Need Advice!! 1996 Camry

[ruthdog23]

I am in the process of attempting to sell my 1996 Toyota Camry in order to help purchase my 2007 T4R that I expect to special order next week. I got my first call today from someone interested and they would like to see it early next week. Therefore, my question to the detailing gods is...what should I do and what should I use to get this vehicle looking in tip top shape?

I wash it about every month or so. I haven't waxed it for probably 8 months or so. I am trying to sell it for about $3,750, so would prefer not to use the most expensive stuff. However, I really want to impress the person looking at it next week. Do I need any power tools...buffer, etc.?

Obviously it is 10 years old, so you can imagine the normal stratches and swirls marks received during that time.

I appreciate any help you can provide!!!

Thanks!

Ryan

 

[jharris2]

I would detail it inside and out, doing all the work yourself, of course.

Meguiar's makes a decent mass-market wax, but you can look through the detailing forum for other options. You don't need power tools -- I prefer to do the waxing and polishing by hand. YMMV.

Inside, a good vacuuming, dusting, and cleaning the windows goes a long way.

A coat of Armor-All or equivalent (I prefer Meguiar's or 303) on the plastic and dash helps, too. But you don't want the really shiny stuff, IMHO. And keep it even so you don't have obvious spots that were missed.

So when you're done (probably 2-4 hours of work total) the car should look as clean and new as possible. Then put it in the garage and don't drive it until after they have looked at it.

I'd also have the maintenance records ready. In my experience, that helps show the prospective owner that you were diligent about a well-maintained car. And it can help you get more money in the sale.

My $0.02.