Want To Retain Your Car’s Value? Avoid These 9 Things!

Key Takeaways:

1. Your car is a big investment.
2. There are things you can do to keep your ride’s value high or maintain it.
3. Paying attention to your car will save you bucks in the long run.
4. Ignoring problems with your car will only make them worse.
5. Taking care of your car will help it last longer and run smoothly.

Cars are a big investment. You probably don’t think about it daily, but over the years, you’ve put a lot of hard work into earning and saving up for your car. It’s usually our second largest purchase after our home, so it makes sense to want to keep our car in tip-top condition and preserve its value for as long as possible. But sometimes, we do things that unknowingly diminish the value of our car-things that you could easily avoid with a bit of knowledge and foresight. Don’t worry, though; we’re here to help!

This post by Cutter Mazda Waipahu will outline nine things you should never do if you want to retain your car’s value. Read on for tips that surely will save you money and headaches down the road!

A Car’s Resale Value: How It Works

Okay, let’s imagine you own a 2017 Mazda sedan. You’re driving it daily to and from work and take it on the occasional weekend road trip. It’s been a great car-reliable, efficient, and fun to drive-and now that it’s a few years old, you’re considering upgrading to a newer model. But before you do, you want to sell your current car and get the best possible price.

To do that, you need to understand how the resale value works. In 2016, there were almost 16 million vehicle trade-in deals in the United States. In short, a car’s resale value is the amount of money a dealer will give you when you trade it in or sell it outright. The higher the resale value of your ride, the more money you’ll get for it; conversely, the lower the resale value, the less money you’ll get.

Several factors contribute to a car’s resale value. The most important is demand-if many people are looking to buy a particular car, it will sell for more than if there are fewer buyers. Other important factors include a car’s age, mileage, condition, and features.

Retaining Your Car’s Resale Value: Avoid These Blunders

It’s totally understandable that you want to do everything you can to maximize your car’s resale value. But there are some things that you should avoid if you want to get the best possible price for your car. Here are nine things to avoid if you want to retain your car’s value:

1. Don’t Skip Services & Maintenance

To keep your car’s value high, you must take good care of it. That means getting all the scheduled maintenance and services done on time. You should also keep records of all the repair work that’s been done on the car. This will show potential car buyers that you’ve taken good care of the car and that it’s been well-maintained.

2. Don’t Let the Car Become Dated

Technology moves quickly, and cars can become dated very quickly. To retain your car’s value, you must keep it up-to-date with the latest technology. That means keeping up with software updates and ensuring that all the latest safety features are enabled.

3. Avoid Modifications

Modifications can be a nice way to personalize your car and make it your own. However, they can also drastically reduce your car’s resale value. Potential buyers will often get turned off by modifications, as they can be difficult and expensive to undo. If you’re planning on selling your ride in the future, it’s best to avoid making any modifications.

4. Don’t Drive Too Much

The more you ride your car, the more wear and tear it will suffer. This will lead to a decline in its value. If you want to retain your ride’s value, you should try to keep the mileage low. This is especially vital if you’re planning on selling the car.

5. Keep It Clean

A clean car is more likely to retain its value than a dirty one. Potential car buyers will be put off by a car covered in dirt and grime. Ensure you wash and wax your car regularly to keep it looking its best. You should also vacuum the interior & clean the windows.

6. Not Using Car Paint Protection

Car paint protection is necessary if you want to keep your car’s value high. This will protect the paintwork from scratches, scuffs, and other damage. Using a sealant or wax on the paintwork is also a good idea. This will create a barrier against contaminants and make the car easier to clean.

7. Don’t Smoke in Your Car

Yep, smoking in your car can decrease its value. The smell of cigarettes is very hard to remove and will put potential buyers off. If you smoke in your car, ensure you air it out regularly and use a good air freshener.

8. Not Parking in a Garage

If you don’t have a garage, try to park your car in a covered area. This will protect & keep it safe from the elements and prevent it from getting dirty quickly. Parking your car on the street also leaves it vulnerable to damage from other vehicles or vandals.

9. Not Going for Car Repairs Promptly

If you hear strange and spooky noises from your car or something breaks, don’t ignore it. Get it fixed as soon as possible. Ignoring car problems will only make them worse and could end up costing you money in the long run.

A Happy Ride Is a Valuable Ride!

Car ownership is no joke. It comes with much responsibility but can also be very rewarding. If you take care of your car, it will take care of you. And if you want to maximize your investment, pay attention to these tips on retaining your car’s value.

Also read: NEVER IGNORE THESE 9 ENGINE NOISES IF YOU WANT TO LIVE HAPPILY!

Stop Stressing & Bring Your Car to Us for a Service

Cutter Mazda Waipahu, serving Waipahu, HI, is your number-one spot for all things Mazda. But we’re also experts in car care, so we know a thing or two about what makes a car valuable. We have a team of highly trained experts that can assist you with any maintenance, repair, or upgrade on your vehicle. We also hire only qualified technicians to work in our service center. There are several benefits to servicing your car here at our service center.

Book a service today!

Posted in Blog | No Comments »