Buy a PC to clean up a car I'm selling?

trmiv · 04-06-07, 02:17

We're planning on selling my wifes red 97 Mustang convertible. The paint needs some work, there is some oxidation, some light scratches, swirls, a few bird dropping etchings, and just various other problems from a 10 year old car that didn't have its paint cared for that well. I don't see the clear failing anywhere though. Anyway, I've been planning on going at the car by hand, but it's going to be some work. If I bought a PC, pads and the right products for this job, would I see a decent return in the selling price of the car? I know I know, I can always use the PC on our other car (2007 Ford Escape) or the new(er) car my wife will get, but that isn't enough to convince my wife that I should drop money on the PC right now. If she is convinced we can get $500-600 more for her car after I clean it up with the PC, she'll probably go for it. So, win win. But am I really going to improve the finish that much that we can bump the price up? The current blue book on the car based on "fair" is $4250, we were only planning on asking $3200 for it.

Here are a couple of pics:

JoeD · 04-06-07, 02:27

Yes, you can definitely improve the looks and value of the car if detailed "properly" with a PC. The emphasis on Properly. Just be sure to use the proper cleaners, polishes and waxes plus pads. If you do not plan on using the PC often I would have the car professionally detailed and then sell it. You can add a much higher price for the car. I am sure that there are many good detailers here than can help you with the proper products and methods.

Jmiller07 · 04-06-07, 02:28

A PC can not be a bad investment, I would definitely suggest it. If not that, I would get that car PROFESSIONALLY detailed by someone on this forum , because from some Click and Brag's a lot of people on this site would be able to make that paint look brand new. Good luck with whichever you choose...

brwill2005 · 04-06-07, 05:44

Why not pay a qualfied professional to detail it for you?

noooorb · 04-06-07, 05:56

^I agree. Make sure the detailer polishes the head lamps as well.

trmiv · 04-06-07, 06:26

Well I'm not working right now, so I have the time to do it (we're moving to North Carolina in June, so I quit my job early to pack, get stuff like this done, etc). I've wanted a PC for awhile so this seemed like a valid excuse to get one. However if a pro can get it looking better, that's probably the better way to go. What could I expect to pay for a pro to do the exterior only? I'm not looking for perfection, just want to make it look better so we can sell it for more.

lambostealth · 04-06-07, 06:31

Well, if you aren't working right now, it would be more cost effective to have the car professionally detailed, for $150-200, then sell it, and buy a $300 kit with pads, etc. If you still want one.

Joshua312 · 04-06-07, 06:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by trmiv

Well I'm not working right now, so I have the time to do it (we're moving to North Carolina in June, so I quit my job early to pack, get stuff like this done, etc). I've wanted a PC for awhile so this seemed like a valid excuse to get one. However if a pro can get it looking better, that's probably the better way to go. What could I expect to pay for a pro to do the exterior only? I'm not looking for perfection, just want to make it look better so we can sell it for more.

I would pay a pro around $250 to do the exterior only..Then get a PC down the road and just maintain your vehicles. Spending $250 on an exterior detail could add $1,000 to the sale of your vehicle.