Can Professional Detailing Increase Resale Value?

I might sell my car sometime next year, and I’m debating whether professional detailing is worth it before listing. Part of me thinks buyers only care about mileage and price, but another part feels first impressions matter a lot. The car is mechanically sound, just not as fresh-looking as it once was. Does detailing actually help when selling, or is it just cosmetic?

When I sold my previous car, detailing made a bigger difference than I expected. A clean interior and glossy exterior made the car feel well-maintained, even to buyers who weren’t car enthusiasts. I checked some resale-related advice on mr-pimp, and it confirmed that presentation plays a big role. I ended up selling faster and with less negotiation than planned.

I don’t have selling experience myself, but as a buyer, I definitely judge cars by how they look inside and out. A clean car just feels more trustworthy overall.