Vacuum thoroughly and clean all surfaces. Treat leather with the right maintenance products to keep it supple and well-maintained. Clean rubber and plastic parts. Remove all personal items and clutter. A clean, empty interior lets buyers better assess the car.
Engine bay
A clean engine bay suggests good maintenance and gives buyers confidence. Be careful with water around electronics and sensitive components. Use suitable degreasers and work with a soft brush. For older cars, a neat engine bay can make the difference between a car that looks maintained and one that radiates neglect.
Small repairs that make a big difference
Some small repairs cost little but can have a disproportionately positive effect on buyer perception:
- Replace broken bulbs and lights
- Touch up minor paint damage with the correct color
- Replace missing or damaged emblems and badges
- Address or document leaking fluids
- Investigate and address warning lights
- Replace windshield wipers if they leave streaks
The rule of thumb: if a repair costs less than the difference it makes in buyer perception, it is worth doing.
What you should not do
Equally important as what you do is what you should leave alone:
- No major investments just before sale that you will not recoup
- Do not hide or cosmetically mask problems
- Do not replace original parts with aftermarket alternatives
- No hasty or cheap repairs that cause problems later
- Do not make modifications that change the car from its original specification
Honesty is always appreciated with collector cars. A car with known and honestly described issues sells better than a car where issues have been hidden.
Technical preparation
Consider giving the car a technical check before selling. Check fluid levels, tire pressure, and whether everything functions properly. If the car has been sitting for a while, it is wise to let it warm up thoroughly and take a test drive to discover any issues before a buyer finds them.
Organize documentation
Gather all papers, keys, spare keys, and associated items. Organize invoices and maintenance history chronologically. Present everything neatly in a folder. Completeness is enormously valued by buyers and can directly contribute to a higher final result.