80% of prospective buyers would reject a car for sale if it looks dirty

• Proportion rises to 83% if the interior looks grubby

• Women are more likely to be dissuaded by a dirty vehicle exterior (83%) than men (77%), while older generations are most likely to reject a dirty car for sale

An overwhelming majority of prospective car buyers are unlikely to place an enquiry for a car that has not been thoroughly cleaned inside and out. Of the 1,000 polled, 80% ‘strongly agree’ or ‘agree’ with the statement: ‘When searching for a used vehicle online, images of a dirty vehicle exterior would put me off from making an enquiry.” That proportion increases to 83% when viewing images of a grubby vehicle interior.

The survey was commissioned by Autoglym LifeShine, the vehicle protection specialists and part of the UK’s largest car care brand.

There are some clear age differences when it comes to enquiring about cars with dirty interiors. 93% of those 65 years or older would reject a used vehicle for sale that has a dirty cabin, compared to 74% of those aged between 25 and 34.

The survey also found that female respondents are more likely to resist buying a car with a dirty exterior (cited by 83%), compared to 77% of men. The location of car buyers asked also makes a difference, with those based in Northern Ireland being the most likely to be put off by an unwashed car (92%), while the least concerned are those residing in Yorkshire and the Humber (67%).

Anna Houldsworth, Head of Paint Protectionat Autoglym LifeShine, said: “Our survey shows retailers how essential it is to present their used vehicles in the best possible light. While it can be difficult for some larger dealers to keep a greater number of cars clean at all times, particularly with those that have been up-for-sale for a longer period, the chance of a sale is greatly enhanced if customers see that vehicles are spotless, both inside and out.”