Bringing home a car should feel exciting. It’s new to you, after all. But there’s something about a fresh-off-the-lot car that just hits differently. Just think about it; there’s the smell, the pristine surfaces, the feeling that every mile is a fresh start, it’s an experience. Meanwhile, a used car? Well, even if it’s in top shape, it can feel a little lived-in. Sure, for a house it’s fine, but for a car? Well, maybe not.
Maybe the steering wheel has a slight shine from years of someone else’s hands. Maybe the previous owner was a big fan of pine-scented air fresheners, and now that’s the only thing your nose will ever associate with the drive. But whatever it is, the thrill of a new ride feels a little muted when the car already has a history. But of course, this is your purchase, and since this is your purchase, you want to do what you can to make this last as long as possible, right?
Well, even if that new car feeling doesn’t come from a dealership. It comes from making the car feel like it’s yours. So, with that all said, here’s how to turn that “new-to-you” vehicle into a ride that feels fresh, exciting, and undeniably yours.
Scrub Away the Previous Owner’s Existence
Alright, so before getting too attached, the car needs a deep, no-nonsense cleaning. Seriously, don’t waste your time with a quick wipe-down. It’s not a casual vacuum. But scrub every inch until it’s a blank slate kind of clean.
Basically, you’ll want to clean the nooks like cup holders, vents, and door handles, as these places hold onto the ghosts of past road trips. That weird gunk in the seat stitching? No one wants to know what it is. Just scrub every crevice, because new cars are completely clean, so that’s what you want for your used car.
Now, cleaning isn’t the only thing you should do to get rid of the previous owner’s existence. You’ll need to go a little further for that ultimate refresh feeling. Basically, you’re going to want to look into things like auto detailing, shampooing the carpets, maybe looking into new tires, and even upholstering for the car. Yes, these will be expensive, but you’re still saving a lot of money compared to buying a brand-new car.
Upgrade the Small Things That Feel Big
Nothing makes a car feel used more than tiny signs of wear. The steering wheel has gone a little smooth. The floor mats have seen better days. The faded shift knob that looks like it’s been through things. Honestly, all it takes is a few swaps, and maybe just some upgrades all around, such as adding an Infotainment system if you didn’t already have one before (as an example).
Erase the Scent of the Past
Yes, this is a major one, so, smell is a powerful thing. And while the new car smell is technically just a mix of plastic and adhesives, it’s the scent of a fresh start. Used cars don’t always come with that luxury. Instead, they come with mystery odors.
The secret isn’t just spraying an air freshener and hoping for the best (as nice as that’d be). Odor eliminators actually remove smells rather than covering them up. But it might be a good idea to change the upholstery too.
