Depreciation is a car owner’s worst enemy. Although it is true that the rate of depreciation falls as the car ages, you can still lose a huge amount of money if you were to sell the vehicle after a few years. Most motorists change automobiles from time to time as their needs change, so how can you go about maintaining the value of your car so that you won’t take a large financial hit when the time comes to sell?
Park in the Garage/Under Shelter
The weather can take its toll on the exterior of the vehicle, so always keep it parked in your garage, under shelter or in the shade if possible. This will protect it from the heat, cold, sunshine, rain, hail, snow and any falling debris. In addition to this, it is also much safer to store it in your garage too.
Regular Maintenance
One of the best ways to maintain the value of an automobile whilst also keeping it in good condition is to carry out regular maintenance. There are various checks and jobs that you should do on a regular basis, as well as service schedules and MOTs which should always be done in a timely fashion to stop small problems becoming big problems.
Wax
It is a smart move to wax the car a few times throughout the year as this will protect the colour, but also protect the surface from the elements. Dull and worn paint will deter a prospective buyer even if it is in perfect working condition, so it is important to do all you can to keep it looking as new as possible.
Easy Driving
Easy driving can prolong the life of the automobile and keep it in good condition, so try to be as smooth as possible whilst on the road. This means avoiding hard stops, quick turns and rapid acceleration.
Look After the Interior
Nobody wants to buy a car that feels lived in as this is very personal and can be hard to change. Keep the interior as fresh as possible by regularly cleaning, removing stains as quickly as possible, using an air freshener and not smoking inside.
Selling
When the time comes to sell, there are a few things that you can do to boost the resale value. This could include a fresh coat of paint, replacing the lights and detailing. Additionally, it is worth selling to reputable used car dealerships like AA Cars as opposed to selling privately.
All of the above can help to minimise depreciation and ensure that you get as much money as possible when the time comes to sell the car. Essentially, it involves carefully looking after the vehicle and making it feel as new as possible to any prospective buyers.
