Dirt engine in add

[whattingh]

Found this on autotrader. Could they not at least wiped it of with a cloth.

[onyx]

And the sad part is.... If he detailed or atleast cleaned the car he could probably up his asking price!

[TOGWT]

(26-03-2009 11:41 AM)onyx Wrote:  And the sad part is.... If he detailed or atleast cleaned the car he could probably up his asking price!

Vehicle Condition and Resale Price
Spring is just around the corner and the question is... Do I buy a new car or keep my present one and do my best to keep appearance at its best and maintain it at top value? Well the second part of that question is where proper detailing can help. An investment in your time and top quality products will help you maintain the finish and looks of your daily driver as well as your "Garage queen”. Any prospective buyer in the future will know that you've taken care of your vehicle and it's worth the price you're asking for it.

When it comes to selling your vehicle, you never get a second chance to make a great first impression. The most important thing is to clean the vehicle inside and out, including the engine bay. A clean, shiny vehicle gives the impression that you cared about the vehicle and maintained its condition. This may also increase your vehicle's sale price significantly.

Even if it’s a ‘Lease Return’ you should return the vehicle in the best shape you can or you will be charged an exorbitant price to rectify faults. Assess your vehicle, as its condition will vary because of unique factors such as: year, make, model, colour, mileage, previous care, weather conditions, temperature, etc. Look over your entire vehicle and try to make notes of any imperfections you see. If you see any major problems such as deep scratches/chips, dented panels or tears in the upholstery you should rectify them before you attempt to sell or return it.

To see just how much the condition of your vehicle affects its valuation and its resale value we examined some figures from Kelly’s Blue Book and Glass's Guide. The only variable that changed for each vehicle was its condition, rated fair or excellent, with a scale of poor, fair, good or excellent. This clearly shows the significant differences in the value of maintaining your vehicle. The average difference was over three thousand dollars or 16% more when comparing the value from fair to excellent. These figures do not solely reflect the added value of detailing, but clearly it's a large component of the equation.

Here's how Kelly Blue Book defines used car condition:

Excellent (less than 5% of all used cars fall into this category)
•Looks new, is in excellent mechanical condition and needs no reconditioning.
•Never had any paint or body work and is free of rust.
•Clean title history and will pass a smog and safety inspection.
•Engine compartment is clean, with no fluid leaks and is free of any wear or visible defects.
•Complete and verifiable service records.

Good (most consumer owned vehicles fall into this category)
•Free of any major defects.
•Clean title history, the paints, body, and interior have only minor (if any) blemishes, and there are no major mechanical problems.
•Little or no rust on this vehicle
•Tires match and have substantial tread wear left.
•A "good" vehicle will need some reconditioning (detailing) to be sold at retail.

Fair
•Some mechanical or cosmetic defects and needs servicing but is still in reasonable running condition.
•Clean title history, the paint, body and/or interior need work performed by a professional.
•Tires may need to be replaced.
•There may be some repairable rust damage.

Poor
•Severe mechanical and/or cosmetic defects and is in poor running condition.
•May have problems that cannot be readily fixed such as a damaged frame or a rusted-through body
•Branded title (salvage, flood, etc.) or unsubstantiated mileage

Information resource
1. Automotive Detailing Inside & Out; a Knowledge Base for the Perfectionist, by Jon Miller
3.TOGWT™ Series of Detailing Articles, by Jon Miller


© TOGWT ™ Ltd Copyright 2002-2009, all rights reserved

[MK V GTI]

That engine bay looks pathetic !!!

[Carn]

Note to self, avoid York Auto at all costs. If they couldn't even be bothered to rinse down the engine bay who knows what else they neglect to inspect