How to Keep Up Your Used Car’s Resale Value

If you are like most drivers, you might want to trade in your car for a new model or something entirely different after about five years of driving it. If you decide to go this route, it is important to know a few steps to take to ensure the best resale value for your vehicle. There are many factors that determine a car’s resale value, such as mileage, condition, and age, but what many drivers might not foresee are the other factors such as aftermarket add-ons and maintenance concerns.

Aftermarket products

When you want to upgrade any feature in your car, consult your dealership or any dealer that sells the same make and model as your car. Many times, aftermarket products not built by the same manufacturer are considered to be of lower quality. If you do plan on selling your car eventually, it is advised that you look to your dealership for anything you might want to add on.
An exception to this consideration, however, is if you plan on dealing with a private buyer rather than a dealership. A private buyer might be more willing – and might actually prefer – to buy a car with specific aftermarket parts, such as a premium sound system.

Company Vans or large Transport Fleets

You may have a fleet of commercial vans that you use for ferrying around tools and materials, and keeping your van pristine for resale can be a tough prospect.  You can however protect the inside of your Van with a number of protective solutions. Ply lining kits are an effective option and give a strong, flexible and lightweight, scratch resistant solution, and for a relatively low cost. Opt for the plastic polypropylene kits and bulkheads, they’re made to last a lot longer than your Van – wooden linings are yesterdays solution, but still a viable DIY job if you can’t afford the fitting.

Maintenance

When you bring in your car for routine maintenance and service, save all of your receipts to show that you have followed the proper maintenance schedule. At the first sign of car trouble, bring your car to a mechanic so that the problem does not escalate and result in even further damage. The more repairs that the buyer needs to do to the car, the lower the value of the car.

Prevention of Aesthetic Damage

This goes for both the interior and exterior. When possible, stay parked at a distance from other cars to prevent door dings, and park in covered areas as often as possible to prevent damage from the elements. As far as the interior is concerned, you will want to be consistent about vacuuming and polishing the interior as it is usually obvious when a car has been well kept or whether it was simply detailed just before putting it up for sale. Do not smoke in the car or allow passengers to smoke, as stray ashes can leave permanent burn marks in the seats.

Keeping your car’s resale value is important if you plan on upgrading to a different model after a few years of driving it.  With the above in mind, Buyacar can offer an online used car valuation and calculate a trade in price, so that you can put that money towards your next new car.