Buyers make up their minds about a car in the first minute. A clean car suggests it has been looked after, while a dirty one gives them reasons to negotiate. You do not need to spend a lot, but you should spend it in the right places.
Start with the interior
Smell and stains are what buyers notice most. If the seats are marked or the cabin smells stale, an Interior Deep Detail or Premium Full Detail is usually the most valuable thing you can do.
Fix the things that age a car
Yellow headlights make any car look older than it is. Headlight restoration costs $70 to $100 a pair and changes the look of the whole front end. Clean wheels and dressed tires help for the same reason.
Polish if the paint is dull
If the paint is swirled, a one-step polish makes photos look far better. If it is already in good shape, a wash, clay and wax will do.
Do not forget the engine bay
Serious buyers look under the hood. A clean engine bay costs $40 to $60, and it helps the car look cared for.
What to skip
If you are trading the car in, skip anything expensive and focus on making it look clean and tidy. A big spend rarely comes back in full at trade-in, but a clean car makes a better first impression.