Should I Clean My Car Before Trade In?
Cleaning your car before a trade-in is usually worthwhile when the vehicle is mechanically sound and only needs cosmetic refreshing, because good presentation can support a favorable appraisal. It is less sensible when the car has major mechanical problems, a branded title, or extremely high mileage, since those issues will dominate the dealer’s offer. Consider the cost of detailing against the realistic increase in trade-in value, and compare multiple offers before deciding.