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

Ensure you have carried out basic 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

Wash it!
Spending a few hours cleaning your car 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. Clean the roof.

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
• Clean the leather seats.
• 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 Original Car’s Handbook