if your car is about to be traded in, cleaning it beforehand is advised, especially if you hope to get a good price for it.
When it comes to buying or selling cars, the first impression is everything. You're not going to wear an old tracksuit full of coffee stains to a job interview, right? It's the same with your car. In order to get the best offer, you want your car to shine, inside and out. A full-house valet is recommended, especially if the cloth seats are looking grimy. And, if you don't have the funds to take care of minor repairs, the least you can do is wash and polish your car properly, or just wash it, and vacuum it inside.
Not sure how to go about it? As the experts on used and new cars as well as the buying and selling process, we can help you to get your car in the best possible condition:
Car-cleaning tips
Video: How to clean your car's interior like a professional
How to deep clean your car's carpets
Video: How to clean your car's air vents
How to clean car seats
Video: How to clean leather seats
How to remove the smoke smell from your car's upholstery
For the full checklist of how to prepare your car for a trade-in, click here.
Tips on trading in and selling
What's my car worth? Get a free car valuation on AutoTrader, here!
Sell your car with AutoTrader: List it with us and do it yourself, or let us take care of it all! Here's how.
Ever wondered if it's better to sell or to trade in a car? Find out here.
How much more money can you make if you sell your car privately?
How to negotiate when selling a car privately
How to get the best price when selling your car to a dealer
