Everyone wants to make as much money on their vehicle as possible when they sell it. Whether you simply want more money in your bank account or you need to finance the purchase of a new vehicle, you can increase the resale value of your car.
The resale market in the U.S. far surpasses the new car market, with 40.8 million used car sales in 2019. Obviously, make, model, condition, and optional upgrades will contribute to the total resale value. Moreover, prevailing market conditions will also determine how much you eventually receive for your car.
However, you can take action to increase how much you get from your car.
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Commit to Routine Maintenance
Routine maintenance, such as tire and oil checks, increases your vehicle’s value because addressing minor problems maintains your vehicle’s performance.
Visiting a garage a couple of times per year for maintenance checks will preserve your vehicle and allow it to last longer.
Most people put off regular maintenance, but it’s more affordable than you think. On average, U.S. car owners spend $1,100 on maintenance per year, according to AAA.
Committing to this expenditure now will mean selling your vehicle for more in the future.
Choose Optional Aesthetic Upgrades
First impressions are everything in the world of automobiles. A car with a brilliant paint job that’s been freshly cleaned and waxed will always create more interest than one that looks like it was pulled out of a scrapyard.
Some of the optional aesthetic upgrades that can secure you a more valuable sale include fresh paint jobs, ceramic coating, and window tinting in Roanoke, TX.
Ideally, you should already have these aesthetic uppers when you purchase your vehicle. These are preventative treatments that maintain your aesthetic.
Keep the Tires in Good Condition
Tires with the correct pressure help maintain your mileage and reduce your petrol costs. With a simple air pump at the gas station or in the tire shop, you can keep your tires in good condition.
As part of routine maintenance, you should be looking to rotate, balance, and align your tires frequently to mitigate unnecessary wear and tear.
Inspect your tire tread. If it’s starting to look bald, it’s time to replace the tires. Bald tires are a significant safety issue, especially in bad weather, that could increase the chances of you experiencing an accident.
Replace Your Brake Pads
The brakes and brake pads are one aspect that every buyer focuses on. The average set of brake pads is designed to last roughly 25,000 miles.
Change out your brake pads with either ceramic or semi-metallic pads for superior performance and more durability. If you have the skills, replacing your brake pads can even be done at home.
Your trade-in value heavily relies on brake condition, so pay attention to them before selling.
Maintain the Value with Minor Car Repairs
Those little repair jobs will always top up your resale value because new owners don’t necessarily want to do the job themselves. Moreover, investing in minor car repairs demonstrate that the vehicle was owned by someone responsible.
Here are some of the minor repairs you can carry out at home:
- Change the Battery – Most car batteries are designed to last four to six years. Replace the battery yourself to save money.
- Switch Out Your Oil – Keep your engine purring with an oil change. Oil is vital to lubricate the inside of your machine and prevent heat damage caused by friction.
- Check your Spark Plugs – Reduce the likelihood of experiencing problems through high revs by checking your spark plugs every 30,000 miles.
- Keep Well-Maintained Fluids – Transmission oil, power steering fluids, brake fluids, and coolants are vital to preserving your vehicle’s condition and value.
Minor car repairs can be carried out even by those without any professional training. With the help of some basic YouTube tutorials, you can keep your car in pristine condition.
Fix Your Windshield
Driving around with cracks and chips on your windshield is illegal in many states. This rule doesn’t apply to every state, particularly if the chip or crack is a minor one that doesn’t impede visibility.
Not only can fixing your windshield be a legal requirement, but you also need to consider the safety of you and your passengers.
Thankfully, small cracks that are less than one inch in diameter don’t require a professional to fix. A simple repair kit bought online is all you need, and it’s something that costs less than $10 to buy.
Invest in Car Detailing
Ripped seats, cigarette smells, and coffee stains will quickly see your car depreciate. Keep your vehicle in pristine condition by washing and waxing your vehicle for years to come. Go over the interior with an in-car vacuum cleaner and make an effort to wipe the interior.
Blacken the tires, polish the rims, and keep the inside of your engine clean. There’s so much that could damage your paint job and the car’s interior.
Spend an afternoon going over the inside and outside of your car before selling. It’s all about nailing that first impression.
Provide Maintenance Proof for Your Car
Buyers are increasingly wary about taking people at their word when purchasing a used car. Simply telling someone that a vehicle is well-maintained is rarely enough.
Every time you take your car to the garage, keep the receipts. Even if it’s just for an oil change, it’s considered best practice to keep the receipts, with dates and what was done to the car.
The more documentation you have, the more bargaining power you also have.
Conclusion
Some vehicles will always have more resale value than others. Typically, ones that are known for durability, such as Toyota and Subaru, and more likely to retain their value as they age.