Where To Start

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You might find it hard to believe, but simply giving attention to minor details, can get you $300-$1500 more for your car! And you might not even spend a single penny. Only a few hours of your time.

A well known secret of used car dealerships is importance of a GOOD detail job. If you've never heard of auto detailing, you'd be surprised at what it can do for an automobiles' appearance.

What does it mean to 'detail' an automobile?

Think of it this way. Paying special attention to every DETAIL of car. Interior, exterior, under hood, in trunk.

Using special cleaners and enhancement products, detailer will bring out "shine" in practically any old clunker.

The typical price range for an auto detail is $50-$90. Prices are slightly higher for larger vans and trucks due to their size. Look in your local yellow pages for local auto detailers. Take time to call a few up and inquire about 'price for service'. Be sure you tell them what type of automobile you have so they will be able to give you an accurate quote.

On Your Own

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If you do not want to spend money for an auto detail, take it into your own hands, but be prepared to get a little dirty.

I can't stress enough importance of a sparkling clean car. You MUST clean out everything if you want to get top dollar for your auto. People WILL spend more money on a car that has a "shine" to it. It gives impression that car has been well taken care of over years.

Think about it, would you spend your hard earned money on a car that looks completely trashed?

Start with interior. Why? Because you don't want to wash and wax outside, then vacuum and clean inside which will just get exterior dirty again.

If you don't have a powerful vacuum that can handle carpets and seats, ask a friend or neighbor. When asking, inquire about a steam cleaner. This is optimal for a deep, thorough clean.

If your resources turn up empty, check yellow/white pages for any "Wash- It- Yourself" car washes in your area. They generally have powerful vacuums that cost around fifty cents for approximately three minutes of use.

When you are cleaning interior, don't forget to clean under seats, inside glove box, ashtrays, trunk, anywhere and everywhere dirt and grime has accumulated.

You Will Need These

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If you want to save a lot of money, avoid shopping whenever you are in one of these moods:

DEPRESSED, UPSET, or ANGRY

It's very dangerous for your pocketbook to shop when you're either depressed, upset or angry. Why?

Many people find that shopping takes their mind away from their problems. In fact, it probably does. But how much does it cost you?

Not only does shopping not solve your problems, but you will also spend money that you did not originally intend to spend.

When you're not feeling "well", instead of shopping, do something where you do not have to spend money. Go to a park. Check out local library. Go on a nice jog or bike ride.

Remember that if you HAVE to get out of house, plan an activity where you do not have to spend money. You'll feel much better about this decision after you have cooled down (or cheered up). :-)

Envy Shopping

Sounds terrible doesn't it, but you'd be surprised to learn how many of us purchase quite a number of items out of envy.

Does a friend have a "cool" $600 leather jacket that you want? Have a cousin who drives a flashy sports car?

Who cares!!

That doesn't mean you have to spend all your hard earned money to compete with them. Buy what you want, when you want, and not because someone else has it.

Sale Shopper