How to Add Value to Your Used Car

In the same way that anyone hoping to sell their home will spend plenty of time and effort doing it up to increase its resale value, there are many things you can do to add value to your car before putting it up for sale. Taking good care of it, ensuring it has at least a few months left on its MOT and making any major vehicle repairs it requires throughout ownership are all vital.

The main factors that affect a car valuation are its age, make and model, mileage and condition. The latter is where you can ensure added value for your vehicle by making the most of the following tips. When you’ve done so you can then use our car valuation tool to discover an instant price based on its improved condition.     

Wax and Shine the Exterior

Cleaning your car is the first step before you even think about putting it up for sale. First impressions are incredibly important and a clean vehicle shining in the sun will look a lot more attractive to buyers than one that’s mud-splattered. Many cars fade over time as well, but rather than pay for a fresh paint job that may cost more than the value it adds, simply wax and polish the vehicle instead. Spend time cleaning your wheels too, as bright alloys can increase its potential value easily. 

Upgrade Equipment

Technology and equipment options are massive for cars these days, but it can be hard knowing which add value and which diminish it. Therefore, it can be worth upgrading or replacing in-car technology for added value, such as:

• Sat-nav: Despite most smartphones including map features, a sat-nav is a feature most drivers expect and will pay extra for a car that includes one.
• Bluetooth: This usually interests younger drivers, so is a worthwhile investment, as it allows for wireless phone connectivity.
• Digital radio: Expected in most new cars, this adds value to used models.
• Basic parking distance sensors: Available in more new cars than ever before, the cheaper options’ value can be recouped when preparing to sell.

Certain equipment and technology do not add to resale value however, including:

• High-end stereo systems: These can reach into the thousands but most buyers will be unaware of the costs or be willing to pay more for them.
• Self-parking systems: Less likely to recoup extra value as they can be more expensive to install and not deemed necessary by all drivers.
• Climate control systems: Add no extra value, though air-conditioning is essential to retain value at the very least.   

Make Minor Yet Essential Repairs

Don’t ignore any small vehicle repairs, as they will be picked up on by potential buyers. A simple vehicle repair such as changing a headlight or replacing the car’s badge if it has fallen off are cheap and easy to do. Compared with the amount of value it will take off if you don’t, this is an expense worth making.

Ensure there are no warning lights on in your car either, or if there are that you deal with them by changing the oil, topping up windscreen washer levels or anything else. Some bodywork repairs can be done cheaply and easily too, such as removing light scratches and stone chips. Though for major ones it may be worth paying for an expert service or accepting a loss in value for your vehicle.  

Replace Worn Down Furnishings

There are various features which can be replaced fairly inexpensively in any car to create added value. Floor mats can be cleaned, but if they are beyond repair then simply replace them. A set of four can be found for less than £20 new, even less second-hand, with the amount spent worth the cost. A broken radio can also be replaced cheaply and will make the car easier to sell, along with seat covers, cup holders and other features.    

Treat All Leather

Leather usually increases the desirability and value of a vehicle, though paying to replace existing non-leather seats doesn’t always equate to an increase in the car’s overall price. Still, if your vehicle has leather seats it is important you clean and treat them properly. Use professional products, removing all loose dust and crumbs before. The new leather smell it introduces may even work in the same way that freshly baked bread or coffee helps sell a house.

Make all these preparations and you should see your car valuation rise so it is worth as much as possible whether selling to a dealer or individual.     

Image courtesy of iStock.