How to increase a car’s resale value

Here are seven tips to get the best price for your car when it’s time to sell or part-exchange.

Much like preparing your house to impress potential buyers, your car also needs some tender loving care to make it as appealing as possible.

So, how can you increase your car’s resale value? This guide gives you seven tips to get your car in the best shape possible before you sell it.

Clean the car

This may sound obvious but the cleaner your car is, the more attractive it will be to prospective buyers and dealers as it shows you’ve looked after it well. This includes the interior too. Make sure you wipe it down and vacuum it before buyers have a look at it to make the best first impression.

Fix cosmetic issues

If you can take care of cosmetic issues such as scrapes and scratches, your car is likely to be valued higher. You may need an expert to deal with larger scratches and dents, but even if you just polish out smaller imperfections this can make all the difference.

Address any mechanical issues

Issues such as worn-out brake pads, misfiring engines, or malfunctioning lights, to name a few, can be quite off-putting for potential buyers. Check for any visible signs of wear and resolve them as swiftly as possible. These small repairs assures buyers that the car’s maintenance is up-to-date, which means the value of the car could go up.

Keep the mileage low

This may be harder if you use your car on a daily basis – but if you can, keep your mileage low. Cars with fewer miles on the clock are more attractive to potential dealers or buyers as they feel newer. It also means that tyres, brakes and other mechanical parts in the car are less susceptible to wear and tear. This indicates to the next owner that they’re less likely to make replacements.

Change the tyres

If your tyres are visibly worn and in poor condition, it’s best to replace them with a fresh set. Potential buyers will be put off by worn-down tyres as they know it’s something they will likely need to replace in the future.

Have a service and MOT done

Taking a used car to the garage is a nerve wracking experience for a buyer. To help them be more at ease, have the service and MOT done before selling the car. The sooner you do both before you put it up on the market, the better.

Gather your paperwork

To maximise your car’s resale value, make sure you have all the right documents that go with it. The V5C logbook is the most important of these all. If you lose this, many buyers will significantly reduce their offer, or even back out of a sale completely.

Its service history also affects car value. If you can show that your car has been serviced according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, this will reassure buyers that your car is in good working order.

Car value increase FAQs

Do scratches affect resale value?

It depends on the degree of damage. Minor scratches and dents typically have a milder impact, while more extensive damage can significantly lower the value.

Is it worth fixing scratches on a car before selling?

Yes, it’s worth considering removing scratches yourself and having more serious damage repaired by a specialist before you put it up for sale. Repairing these dents and scratches also helps you sell the car quicker.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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