This is the stuff that makes small shops look bad

[Auto Doc's]

I recently sold a nice 12.5 KW Generac generator and a friend with him asked why I did not "shine it up". I simply told them I am selling it has a proven working machine and not for a "display" piece. A little dust is reality.

The guy buying it was a well experienced GM dealer technician and he just looked at me a grinned. He knew I had nothing to hide.

I showed that it would power my whole house including the 5-ton AC unit with most of the lights on for a solid 15-minutes without missing a beat.

Myself, I get suspicious when I see something used that is too cleaned up and polished. Paint, gloss spray and Armor All cover up (hides) too much for liking. I've been to auction sales more times than I can remember and seen too much worn out rusted junk with nothing but the "new paint" holding it together.

 

[Forest#2]

I also watch out for lipstick on pigs

AND silk purses made from sows ears.


Seen lots of vehicles with the same doctoring.

 

[Hammermechanicman]

Waaaaay back when i was young did part time work for a used car lot the owner would have me pressure wash under the hood then spray everything down with Future floor finish (clear acrylic floor finish). It did make under the hood look good. Guy was a scub bag so i didn't work for him long. A couple years later i heard he had a problem with a shoe box full of titles and no cars to go with them.

 

[Tiger Small Engine]

Waaaaay back when i was young did part time work for a used car lot the owner would have me pressure wash under the hood then spray everything down with Future floor finish (clear acrylic floor finish). It did make under the hood look good. Guy was a scub bag so i didn't work for him long. A couple years later i heard he had a problem with a shoe box full of titles and no cars to go with them.

People do like clean equipment when you sell it. It is always easier to sell clean equipment that runs correctly and has been gone through versus dirty and is mechanically sound. People are sometimes more concerned about how something looks than how it actually performs. Also, I believe if you clean it, and cover all the details such as putting all the tire valve caps on, it adds up and makes it easier to sell.

 

[Auto Doc's]

I also watch out for lipstick on pigs.

Seen lots of vehicles with the same

No harm making sure that servicing is done and blades are sharp or washing and making a machine presentable, but I have never believed in shining one up to new showroom condition.

An old machine that "looks too good" spells trouble to me. It is not a sign of how well it has been maintained.

I've dealt with too many of those pretty "pigs" over the years. LOL