Don’t do These 4 Things if you want your Car to Retain its Value
For most cars, they begin to depreciate pretty quickly after you drive them off the car lot. Some data shows that your car loses 11% percent of its value at that moment. In addition, as you drive your car, various parts wear, which also causes it to lose about 15% to 25% of its value over the first five years. No matter what your plan is for your car, you can take steps to help it retain its value. Consider avoiding these four things to help keep as much of the value of your car as possible.
#1 - Incorrect Documentation
#2 - Poor Care of the Interior and Exterior
One of the most appealing aspects of a new car is the way it looks. We all know what a new car smells like. We are drawn in by the way it shines and how spotless it is. Many of us spend a large amount of time in our cars. It is easy for them to become dirty without even realizing it. It is essential to maintain the interior and exterior of the vehicle. As dust accumulates in your car, it looks bad and gets into small spaces, which can degrade the quality of your vehicle.
You should vacuum your car regularly and keep all surfaces clean. This includes floor mats, dashboard, console, and upholstery cleaning if you have it. You want to ensure you do not do things in your car that are going to leave an odor behind. Smoking is something that is going to cause the inside of your car to stink. Smoke contains contaminants that bind with the material in the vehicle. It can also cause discoloration that cannot be removed.
The exterior of the car is just as important as the interior of the vehicle. When someone is looking at purchasing your vehicle, even the most minor scratches or dents stand out. In addition, as your car has continued exposure to sun, heat, and moisture, the coating on plastic trim wears off, making it look dull. Over time, headlights and taillights begin to dull and look foggy. You want to work to prevent this wear and tear from happening to your vehicle.
#3 - Personalized Modifications
You may make personal modifications to your car that you love; however, potential buyers may not unless you can find a buyer that has the same style as you. This could include modifications like cold air intake, nitrous oxide in the engine, changes to the lights, and other add-ons. Anytime you add after-market add-ons to your car, it can
decrease the value.
#4 - Poor or Low Maintenance
Your car requires regular maintenance to stay at peak performance and run smoothly. Ensuring that your vehicle was regularly scheduled maintenance also helps it retain its value. When there is a problem with your car, you should visit Gerry Lane and have a technician service your vehicle and diagnose the problem. A car is an investment, and it requires care. If you ignore problems that may seem small, they can build up and become more extensive and more expensive problems.
While a car does lose value and fairly quickly once you purchase it, if you avoid these four things, you can help maintain the value of your vehicle. Not only will you be able to retain the value, but also you will have a smoother running and cleaner car to enjoy.
When you want to sell your car, potential buyers want to know as much about the car as they can. Therefore, you can expect a potential buyer to research the history of the vehicle. You can make this step easier by maintaining records for your car. This may include receipts for the service and maintenance you have had on the car. You may want to create a folder for all the documentation provided to you when you have your vehicle serviced. If you thought they were not significant in the past, you should change that thought and begin compiling them. While it is essential to have documentation for your vehicle, it is even more essential to ensure the documentation is correct and accurate. You do not want to appear misleading in any way.
#2 - Poor Care of the Interior and Exterior
One of the most appealing aspects of a new car is the way it looks. We all know what a new car smells like. We are drawn in by the way it shines and how spotless it is. Many of us spend a large amount of time in our cars. It is easy for them to become dirty without even realizing it. It is essential to maintain the interior and exterior of the vehicle. As dust accumulates in your car, it looks bad and gets into small spaces, which can degrade the quality of your vehicle.
You should vacuum your car regularly and keep all surfaces clean. This includes floor mats, dashboard, console, and upholstery cleaning if you have it. You want to ensure you do not do things in your car that are going to leave an odor behind. Smoking is something that is going to cause the inside of your car to stink. Smoke contains contaminants that bind with the material in the vehicle. It can also cause discoloration that cannot be removed.
The exterior of the car is just as important as the interior of the vehicle. When someone is looking at purchasing your vehicle, even the most minor scratches or dents stand out. In addition, as your car has continued exposure to sun, heat, and moisture, the coating on plastic trim wears off, making it look dull. Over time, headlights and taillights begin to dull and look foggy. You want to work to prevent this wear and tear from happening to your vehicle.
#3 - Personalized Modifications
You may make personal modifications to your car that you love; however, potential buyers may not unless you can find a buyer that has the same style as you. This could include modifications like cold air intake, nitrous oxide in the engine, changes to the lights, and other add-ons. Anytime you add after-market add-ons to your car, it can
decrease the value.
#4 - Poor or Low Maintenance
Your car requires regular maintenance to stay at peak performance and run smoothly. Ensuring that your vehicle was regularly scheduled maintenance also helps it retain its value. When there is a problem with your car, you should visit Gerry Lane and have a technician service your vehicle and diagnose the problem. A car is an investment, and it requires care. If you ignore problems that may seem small, they can build up and become more extensive and more expensive problems.
While a car does lose value and fairly quickly once you purchase it, if you avoid these four things, you can help maintain the value of your vehicle. Not only will you be able to retain the value, but also you will have a smoother running and cleaner car to enjoy.