pre sale car detailing checklist: getting your car ready for photos and inspections

Selling your car privately in Perth? A clean, tidy car is easier to photograph and more pleasant for buyers to inspect. It also helps people focus on the vehicle’s features and condition.

Good presentation doesn’t mean hiding wear or trying to make an older car look brand new. The goal is to show it at its best while being upfront about any known issues. Use this pre-sale car detailing checklist to prepare your car for listing photos and viewings.

1. Gather the paperwork before you clean

A tidy car is only part of a strong sale. Buyers may also want to see the service history, registration details and spare keys, so collect these before you start.

• Find the service book, service invoices, owner’s manual and spare keys.
• Note the odometer reading and check that the details in your listing are accurate.
• If there is finance owing, be ready to explain how it will be paid out.
• Consider getting a PPSR report. The Australian Government’s Personal Property Securities Register can show whether a car has money owing against it or has been recorded as written off.
• Make a clear note of known faults, damage or quirks so you can answer questions honestly.

In Western Australia, a private seller is not legally required to get a roadworthiness inspection, but an independent mechanical inspection may help buyers feel more confident. For further guidance, read WA Consumer Protection’s advice on privately selling a vehicle.

2. Check basic functions and safety items

Detailing can make a car look cared for, but it won’t fix mechanical or safety problems. Before taking photos or arranging viewings, check the basics:

• Test the headlights, brake lights, indicators and number-plate lights.
• Check that the wipers and washers work.
• Try the air conditioning, heater, windows, mirrors, central locking and other controls.
• Check tyre pressure and look for obvious damage or uneven wear. Remember to check the spare if the car has one.
• Look for warning lights on the dashboard and visible fluid leaks.

Fix straightforward issues where it makes sense, such as a blown globe or an empty washer-fluid reservoir. If you find a problem you can’t fix, don’t try to disguise it. Make a note of it and be ready to discuss it with prospective buyers. RAC WA’s used-car inspection guide has more information about the kinds of things buyers may check.

3. Wash the exterior, including the easy-to-miss areas

A quick rinse is helpful, but a thorough wash makes a bigger difference in close-up photos and at an in-person inspection. Perth sunlight can make dust, water spots and smudges stand out, so take your time and work in the shade where possible.

Start by removing rubbish and personal items. Then wash the bodywork with car-safe products, working from the top down, and dry it with a clean microfibre towel. Pay extra attention to:

• Wheels and tyres
• Door jambs and sills
• The boot opening and boot lip
• The fuel flap
• Glass, mirrors and number plates

Use tyre dressing sparingly. An oily shine can look unnatural, especially if the tyres are cracked or worn. If the paint has small marks, decide whether a suitable minor touch-up is worthwhile, but avoid aggressive polishing or quick repairs that may make the finish look worse.

4. Make the interior clean, comfortable and neutral

Buyers will open the doors, sit in the car and look in the boot. A clean cabin helps them inspect the space without distractions.

• Remove rubbish, personal belongings, child seats and loose accessories.
• Vacuum the carpets, mats, seats, under the seats and the boot.
• Wipe the dashboard, console, door trims and steering wheel with suitable products.
• Clean the inside of the windows until they’re clear and streak-free.
• Empty the door pockets, centre console and boot storage areas.

For fabric seats, clean noticeable spots without soaking the upholstery. For leather, use an appropriate cleaner and avoid a slippery, overly shiny finish. Keep products away from screens and electrical controls, and don’t spray cleaner directly onto them.

If there’s an odour, try to find and remove the source, such as damp items, food or pet hair. A strong air freshener may cover up the smell briefly, but it can also make buyers wonder what’s underneath.

5. Keep photos bright, clear and honest

Take the photos once the car is clean and dry. Open shade or soft morning and evening light can help avoid harsh reflections and dark shadows. Look around the car for bins, clutter or busy backgrounds that might draw attention away from it.

Take a useful mix of wide and close-up shots:

• Front and rear three-quarter views
• Straight-on front and rear views
• Both side profiles
• The front seats, back seats and dashboard
• The boot and, if useful, the engine bay
• The odometer and included keys or service records
• Close-ups of scratches, dents, worn trim or other visible damage

Keep the whole car in frame for the main images. Avoid filters or editing that changes the vehicle’s appearance, and don’t leave out damage a buyer is likely to find during an inspection. Clear, honest photos can save time by helping buyers understand the car’s condition before they visit.

6. Get ready for the viewing

Before a buyer arrives, remove anything left in the cabin and boot, wipe away fresh fingerprints and check the windows for smudges. Have the service history, keys and any relevant paperwork easy to find.

Give buyers a fair chance to inspect the car. Be prepared to point out features, demonstrate the controls and answer questions about its history. If they want an independent mechanical inspection, make space for that conversation. You can also make a written list of known issues so you don’t forget to mention anything important.

A thorough clean makes the car more inviting, but it shouldn’t be used to cover up defects. WA Consumer Protection advises sellers to communicate clearly about a vehicle’s condition, and notes that a seller may be liable for failing to disclose a serious known defect.

7. Remember the transfer after the sale

Once you’ve sold the car, there’s still an important admin step. The WA Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure says sellers must notify it within seven days that they’ve ceased to be the vehicle’s owner. Check the current process on the Transport WA vehicle-selling page, and keep a copy of your sale records.

A final pre-sale checklist

Before you publish the listing, make sure you can tick off the essentials:

• Service records, keys and relevant paperwork are ready.
• Known issues are recorded and can be explained honestly.
• Lights, wipers, air conditioning and basic controls have been checked.
• The exterior, wheels, glass and door jambs are clean.
• The seats, carpets, dashboard and boot are tidy.
• Photos show the whole car clearly, as well as any notable wear.
• You have a plan for buyer questions and viewings.

The best preparation is straightforward: make the car clean, show its condition clearly and have the details ready. If you’d like help getting your vehicle ready for its listing photos or buyer inspections, Flawless Detailing provides mobile car detailing in Perth.