Five Ways to Maximise Your Resale Value

We all know that brand new cars start losing value the moment they leave the showroom. It might not be fair and it certainly doesn’t feel like fun, but it’s just the way that the automotive world works. You can’t change it, but you can take good care of your vehicle, so that it retains as much resale value as possible.

The good news, particularly if you are preparing to sell your car, is that most owners don’t put too much thought into the little things; things like parking out of direct sunlight, keeping up with regular servicing, and protecting seats and floors from stains. So, if you’re an owner who does, you’re bound to attract more interest and better offers from prospective buyers.

This guide to maximising the resale value of your car will help you get to grips with what buyers really want to see.

01. Pick the Colour Wisely

Just because you’ve always dreamed about owning a bright purple car, it doesn’t mean that everybody will share your boldness. If there’s any chance at all that you’ll sell the vehicle on at a later date, be sensible with your colour choice. According to industry statistics, black is the most appealing colour for buyers. It might not be very exciting, but most people view their cars as practical machines, rather than head turning show pieces.

02. Get It Serviced Regularly

There are so many mobile mechanics on the Gold Coast that there’s no excuse for failing to keep up with services. In fact, unless you’re a mechanic yourself or you have extensive experience with cars, your own should be scheduled for regular ‘check-ups,’ whether you plan to sell it or not. This is the only way to keep a car in tip top condition and, since the cost of servicing is more affordable now than ever, you can grab yourself a great deal with a reliable, local provider.

03. Keep Mods to a Minimum

Picking out and fitting aftermarket mods can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to realise what kind of impact they have on your resale value. If a vehicle has been kitted out with performance modifications, most buyers are going to assume that it’s been driven hard and fast. They’ll simply move on to the next seller, because who wants a car that’ll drive up their insurance premium and have them looking like an extra from Fast and Furious? If you must invest in mods, hold on to the original part and refit it when you decide to sell.

04. Park It Somewhere Safe

Unsurprisingly, the best place to store any car is in a garage. This keeps it out of direct sunlight, away from thieves, and protected from scratches and dings while parked. However, if you don’t have access to a garage or shelter, you can just think carefully about where you park. For instance, parking in the shade of buildings, instead of in direct sunlight, will make sure that the paint job doesn’t peel and fade fast. Alternatively, you can park it under a tree, but choose one that doesn’t shed sticky leaves, sap, or spiky twigs.

05. Invest in Sturdy Floor Mats

For such a simple change, this technique really can make a world of difference to the resale value of a car. If you protect the floor with high quality, robust mats, they won’t get stained and dirty. Then, when it comes time to sell, not only will you avoid hours of scrubbing and cleaning, your car will smell fresh and look great. Ultimately, vehicles that look loved and cared for are always going to sell for a higher price than cars that have seen better days.

Why Maintaining the Health of Your Car is Important

Ultimately, taking good care of a car is about much more than resale value. Yes, it is the right way to get a great price for a vehicle, but it also has a big impact on overall efficiency. This is particularly true for anybody who uses their car on a daily basis. It becomes an environment all of its own, so it’s important to make sure that it’s a productive one.