Unless you plan to drive it into the ground, you should always be mindful of the resale value of your car.
It’s inevitable that one day in the future you’ll want to trade it in for a newer model or sell it outright. Increasing the car’s value isn’t too difficult and with some consistent upkeep, you should be able to sell it for a good price down the road. Here are some things you can do to increase your car’s resale value.
Proper maintenance to Increase Resale Value
You need to take good care of your car from the get-go, religiously keeping to the maintenance schedule that you can find in the back of the owner’s manual. Prospective buyers need to know that the car they’re interested in buying got some TLC from the owner. If there’s a problem or mechanical issue get it seen as soon as possible.
Watch your mileage
If you’re serious about getting a good price for a vehicle a few years after purchase, it may be best to curtail any cross-country road trips. High mileage can detrimentally affect the car’s value and is one of the first things used cars shoppers will check. It may have a great-looking exterior, but a car that’s well-traveled won’t be worth as much.
Keep a logbook
Keeping track of costs and receipts for maintenance and repair work is not only good for your budget, but it can also help boost your car’s resale value. This service history and documented proof the car was taken care of, is reassuring to potential buyers and could make the sale easier to close.
Keep it clean and Save That Resale Value
Clean your car inside and out to keep it looking good and therefore worth more when it’s time to sell. So give the exterior a good clean starting with a car wash and finishing off with a wax. As well as giving your car a good shine, wax, which comes as a liquid or a spray, will also strengthen the paint.
Don’t forget to clean all the headlights and mirrors and use a separate sponge or cloth to clean the wheels and tires. Alternatively, you can take it through a car wash or pay to get it done by hand. Don’t forget to also clean the interior, including the inside windows.
Park in a garage
Parking your car in a garage or under a carport protects the vehicle from the elements. Harsh sunlight and trees can cause damage and affect its value –so be aware of where your car is parked.
Drive safely
Try to drive safely and avoid any accidents as collision damage can decrease your car’s resale value.
This post may contain affiliate links. Meaning a commission is given should you decide to make a purchase through these links, at no cost to you. All products shown are researched and tested to give an accurate review for you.
