After you have purchased a new car, you will want the car to hold onto as much of its value as possible, just in case you decide to sell the car or use it as a trade in for another new car in the future. However, this will require more than just following the maintenance schedule and making sure the oil gets changed. There are a number of actions that people do without really thinking about them which can ruin the resale value of your car. Here are some of the most common actions to avoid.
Neglecting To Keep Service Records
If you really want to get the most money for your car when it is time to sell it, you should keep copies of all of the service records for maintenance performed on your vehicle. Buyers like to have proof that the car has been maintained properly over the years because it gives them confidence that they will not have to deal with any unexpected issues with the car due to lack of maintenance. Many people choose to keep copies of their service receipts in the glove compartment or in a file folder in the trunk of their car.
Neglecting To Clean Your Car Regularly
One of the worst things for ruining the resale value of a car is neglecting to clean the car regularly inside and out. During the course of a normal day, the exterior of your car is subjected to all sorts of abrasive elements, from road salt to bird poop to chemicals. Neglecting to clean your car allows those elements to wear away the car’s finish, resulting in a car that looks older and duller. Allowing dust and dirt to collect on the inside of the car will discolor the car’s interior and will be harder to get rid of the longer it stays. You should plan on cleaning your car inside and out about every two weeks to boost your car’s resale value.
Customizing The Car
While customizing the car will make the car look better to you, it may not make the car look better to potential buyers when it is time to sell the car. Body kits and exhaust systems can reduce the car’s resale value by a significant amount because it reduces the number of consumers that may be interested in purchasing the car. Any add-ons that alter the powertrain or safety equipment are a definite “no”. Resist the urge to modify the car and stick to customizations that are easy to remove, like seat covers, steering wheel covers, and other small accessories.