- 43% of Brits miss out on the best price for their car by skipping simple tasks
- Over a fifth (22%) fail to clean the car interior, reducing its resale value
- Online used-car marketplace Motorway reveals the top 10 mistakes that lower car resale prices
- Research commissioned by online used-car marketplace Motorway has uncovered how simple oversights are costing Brits when selling their cars. A surprising 43% of UK car sellers fail to maximise their car’s value due to avoidable mistakes, such as not changing tyres (37%) or skipping an inexpensive upgrade like new floor mats (37%).
Even basic cleaning is often overlooked – over a fifth (22%) admit they don’t clean the car’s interior, and 11% fail to wipe down food stains before selling.
Beyond cleaning, small fixes like polishing alloys (33%), replacing old wiper blades (27%), or repairing minor bodywork damage (32%) can significantly boost a car’s resale value. However, the research reveals many sellers neglect these easy wins, leaving money on the table.
A spokesperson for Motorway commented:
“Just as a homeowner might spruce up their property before selling, car sellers should focus on a few simple fixes to get the best price. Start with a thorough clean, both inside and out, to make the car more appealing to buyers.
“Replacing worn-out features is another effective way to boost value. For instance, new floor mats are inexpensive but make a big difference to the car’s interior. For higher-value vehicles, replacing alloy wheels or addressing bodywork damage can result in a much higher sale price.”
Top 10 simple fixes Brits neglect when selling their car:
- Replace tyres (37%)
- Buy new floor mats (37%)
- Change the oil (35%)
- Polish or repair alloys (33%)
- Fix minor bodywork damage (32%)
- Polish the vehicle (32%)
- Make small repairs (31%)
- Fill the fuel tank (29%)
- Clean the tyres (28%)
- Replace wiper blades (27%)
For those looking to maximise the value of their car, Motorway offers free valuations to find out what your car could be worth.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
Research conducted in April 2022 by OnePoll, surveying 2,000 British adults aged 18+ who had sold their car in the last five years.