To get my car valeted before trade in?

[Badoukas]

Is it worth getting my car spruced up to the max before trading it in or will the garage's offer price be the same regardless of how clean and tidy it looks?

Surely they’ve already gave you a price for the trade in? That won’t change if it’s dirty, it will go to the valet regardless

No, I havent taken it to a garage yet.

Did they offer a price not having seen it? I am not sure if they will reduce it once having seen it but if there is a chance they can, then a £15 clean inside and outside will be a good idea.

I always get a car washed & vacuumed before I take it for a valuation. While they will be working from the value in the book, they also will be selling it on one way or another and are more likely to get a good value if they know it is a nice clean car. Depending on the car, they will either be more confident there aren't any hidden marks/scratches (or might be more likely to find the ones that are there). A full valet would seem a bit unnecessary unless the car is really tatty!

I have mine valeted and then decided to go and see about a change of car. The sales person got the manager to price my car and commented that it was the cleanest car he had ever seen and it did add to the value.

I would say that it is better to have it looking decent but I don't think it would impact value really, unless it was full of rubbish and really filthy. I would spent £15 as a pp suggested.