An everyday driving habit could unknowingly take £2,000 off a car’s trade-in price, a car dealer has warned. Tom Kershaw, a seasoned car dealer from Bristol, said he sees one of the biggest resale killers every single day, when talking to Number 1 Plates.
He revealed that the simple act of eating in cars could knock between £1,000 to £2,000 off a car’s value, recalling one incident that amounted to £5,000. Residue builds up in cupholders, door trims and even under the seats, which he said creates a lasting impression that buyers and dealers don’t forget. He explained: “People don’t realise how quickly a few snacks and spillages can wipe out value. And once it’s there, it’s there for good.” “I’ve been in this game a long time, and I can honestly say almost every used car that comes in – even the ones that look spotless – have stains or smells from food or drinks. You can valet it, but the evidence is always there.”
Grease, sugar, and coffee can also damage the upholstery and soak into seat foam, creating smells that no quick clean can fully fix.
Tom recalled one customer who came in hoping to trade in an Audi R8 – a high-end performance car that should have fetched top money – but had to be knocked down by £5,000 due to a hot chocolate related incident.
He explained: “It looked great at first glance, but then I noticed stains on the passenger seat and hot chocolate soaked into the leather. The owner admitted he used it for coffee runs and the odd drive-thru breakfast.
“It’s not just about mess – it’s about how it makes the car feel. Buyers expect luxury in a car like that, not old milk and biscuit crumbs.”
Motoring experts at Number 1 Plates shared these easy fixes to avoid a loss, including eating outside the vehicle.
If you do eat in the car, they recommend keeping wipes handy to clean up any spills immediately before they soak into the upholstery, as well as a deep valet before resale.
“A car that smells like fast food or has mystery stains will always lose value,” concluded a motoring expert at Number 1 Plates.
“Buyers want fresh, clean interiors. Keeping your car snack-free could be the easiest money-saving habit you make.”