Detailing a 4runner for sale

[20004RunnerSR5]

We're selling DH's 2000 4runner sr5, and I'm just wondering if anyone has any advice on the best products to use. The seats are leather, the beige carpets are a little stained in some places, the tires and rims need cleaning up, and I have no idea if an engine shampoo/cleaning is necessary but I don't know if I'm brave enough to try. The other issue is in the last 2 years the AC has had a funny smell, dealership didn't find any issues, there is an odor eliminator spray for it but I don't want to use it if it's just masking a problem.

Any tips? She's in great condition, I just want her to "show" nice!

 

[ogden8]

Honestly, after the time you spend, the products you buy to clean and after everything is said and done, I think it's just easier/better to take it to somebody who details for a living. They will clean nooks and crannies (spelling?) you would have overseen. My dad owns a detailing service, and they use quite a few different products to clean your vehicle. Plus you can't beat a steam clean on the carpets. See if you can find the guy who does the detailing for car dealerships, they do the best job for sure. You'll get the money back in the sale of the vehicle.

And make sure you spray the inside of the wheel wells with rubber undercoating and spend some time on the engine. A clean looking engine is important, I use brake cleaner to take off oil (careful on painted plastics like the battery, it'll strip the paint off) and then I wipe all plastics and anything black with a rag dampedened with WD-40 (also works great on the rubber trim on body). Some people use Armor All on the engine, but I am not sure if that would over do it though.

 

[Desert Fox]

OGDEN has some good advice, especially of you dont already have the products or will use them on another vehicle. You will be spending a lot of money to do a so so job (no reflection on your work, just comparing to a professional).
Just be careful on the detailer, get a reference. I know some car washes that charge $175 to detail and it is not much more than a carpet shampoo and hand wax (with who knows what kind of wax). I can do that for $50 and a day in my garage with wax left over and I know it will look good.

Actually did just that after buying my 03 last month. But I have products that I use all the time.

If you have leather seats you should be using a conditioner on them periodically anyways so they dont crack. Leather dries out normallly.

A good steam clean on the engine yields much better results than any engine cleaner I have ever used. It makes the engine look almost new.

Good luck

 

[Maritimer]

Yeah, a professional would be the best. For my own rig the loving care is worth it because I enjoy it later and end up noticing problems, etc. If it's for someone else, the pleasure is gone.

 

[20004RunnerSR5]

thanks!! :thumb3:

 

[Lineman]

I use Stoner's Trim shine for engine, fender wells, under-body coating. Love that stuff.

 

[SUBTEGRAL]

I've always sprayed GUNK de-greaser on the engine and then pressure washed it. Doesn't look new, just cleaner. Do the same all over the transmission and differentials.

I suppose there's special stuff to spray on the plenum to make it look pretty...


INTERIOR:
use interior wipes to detail (makes things shinier and protects)
seats & carpet: vacuum, steam clean, shampoo.

EXTERIOR:
paint: wash, clay bar, polish, wax.
fender-wells: pressure wash and then apply new undercoating.
tires: spray with tire shine dressing.