The essentials
- A deep clean, inside and out, usually returns more than any other expense.
- Gather the papers and pay any traffic fines, because they block the change of owner.
- A full respray, expensive new tyres and big engine repairs are not worth doing.
Worth doing
- A deep clean, inside and out. It usually returns more than any other expense.
- Replace blown bulbs and wiper blades: a few euros that remove the impression of neglect.
- Top up the air conditioning if it cools weakly.
- Gather the papers: registration certificate, ID, service book, invoices, both keys, customs papers for imported cars. And pay any traffic fines, because they block the change of owner.
Not worth doing
- Respraying the whole car. The buyer sees it and asks what is hidden.
- Expensive new tyres — price them in and say so openly.
- Big engine repairs before selling: the money rarely comes back.
- Accessories fitted just before the sale.
Rule: pay for appearance and safety, not for new mechanics. Without invoices a buyer will not believe new parts — with invoices they become an argument rather than a cost.