The longer you own your car and the more kilometres you put on the clock, the less likely it is to achieve a good residual value. However, car resale value includes other factors in addition to how old and used it is. Car manufacturers are dedicated to creating cars that retain their value for as long as possible. That way, the cost of ownership is minimised in the long term, making them more attractive to consumers.
While you might not be able to turn back time or your mileometer to help you attain a good car resale value, there are certain things you can do that will help you achieve the best price when it comes to moving your pre-owned car on.
It might seem one of the most basic steps, but it’s also one of the most effective. Regularly washing, waxing, and polishing your car will prevent excess wear and tear on the paintwork caused by the elements, dust, grit, and acidic compounds dropped by trees and passing birds. When it comes to trying to achieve the best car resale value, first impressions really do count. A dealer is going to find it far easier to picture a well-cared-for car sitting in their showroom or forecourt than something that’s obviously been left unloved and allowed to deteriorate through lack of care.
Even cars with pristine paintwork aren’t going to achieve a satisfactory trade-in value if the paintwork is peppered with dents and dings. The first thing a potential buyer is going to consider is how much it’ll cost them to get those blemishes repaired. Having minor bumps and dents removed before you take your car to a used car retailer, or even sell it privately, can be an important part of ensuring you get the price you want.
Tyres
A car’s tyres are tied up with both its appearance and its performance. Most buyers will want to know how many kilometres your tyres have seen, and how much they can get out of them before they need to be replaced. While it can be a costly exercise, there are plenty of budget-friendly replacements out there that will do the job and help your car improve its residual value.
If your headlight casing is cracked or has oxidised, those all-important first impressions are going to be affected once again. In addition, if your bulbs aren’t working, the car’s performance and safety are also going to be compromised. Replacing bulbs and casing is inexpensive and can have a significant impact on your car resale value.
Car detailing is one of the best ways to restore your car to showroom condition. In addition to the exterior, the interior can be detailed and you can even employ engine detailing services to ensure that any minor problems aren’t going to become bigger ones.
If you’re considering selling your car, Al-Futtaim Toyota offers a range of services to help you achieve the best resale value for your car. From our Car Engine Flush Package to our Detailing and Polishing Package, we can help your car look its best just when you need it to. Contact us today to find out more.