5 Tips to Make a Used Car Look Brand New

At the dealership, you may notice that the pre-owned cars look a lot newer than other used cars you’ve been in. While part of this comes from the fact that dealerships are very picky about which used cars they sell, there are things that you can do to improve the appearance and function of a used car. Here are five tips to help make your used car look and feel brand new.

1. Improve the Smell

There’s a “new car” smell that cars have when they are first manufactured and placed on the lot. New cars don’t smell like pets, food, or perfume. If you want to make a used car feel newer, start by improving the smell of the vehicle through a deep cleaning and a mild air freshener. Eliminating upholstery stains, debris, and gunk trapped in cup holders can go a long way toward making a car look and feel new.

2. Schedule Regular Detailing Appointments

Whether you’re looking to sell your used vehicle or simply want to ensure that it looks its best for years to come, scheduling detailing appointments will get your car cleaner than you would be able to on your own. New cars don’t have dust accumulated on the dashboard and between buttons. A detailing appointment can help keep even the smallest surfaces in the best condition.

3. Tint Your Windows

Tinting windows can upgrade your car’s appearance and hide any chips or small defects in the window’s surface. Many drivers take their vehicles to get tinted after they buy their vehicle, even on new cars, because they want a cooler driving experience with better protection from the sun. Just make sure that you don’t skimp on the quality of the tinting job. A bad, peeling, bubbly tint job can make your car look much worse.

4. Restore Your Vehicle’s Interior

The longer you drive your car, the bigger the chance that you’ll see damage on your car’s interior. This could be a hole in upholstery or a stain, a cracked plastic component, or a burned-out light. There are companies that specialize in vehicle restoration so that your vehicle can truly look as good as it did when it was first purchased. Dealerships often turn to vehicle restoration companies to fix small cosmetic defects on otherwise perfectly functional cars so that buyers have the highest quality vehicles to choose from on their lots.

5. Consider a New Paint Job

Damaged paint makes your car look old. A new paint job can refresh your car’s paint. Just be prepared to pay more for a high-quality job. An aftermarket matte or poor-quality paint job can make your vehicle look older and rundown.

Fortunately, there are things that you can do to make your car look newer. Using one or more of these tips can make a difference, even if you’re only looking to get the best trade-in value when it comes time to buy a new vehicle. Everyone prefers a car that’s in better condition and that looks new.