Whether you’re thinking about selling your car next week, next month, next year, or ten years from now, you want to ensure you get the best price possible. Follow these simple tips to maintain your vehicle’s resale value.
Follow the Maintenance Schedule
With most vehicles, you can usually get away with waiting until maintenance is slightly past due to get the work done. However, when you do this, you take a gamble. The manufacturer knows what is best for the vehicle, and failing to heed recommendations can lead to serious mechanical problems. Be sure you:
- Change the oil regularly. Most vehicles can go 5,000 miles or so between oil changes, but check your owner’s manual to be sure. If you drive in rough conditions, you’ll need to change the oil even more often.
- Service the transmission. You may have to do this every 30,000 miles or every 60,000 miles, depending on your vehicle. Be especially diligent about keeping the transmission in good shape if your make and model has a reputation for developing transmission issues.
- Pay attention to other important maintenance points. Yes, replacing the timing belt is expensive, but a buyer isn’t likely to want a car that hasn’t received this vital maintenance service.
Keep Good Records
Even if you’ve taken perfect care of your car’s mechanics, a potential buyer may not believe you unless you have the paperwork to back it up. Keep all your receipts from when you take your vehicle to be worked on. If you want to avoid accumulating paper, scan the receipts and keep them in an electronic file. However, be sure you have a backup of the file.
Keep the Exterior Looking Good
Sure, your car might have 200,000 miles on it, but does it look like it has 200,000 miles on it? You’ll get more interest in your vehicle if it has some curb appeal. To keep the exterior looking good:
- Wash your car regularly, preferably at least once a week. This will eliminate debris that could scratch the clear coat.
- Keep an eye out for rust spots, and quickly remedy these with touch-up paint.
- Wax your car two to four times a year. This protects the paint and gives your car an irresistible shine.
- If the car is in an accident and you have to purchase a new door panel, hood, or trunk lid, don’t buy one that is a different color than the rest of the car’s body.
Make sure the Interior Looks and Smells Appealing
No one wants to buy a car with stains all over the upholstery or that smells like cigarette smoke. Use floor mats and seat covers to protect your car’s interior. If the seats are leather, regularly clean and condition them to prevent cracking and peeling. Try to avoid smoking in your car. When you get ready to sell, you can take your vehicle to a professional detailer who can give it a new-car feeling inside.
When you decide to upgrade your ride, you want to get a good price for your old car. Maintain its resale value by following the above tips.
Connect with us
