Is It Worth Detailing My Car Before A Trade In?
If you are planning to trade in your car, you may be wondering whether or not you should have it professionally detailed before taking it to the dealership. Detailing is a good choice for many sellers, as it can improve the appearance of your vehicle and may raise its trade in value. Depending on the condition of your car, however, detailing may not be worth the extra cost.
How Clean Does Your Car Need To Be Before Trading It In?
A pristine and well-presented car may make all the difference when you’re ready to trade it in. Your car should ideally be free of any unpleasant scents and excess dirt or clutter. Not only can a thorough cleaning help you leave a positive impression, but it will also show prospective dealerships what your car is really worth.

Benefits Of Detailing Your Car Before A Trade-In
The two biggest benefits of having your car professionally detailed before trading it in to a dealership include:
- Increased Valuation of Your Car: One of the most compelling reasons to have your car detailed before a trade-in is the possibility that it will increase its value. A dealership may find a well-maintained car to be more appealing and reliable. When a car is clean, the dealership can better analyze its condition and may be more willing to provide a higher trade-in value.
- Improved Visual Appearance: First impressions matter – a clean interior and sparkling exterior can greatly improve the perceived value of your car. The cleaner and more desirable your car appears, the more likely a dealership will take it seriously and offer you a fair, competitive price.
Negatives Of Detailing Your Car Before A Trade-In
Professional auto detailing may not be the right decision for some people looking to trade in their vehicles. A few downsides to consider before investing in detailing services include:
- You May Change Your Mind About The Trade-In: We get it – it’s been a while since you’ve experienced your car looking shiny and at its best. After receiving professional detailing services, you may find yourself questioning if you actually want to trade in your car. If you might be second-guessing yourself about trading-in your ride, it might be best to hold off on getting it detailed.
- A Good ROI Isn’t Guaranteed: While detailing may increase your car’s value, it isn’t guaranteed to be enough of a boost to cover the cost of the detailing services. Depending on your car’s current condition and the market, the return on investment (ROI) might not be worth it. If your car is prone to mechanical problems or has major cosmetic defects, the cost of professional detailing services may not translate into a competitive trade in offer.
When Should You Not Detail Your Car Before Trading It In?
While detailing can have positive effects on the trade in value of your car, there are some situations where it’s probably best to save your money on this extra step:
- Your Car Has Rust: Rust is a major issue that can damage the value of your car. Detailing can clean the surface of your vehicle, but it cannot get rid of rust or any underlying issues.
- There Are Deep Scratches Present: Detailing cannot fix deep scratches on your car. A dealership will consider this factor when making a trade-in offer, regardless of how clean a car is.
- There Is Peeling or Chipped Paint: Similar to rust and deep scratches, peeling paint is a red-flag for car dealerships. If your vehicle shows signs of peeling or chipped paint, investing in car detailing may not be worth it.
Contact AAG Auto Detailing For Professional Detailing Services
Detailing your car before trading it in can provide substantial benefits, especially when it comes to presentation and perceived worth. You may want to think twice, though, if detailing isn’t able to fix deeper issues with your vehicle. Your decision to
detail your car before trading it in should depend on its overall condition and possible ROI. If you would like to have your car detailed before trading it in, contact us at AAG Auto Detailing for professional services that will increase the appeal of your vehicle!





