How to Prep Your Car for Sale and Get Top Dollar

If you've been anywhere near the red dirt, it’s stuck in your door rubbers and fuel cap. Buyers hate this because it screams 'harsh life'. Open every door, the boot, and the bonnet. Use a damp microfibre and some All Purpose Cleaner (APC) like Bowden’s Own Agent Orange to wipe those jams. I once had a customer who couldn't sell his Prado for six weeks; spent twenty minutes cleaning the red dust out of his door hinges and he sold it the next day. Small details matter.

It's February. If you try to wax or polish your car at midday, the product will bake onto the paint faster than you can say 'bugger'. I learned this the hard way on a black Commodore years ago, took me hours to get the streaks off. Do your detailing at 6am or in the garage. If the panels are hot to the touch, don't put anything on them. Stick to a good spray sealant like Meguiar's Ceramic Wax for that quick 'showroom' shine without the elbow grease.

The missus always says you can't smell your own car, and she's right. If you're a smoker or have a dog, the buyer will smell it instantly. Don't just spray a cheap 'New Car Scent' from the servo; it just smells like a pine tree in a bin. Use an odour neutraliser or, better yet, give the carpets a proper scrub with some fabric cleaner and a stiff brush. It makes a massive difference to the 'vibe' of the interior.

Aussie UV kills black plastic trim, turning it a nasty chalky grey. This makes a car look ten years older than it is. Don't waste your time with greasy silicon-based 'tyre shine' on the trim, it'll just run down the paint the first time it rains. Grab some Gtechniq C4 or even a decent trim restorer. It’s a 10-minute job that adds heaps of visual value. Trust me, it's the best bang-for-your-buck move you can make.