Did Anyone Wash/Clean Vehicle Prior to Repo?

[BkinTX]

We still have a little time before repo since we're not even 60 days past our 341 yet, but we are going to use up the gas in our Explorer and then get it ready for repo since we have a replacement vehicle now.

What did everyone do to prepare their vehicles for repo?

I know we need to remove the plates and the military post decals. We will clean it out and probably wash it. Should we change the oil or do any sort of detail work?

What do we do with the keys?

[hamburgervol]

Go four wheeling in it! Get the mud really thick on it.

No, just have it in respectable shape and your stuff cleaned out. They'll likely clean it up to get it ready for auction.

[AngelinaCatHub]

BK-TX, NO, not at all. No one will really see it. It will go to a lot temporary, then to the auction. By the time it is sold, it will be dirty. Just take your stuff out, remove anything that could ID you, tags and decals as stated, take pictures of it all around and inside too. New oil for someone who will wholesale it is a bad investment. Oh yes, get a receipt when it is picked up.

You folks are too kind and considerate. I like that. Rare. 'Hub

[frogger]

I don't even wash mine for me. I sure wouldn't do it for a repo company!

[BkinTX]

Well, it's not the bank's (USAA) fault that we can't afford to keep paying on it. They gave us a loan with good terms and have always been good to us.

We do try to keep our vehicles clean. Not washing a vehicle ever is bad for the paint.

It just seems like the right thing to do -- to get it at least somewhat ready for when they repo it. If it's going to get dirty on the way to being auctioned, that's one thing. But I'm not going to dirty it up or damage it just to be an a-hole.

[OhioFiler]

Well, it's not the bank's (USAA) fault that we can't afford to keep paying on it. They gave us a loan with good terms and have always been good to us.

We do try to keep our vehicles clean. Not washing a vehicle ever is bad for the paint.

It just seems like the right thing to do -- to get it at least somewhat ready for when they repo it. If it's going to get dirty on the way to being auctioned, that's one thing. But I'm not going to dirty it up or damage it just to be an a-hole.

We don't have personal relationships with our bankers like they did when It's A Wonderful Life was filmed. You need not feel like you owe USAA something because you defaulted. It's just business.

[BkinTX]

Yeah, but no reason to make the vehicle nasty either.

[OhioFiler]

Yeah, but no reason to make the vehicle nasty either.

Of course not but you might as well enjoy it while you have it and prepping it for resale is hardly enjoyable!

[BkinTX]

Fair enough. We are going to drive it until it's mostly out of gas and then get it ready for repo and not use it anymore. That way we don't have to worry about it being repo'd with car seats and GPS and other stuff in it.

[kenshirley]

And get the plates off and save yourself some more money and cancel the insurance on it. Just don't drive it like that.
And once that insurance is canceled they will come and get it in a hurry.

[BkinTX]

I knew to take the plates off but I thought we needed to keep it insured until it's repo'd?

[kenshirley]

If you are surrendering it and not driving it pull the insurance.

[AngelinaCatHub]

If you are surrendering it and not driving it pull the insurance.

KS, I have to disagree. It won't save the OP that much and the protection is valuable to peace of mind. It IS theirs until they get a receipt from the tow truck driver.

As far as cleaning it, if it makes the OP feel good, my feelings are DO IT. What is life all about after all? Do the right thing as you see it. You cannot go wrong in doing the right thing. It's like "chicken soup when your sick, it may not help you, but it won't hurt you" 'Hub

[2manybills]

I agree. When we surrendered our car, the guy was totally nice and we gave him the car in clean condition. Whether it sits on a lot or not, to me it is about the way you keep things in your life anyway.

Some of the homes in our neighborhood that have been foreclosed on have been left in shambles. They tear out the electrical, leave the water running, flood the house, rip holes in the walls. I could never understand this. It was still your home.

[kenshirley]

KS, I have to disagree. It won't save the OP that much and the protection is valuable to peace of mind. It IS theirs until they get a receipt from the tow truck driver.

As far as cleaning it, if it makes the OP feel good, my feelings are DO IT. What is life all about after all? Do the right thing as you see it. You cannot go wrong in doing the right thing. It's like "chicken soup when your sick, it may not help you, but it won't hurt you" 'Hub

Sorry, you are wrong. My father was in the car business and I know better.