Added Value

[AeroCleanse]

How much do you feel a professional detailed used car increases in value over a non detailed car?

[Murr1525]

Re: Added Value

I do not know an exact number, but there is certainly a limit if it is just an average used car. As long as the dealer sees shiny and clean, no bad scratches, thats about all they care about. They have no idea what swirls are.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Added Value

As long as the dealer sees shiny and clean, no bad scratches, thats about all they care about. They have no idea what swirls are.

I agree. In a private party transaction the increase in value is probably greater. A fully detailed vehicle - swirl free paint, spotless interior and super clean engine bay - tells the private buyer that the car has been babied its whole life.

[yalerd]

Re: Added Value

Exact number, this varies, it's not like a formula I guess.

But it's a booster to sell the car, it's like when you have accessories on your vehicle, it doesn't add that much value but it gives a boost to it.

[Mort Corey]

Re: Added Value

I think for the most part it would help it sell more quickly.....kinda like curb appeal when selling a house.

Mort

[HagFan]

Re: Added Value

Well, I'm sure it depends on whether the dealer is buying or selling your used car. While they may not know what swirls are they do know how to pitch a "perfectly maintained paint job". So it's going to depend on what you're comparing with. If you're comparing with a car that was washed somewhat regularly and waxed once or twice a year--say with Cleaner Wax-- then the added value would be minimal. If you're comparing with a car that has been neglected then I'd say it's at least the difference between top and bottom book trade-in value.

I lease, so chances are my effort will be someone elses gain, although I have had the dealer buy-out a number of leases and give me the "equity" as a trade-in allowance. That credit has an advantage of not being taxed.

[AeroCleanse]

Re: Added Value

I was thinking more in the line of private party sales rather than dealers.

[roushstage2]

Re: Added Value

I have seen numbers, although I can't remember where, of between $500 and $2000. Depends on the car too I'm sure.

[Nappers]

Re: Added Value

It helps on trade in too! I tried to get into a Honda Accord and had our Neon evaluated by the lot and they could not find one flaw with the paint, not even a door ding and he was impressed with the way the car looked. He gave me "premium" trade in on the Honda to which we balked and still have the Neon. Also, chances are if the paint is taken care of hopefully under the hood and regular maintenance has been taken care of too.

Aaron