What You'll Learn
Aussie Conditions
Look, I've seen blokes lose three grand on a sale just because the car looked like a tip inside. Most buyers make up their mind in the first ten seconds, so we're focusing on the 'visual wins' here. This is the exact process I use when someone brings me a car they're about to chuck on Carsales. It's practical, fast, and focuses on the stuff that matters to someone with cash in their hand.
The Essential Gear
What You'll Need
Pre-Start Sanity Check
What You'll Need
While you're here...
The Step-By-Step Attack
Wheel Deep Clean
Clean wheels while they're dry using iron remover. Use a soft brush to get into the lug nuts. If the wheels look dodgy, the whole car looks dodgy.
The Engine Bay 'Quick Fix'
Cover the alternator with a bag. Spray APC, agitate with a brush, and rinse gently. It shows the buyer you haven't been hiding oil leaks under thick grime.
Snow Foam or Pre-Wash
Soak the car to loosen the red dust and bird droppings. Let it dwell for 5 minutes, but don't let it dry. Rinse thoroughly from top to bottom.
Two-Bucket Wash
Wash one panel at a time. I always start with the roof. If you're in a hard water area, dry as you go to avoid those nasty white spots.
Decontamination
Run your hand over the paint. If it feels like sandpaper, use the clay bar. This is the secret to that 'showroom' shine that makes buyers drool.
Interior Deep Vacuum
Slide the seats all the way forward and back. A customer once found a half-eaten maccas chip from 2019 in a car I was selling, never again.
Wipe Down and Protect
Clean all plastics with APC and a microfibre. Apply a matte dressing. It makes the dash look new, not oily. Clean the pedals too, it's a pro touch.
Glass and Tyres
Do the glass last. Clean the inside twice. For tyres, use a satin dressing. It looks classy, not like you've sprayed them with vegetable oil.
The 'Buyer's Eye' Inspection
What You'll Need
Watch Out
Final Thought
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