Is it ever worth paying out hundreds of pounds to have a car professionally detailed? In general, if the car in question is a prestige or performance vehicle then the answer to this question is yes, as the residual value of such vehicles is dependent not only on age and mechanical condition, but also on the condition of the bodywork, wheels and interior. In many cases the resale value of a prestige or performance vehicle can be significantly increased by presenting it to potential buyers in immaculate condition, both inside and out. In the following example, we took an Elise 111R that was already in very good condition and spent two days carefully detailing it in order to restore it to perfect condition. Much of this time was spent carefully machine polishing the composite bodywork, which was then subsequently protected with a bespoke premium carnauba wax. The result of perfect presentation upon trade-in at a main dealership was the owner securing one thousand pounds over the best book price for the car. Thus the owner actually profited substantially from having the car fully detailed prior to parting with it, and it is quite possible that this margin may have been even higher had the sale been to a private buyer. Food for thought if you are considering selling your car!

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