When it comes to selling our cars, we all want the most bang for our buck. However, maintaining a car’s resale value over time can be difficult. After all, we use our vehicles every day and they often act as a second home. So, what then can be done to ensure we get the maximum amount of value out of our cars?
Car Resale Fundamentals
When thinking about how to keep your car’s resale value, you want to look at 3 categories: Maintenance, the 5 Senses, and Proactive Measures.
Vehicle Maintenance
The importance of regular maintenance cannot be stressed enough. Having the battery routinely checked and replaced when needed, changing the oil on time, and getting the various fluids topped off or flushed and replaced are all ways to keep your car in great working order. Keeping up with preventative maintenance is the best way to hold your car’s resale value because, as we all know, when your car is functioning at its strongest, it is worth the most.
If you want to go the extra mile, getting dents and dings fixed is often cheap and easy. Plus, it helps improve the aesthetic of your vehicle and helps prevent rust.
The 5 Senses
What we can see, hear, and smell makes a huge difference in selling potential. A car that is clean inside and outside looks and smells nice and adds value. The same goes for things like the windshield or the lights. Both should be clean and free of cracks.
Most people looking to buy a used car want to give it a test drive just like they would at a dealer. So, tires that are in good condition and brakes that don’t squeal go a long way toward resale value. And, if you are utilizing a quality auto repair shop while following a regular maintenance schedule, all of these things are intentionally being inspected and repaired. So, there are no surprises for you or your buyer.
Proactive Measures
Believe it or not, some of the easiest ways to increase your car’s resale value come from simple common sense things we can all do.
- When available, choose covered parking. Protecting your car from the elements prevents damage and saves on repairs.
- Practice save driving techniques.
- Consider other means of transportation for trips that cover huge distances in order to keep your mileage down.
- Keep a file that contains all pertinent paperwork, maintenance receipts, and other notes.
- Be sure to wash your car and vacuum or replace those floor mats before taking pictures to include with your listing and before showing to a potential buyer.
Following these tips is well worth the effort so you can optimize your car’s resale value. At NARPRO, we make it easy by providing you with the top shops across the valley. Each one has been evaluated on 26 points of quality, integrity, and customer service. Let us help you care for your vehicle so you can drive worry free!
