SECOND-HAND car prices are soaring due to a shortage of new motors – so now’s a good time to sell.
But watch out for ugly signs of wear and tear that deter buyers and knock thousands of pounds off your vehicle’s value.
A budget makeover can boost your return it by hundreds of pounds, according to Goodbyecar.uk.
Here’s how to do it . . .
TIPTOP TRIM: Scuffed and fading plastic trim ages your car. Apply a restorer, like Wilko’s £2.50 spray-on bumper and trim one, but make sure it is cleaned first.
Cost: £2.50
Value boost: £60
WAX TO THE MAX: Keep your paintwork looking tip-top and scratch-free with a clean, polish and wax. Halfords has a handy step-by-step guide and its Award Winners car cleaning kit contains a decent polish and wax, as well as a tyre dressing and upholstery cleaner for just £10.20. The average cost of paintwork damage to a car is around £150.
Cost: £10.20
Value boost: £150
WORK WONDERS: Wow your buyers with shiny alloy wheels. I recommend Wonder Wheels wheel cleaner, £5, from Wilko, and sealant, £7.90 from Amazon
Cost: £13
Value boost: Up to £400
SUPERIOR INTERIOR: Get that new-car feel by vacuuming, cleaning the dashboard and adding a freshener, £1 from Wilko.Seat covers can make it look good as new and cost only £10 a pair from Argos. If you’ve been smoking in your car, you may have to fork out £150 for a deep clean to get rid of the stench — which can knock up to £2,000 off its value.
Cost: £11, or up to £150 for smokers
Value boost: Up to £2,000
TIME IT RIGHT: If you’ve got a convertible, sell it in spring when demand is rising, while SUVs should be sold in winter months as they are useful in bad weather.
Cost: £0
Value boost: ten to 12 per cent of value
PAPERWORK: Buyers will want to see your car has been maintained correctly and who has owned it. Keep your paperwork in a safe file to avoid having to replace them later on for £65.
Cost: £0
Value boost: £65
- All prices on this page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers are subject to availability.
Deal of the day
HERE’S a great shaving. Braun Series 3 shaver, £94 down to £50, at Asda.
SAVE: £44
Cheap treat
TESCO is selling its Finest mince pies for £1, down from £2, for Clubcard holders.
SAVE: £1
What’s new?
PLANNING a holiday? Travelodge’s Black Friday sale is offering a million rooms for £29 on 2022 stays.
The discounts are available across all 578 hotels, including London, Edinburgh and Cardiff, as well as countryside spots such as the Peak District and the Cotswolds.
The deal includes family rooms, meaning you could bag a stay from £7.25pp based on a family of four sharing.
Top swap
LOVE a frothy hot chocolate? Buy Hotel Chocolat’s £99.95 velvetiser or use George’s Home black milk-frother, £25, for a similar effect.
SAVE: £74.95
Savers’ little helper
MEAL prices have been slashed at 660 Wetherspoon pubs.
Classics such as fish and chips, five-bean chilli, wraps and paninis now cost just £3.99 with a soft drink and £5.29 with an alcoholic drink, while on Tuesdays, a classic steak with a soft drink is just £6.99.
Prices vary depending on location.
Shop & save
GET comfortable with Homebase’s offer of two fancy Occasional chairs for £120, normally £70 each.
SAVE: £20
Hot right now
CHECK out Sainsbury’s today for the last day of its half-price toys sale. In store only.
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