F&I Management & Training

Motorists are losing up to £500 when it comes to selling their car, research by Manheim Auctions has revealed. One in ten motorists fail to prepare their motor before they sell, and with every dent, scratch and scuff translating into cold hard cash, sellers will find their car is worth less than they thought.

For example:

• Damage to alloy wheels could reduce the value by as much as £50 to £150 per wheel


• Cracked headlights impact on values by £75 to £150


• Damaged windscreen can devalue a car by between £100 to £300


• Poor condition carpets and front seat upholstery can affect values by between £100 and £350


• Minor accident damage can affect the value by up to £250 per panel


• As well as vehicle condition, a typical three year old car without full documentation and no service history could see as much as £200 to £500 being knocked off the value

The findings come as the government is set to announce crippling spending cuts that will hit British motorists hard, making it even more important to get the best price when selling a car.

"It's imperative that motorists do everything they can to maximise what their car is worth," commented Craig Mailey, Client Services & Marketing Director, Manheim Auctions. "Ensuring a car is clean and in the best condition possible will go a long way to getting the best resale price."

"At Manheim Auctions we recommend sellers use a smart repair service such as Dent Wizard. For the best finishing touch have your car professionally valeted, no-one wants to buy a dirty car and you need to do as much as possible to create 'kerb appeal'. Investing in preparing your car for sale will save you money in the long run and ensure your car achieves the best resale price possible."