Why oh why have I just spent 2 hours cleaning my car...

[pattyg]

When I'm trading it in on Wednesday for another? I must be mad but just don't want it looking bad for the dealer despite the fact my new car is being driven to me and my old one needs to be driven 200miles to that dealer.

Is it just me that does this? I think I'm secretly a little scared I've oversold it to them

[vescaegg]

Mines being picked up by the new owner tomorrow and I spent a good hour cleaning it today for them. No idea why, they have already bought it!

Checked and topped up all fluids too!

Just common courtesy I suppose.

[RammyMP]

Cleaned mine, was looking gleaming, then she decided we're going out for lunch and it rained!

[AClownsPocket]

2 hours cleaning mine inside and out. Just as I finished, it rained. So I pissed on God's chips and didn't watch songs of praise. Have that

[JimmyConwayNW]

I think its a nice gesture to do, however come trade in time it doesn't make a big difference.

[nipsips]

Id never trade a car in filthy, wouldn't want the dealer to think I was dirty lol

[Tahiti]

Cleaning it for a new owner is a nice touch. It's a bit like cleaning your house when you move out.

[PBB]

I think it's a great gesture and will be appreciated by the dealer, who is probably used to many folk trading in filthy wrecks still full of the previous owner's rubbish!

[jimbop1]

vescaegg said:

Mines being picked up by the new owner tomorrow and I spent a good hour cleaning it today for them. No idea why, they have already bought it!

Checked and topped up all fluids too!

Just common courtesy I suppose.

Yes I did the same when selling a car with 150 000 miles on the clock. It's a mix of wanting to look like you look after your car and as you said common courtesy. Glad to see some people still have it

[kVA]

Hmmm.... as a trade-in, utterly pointless, I'm afraid - they will valet it anyway, if retailing it and won't give a stuff if trading it on, themselves...

However: I would still wash it, personally, but, unless it's a prestige / classic, probably an auto car-wash (bronze) and a quick vacuum

Certainly wouldn't spend two hours on it!!!

[23rdian]

They are going to make a profit out of you...they can wash it themselves.

If a private sale then, yes perhaps. Anything to help get the reddies into the sky rocket

[Perec]

vescaegg said:

Mines being picked up by the new owner tomorrow and I spent a good hour cleaning it today for them. No idea why, they have already bought it!

Checked and topped up all fluids too!

Just common courtesy I suppose.

It's a blend of integrity, self respect and consideration for others. Good on you.

[Klippie]

When selling privately I always make sure the car is spotless for the new owner...after all it's always nice to pick up a clean looking car.

[Steve vRS]

Spent 2 hours on the Beemer yesterday and its not even mine!

Steve

[steve singh]

Got saturday set aside next week to do mine, but now looks like freezing temps

[akbarirfan]

When you advertise the car for a private sale, I would imagine you would give it a wash and valet prior to taking photographs.

The last car I sold was cleaned and as it was not driven again till sale, did not require cleaning.

I think it's a mixture of presenting your car in the best possible light and out of courtesy.

[Fastra]

Did the very same a few years ago when I swapped my Astra (for another one..) at Motorpoint.
After 8 years of ownership you become attached to the bloody things, so it was a sort of last 'cheers matey' thing that I washed, polished it and bit it farewell.

Extremely 'sad'. Yes, I know.