Car trade-in question

DH and I are trading in our car for a new one. He thinks that if we don't have it washed and detailed before we trade it in, they'll offer us less for it. I told him that I think that's ridiculous; how would the car being dirty affect the value? Dirt washes off. The dealerships have guys that will detail the car anyway before they turn around and sell it.

What do you all think? Should I clean the car before I bring it in?

Re: Car trade-in question

Dont bother - Just bring it in. The dealer goes by whats in the book...Cleanliness means nothing

Re: Car trade-in question

Appearances are everything. It probably will affect the value.

Two people come to an interview. Both have exactly the same experience, resume, knowledge, etc. The one in the suit will probably get the job before the person in the jeans and t-shirt.

Same reason why they say to paint the house right before selling it. The new owners are going to repaint anyway, but it makes everything look newer and cleaner.

Re: Car trade-in question

the car being dirty has nothing to do with it. My car neede to be wshed badly and i traded it in, and i got three thousand over book value for it. This was back in August.

Re: Car trade-in question

My DH is a dealer. HE doesn't always go by what's in the book. He'll look at the interior, assess the age of it and ask a few questions on upkeep and how it runs... He'll use the book as a guide and adjust from there.

Running it through a car wash can't hurt, but it isn't necessary.

Re: Car trade-in question

I wouldn't spend the $ to detail it, since dealers do that when they buy the used car anyway. it's a waste of $$ IMO. just give it a good wash, wax and vacuum.

Re: Car trade-in question

Oh well, I guess it couldn't hurt to take it to the car wash when I go out to lunch. I just really didn't want to be bothered. I know the dealers definitely don't always give the book value, so maybe having it clean would help. It just annoys me that when it comes to doing things like this, DH considers the car "my" car, but when he needs it to haul his stuff, it's "our" car

Re: Car trade-in question

I'd just take it down to the local car wash and that's it. The dealer's gonna be more concerned with whether the car has any major body damage or any mechanical problems.

Re: Car trade-in question

Re: Car trade-in question

I don't think it matters

our pathfinder needed a new bumper - and they didn't even care about that- since that is nothing for them to fix