Let's say I brought my car back to a 'showroom' new finish (removing dents, chips, scratches, swirl marks, etc.). How much value do you think I'd gain? Would I make money on the investment to detail the car?

Not that much...But it helps sell the car! people are gonna pay what they're gonna pay but given the choice between a perfect one and one with blems, What would you do?

I would agree with KC. As a buyer you know what you are going to max out at and pay, but if you walk upon a real cherry you might spring a few extra bucks for it over one that looks like every other car you have been checking out for the past 3 weeks. It will definately help you to sell it faster even if you don't get much more money.

But on the flip side you could get some sucka who hasn't done his or her research with very little time and too much money that might just dearly overpay for the thing because it looks tight.

Just my 2 cents...

Some people would pay more and others would just look at the book value not giving any regard to the overall detail.

Originally posted by PONCHO
Some people would pay more and others would just look at the book value not giving any regard to the overall detail.

My point exactly!:banana:

My view is that for the fairly modest investment for a good detailing job, it is well worth it prior to selling a car. I think most people will place high value on their first impression - what the car looks like! It also sends the message that the car is "taken care of" - assuming that mechanically everything is in order.

I have always detailed cars before selling them - almost always, the first person who looked - bought the car.