Spending a small amount of time and money could ultimately prevent you from losing hundreds, if not thousands of pounds at the negotiation table, helping you maximise your return
A new survey of technicians found four frugal fixes that make a massive difference to a car’s resale value, helping Brits sell quickly while getting the best price possible.
Experts at used car specialists Vertu say these simple steps will greatly improve a buyer’s first impression, and at minimal cost to the seller. With used car sales nine per cent higher from July to September than any other time of year, owners looking to list have been urged to act as soon as possible, while demand is at its peak.
Small signs of neglect give buyers the upper hand in negotiations. Thankfully a few low-cost modifications can make a massive difference in maintaining a vehicle’s value.
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The results ranked a deep interior clean as the number-one way to boost value, with 50 per cent of the mechanics surveyed saying it’s the most important aspect. This was followed by fitting new car mats and replacing windscreen wipers, both at 20 per cent, and using a touch-up pen for minor scratches at 10 per cent.
Group aftersales director at Vertu, Calum Thomson, explained: “Sellers often worry about the engine or gearbox, but our technicians know that buyers react to what they can see and touch first.
“The most common mistake is overlooking the easy wins. A deep clean and new wipers cost very little, but they directly influence a buyer’s perception of quality and care, which has a far bigger impact on the final sale price than sellers realise.”
Car interiors are often the first area scrutinised by prospective buyers, so cleanliness is essential. A cluttered or dusty cabin with lingering, musty odours suggests neglect, inviting questions about how well the car has been maintained mechanically.
A full interior clean means more than just a quick vacuum — remove all rubbish, strip out mats, clean door jambs, dust and polish the trims, wipe down panels and thoroughly vacuum everywhere — carpets, boot space and upholstery etc.
The second fix identified was new car mats. Although they may seem trivial, dirt and moisture often leave mats looking seriously shabby, while also sometimes damaging the carpets beneath them in the process.
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Windscreen wipers are another simple but highly visible indicator of how a car has been cared for. Replacing them is quick, straightforward and worthwhile when it comes to getting the best price.
Finally, scratches and stone chips are among the most obvious of imperfections, but a quick treatment with a touch-up pen can effectively disguise them while also preventing rust. It’s a good idea to clean the affected area thoroughly before application.
Shake the touch-up pen thoroughly for about a minute to ensure the paint is mixed evenly. Test the colour first on a discreet area and allow it to dry for 10 minutes. Apply light layers with the pen’s tip, leaving each coat to dry for 10–15 minutes before adding another.
Once finished, let the final coat cure for at least an hour. Then use a polishing compound to blend the repaired area for a smooth and seamless finish.
So spending a small amount of time and money on presentation could ultimately prevent you from losing hundreds, if not thousands at the negotiation table, helping you to maximise your return.
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