Preparing your Figaro

Preparing your Figaro properly can make a used car look new – adding hundreds of pounds to its value.

Car maintenance checks

Most car buyers will check under the bonnet when viewing a car. Remember to:

• Check your oil level and top it up if needed – information on this will be included in the car’s handbook.
• Fill all water and coolant vessels – again, check the handbook.
• Check your tyre pressure and replace any worn or damaged tyres.
• Remove leaves and debris from the air intakes in front of the windscreen.
• Repair damage to trim if possible.

Washing your car

Spending a few hours cleaning your Figaro could add hundreds to the car’s value by giving it a cared-for look. You could hire a professional valeting service, but washing your car yourself will be much cheaper.

Give the bodywork a wash and remove watermarks with a chamois leather cloth. Alloy wheel cleaner helps remove stubborn dirt from wheels, and it’s a good idea to replace damaged wheel trims.

Clean the interior

A clean interior is as important as sparkling bodywork. Make sure you:

• Vacuum the carpets, mats and seats.
• Empty the ash tray.
• Remove rubbish from the wet boot, dry boot and glove box.
• Wipe the dashboard and trim panels with a damp cloth.
• Clean glass with a window cleaner and damp chamois.

The paperwork

Buyers will want to see the car’s history, so gather it all together and put it in a folder, removing any credit card receipts. Don’t forget to include:

• The V5C registration document (logbook).
• Service history – receipts and service book.
• MOT certificates.
• Warranty documents.
• The car’s handbook.