Pre-sale preparation
A clean car with glossy paint and clear headlights sells better and faster. We make it presentable without hiding anything about its history.
Why prepare it
Better photos
The advert is the first impression. Glossy paint and clear headlights really stand out in photos.
A better first viewing
Buyers notice details: scratches, dents, a dirty interior. The fewer they see, the easier the conversation.
No tricks
We repair and improve, we do not disguise. Any earlier repairs can be seen in the report.
What we can do
We choose with you the jobs that make sense for your car and your asking price.
Polishing
We remove wash marks, light scratches and dullness with professional polishing.
Headlight restoration
We bring back clarity to headlights yellowed or clouded by the sun.
Paint touch-ups
Scratches on bumpers, scuffed corners and small chips in visible areas.
Small dents
Car-park dings and small dents, sometimes without the need to paint.
Cleaning
Exterior and interior cleaning so the car shows well.
Not everything is worth doing before a sale. We tell you honestly what makes sense in your case and give you a written estimate before we start.
Presenting well is not hiding
There is a clear difference between preparing a car and covering things up. We do the first: we bring the paint back to a shine, clear the headlights, fix small dents and clean the car. We do not cover structural damage or disguise poor repairs so they go unnoticed.
If you want to sell with full transparency, you can combine the preparation with our pre-sale inspection and show the bodywork and paint report. The buyer sees a well-kept car and also knows exactly what they are buying.
The jobs that show most
- Polishing. In Tenerife the sun dulls paint quickly. Good polishing brings back the shine when the clear coat is in good condition.
- Headlights. Yellowed headlights make a car look older than it is. Headlight restoration is usually a job that makes a real difference.
- Small dents. A parking ding on a door is the first thing a buyer sees. It can often be repaired without painting the whole panel.
- Bumpers and corners. Scuffed corners are very common and easy to sort with a proper touch-up.
- Thorough cleaning. A clean interior with no odours tells the buyer the car has been cared for.
How we organise it
Bring the car in or send us a few photos for a first idea. We look at it with you, suggest the jobs we think are useful and give you a written estimate. You choose what to do. If needed, we can collect and return the car depending on the area and availability.
The time it takes depends on the jobs chosen and how busy the workshop is; we confirm it when you accept the estimate. If you are thinking of selling, request an appointment in good time so it is ready before you publish the advert.
A tip: take the advert photos right after the preparation, in morning or late-afternoon light. The shine of the paint and the clarity of the headlights come across much better and your advert stands out from the rest.
If you would rather not sell it yourself
We also sell used cars. If you want to see how we present ours, take a look at our used cars.
Frequently asked questions
Does the preparation hide any accident damage?
No. We improve the look and fix minor damage, but we do not disguise repairs or structural damage. If you like, we pair it with an honest report.
Is it worth spending money before selling?
It depends on the car and its price. We tell you honestly which jobs pay off and which do not.
Does polishing remove every scratch?
It removes light ones. If a scratch has gone through the clear coat, the area needs a touch-up or repaint; we explain when we see it.
Can I choose only some of the jobs?
Of course. The estimate is itemised and you decide which to go ahead with.
How long does it take?
It depends on the jobs chosen and how busy the workshop is. We give you an estimate of timing when you accept the quote.
More on pre-purchase and pre-sale checks
Pre-purchase inspection
Before you pay, we check the bodywork, paint, structure and paperwork of the car you are interested in.
See servicePre-sale inspection
We inspect your car before you put it up for sale, so you know its condition and can show it with full transparency.
See serviceBodywork and paint report
A report with photos and paint readings describing the real condition of the bodywork, structure and paperwork.
See serviceWhat people often believe, and what actually happens
Six ideas we often hear at the garage that are worth clearing up.
“A car that's been in an accident is never right again.”
If the structure is brought back to its measurements on a jig and joints, sealing and protection are reproduced as at the factory, the repair is sound and safe.
“My insurer decides where my car is repaired.”
As a rule you can choose the garage. Some policies offer perks at their partner garages: we help you read yours before you decide.
“A small dent can wait.”
A scrape that lifts the paint leaves bare metal exposed. With the sun and salty air in the south of the island, corrosion sets in sooner than you think.
“Eco-friendly paint is lower quality.”
A paint with fewer solvents can give an equally durable finish. What makes the difference is the preparation and the application.
“A used car that looks good has never been in a crash.”
A well-polished respray can go unnoticed at first glance. A paint thickness gauge and a check of panel gaps, sealing and welds give it away.
“It doesn't matter where it's painted: paint is paint.”
What you can't see —surface preparation, anti-corrosion protection and painting in a booth— is what decides how long the repair lasts.
Shall we prepare an estimate?
Tell us what your car needs and we'll reply with a written estimate, with no obligation.
Do the online check-in: your details, the vehicle and photos of the damage, from your phone before you come.
Check your car in online- Written estimateBefore we start you know what will be done and what it costs.
- No obligationWe give you the estimate; you decide.
- Collection & deliveryIf it suits you, we come and pick up the car.
Request an estimate
Tell us what's wrong with the car. For bodywork or paint, photos via WhatsApp help a lot.
Rather talk? Call us on 922 73 64 47 or message us on WhatsApp at 674 06 13 71.