How Proper Maintenance Helps Resale Value

The day you bring home your new car is well-worth celebrating. The day you trade it in for a new vehicle can be just as exciting, especially if you have maintained your vehicle well over the years. Here’s why proper maintenance is so important, both during ownership and when trading in.

Cost vs. Benefit. There are two primary reasons individuals don't get proper maintenance on their vehicles: time and money. Those who don't have enough time to keep their vehicle maintained will definitely not have enough time to get it repaired down the road. Those who are worried about the cost of maintaining a vehicle need to examine two things: the cost of getting a vehicle repaired due to a lack of maintenance, and the increase in resale value as a result of proper maintenance.

Documentation. So you followed your maintenance log that came with your vehicle, right? Great! You also documented each and every oil change, tune up, tire rotation, windshield wiper switch, and whatever else you could think of documenting, correct? Having this information on hand makes your vehicle much more attractive to buyers. If you tell a prospective buyer that you've meticulously maintained your vehicle, he or she will be more likely to believe you if it's properly documented in a log book, especially when accompanied by receipts.

Recommended maintenance and what to record. If you haven't kept a log, gather your receipts. If you don't have receipts, go through credit card statements. Make sure your records are accurate. Here are some of the things you should document:

• Fluid changes
• Tire rotation
• Paint or body shop receipts
• Engine repair paperwork
• Car detailing receipts
• Inspection reports
• Smog certificates

Other recommended maintenance. Obviously, nobody wants to buy a car that doesn't run well, but in your haste to document and maintain mechanical aspects of the vehicle, don't neglect to maintain the exterior and interior. Unsightly blemishes on the exterior or a torn, ripped, or dirty interior can distract from your well-organized documentation as well.

Pre-sale preparation. In addition to routine cleaning of the car's exterior and interior, there are a few things you're going to want to pay special attention to when preparing a car for resale. Clean the windshields inside and out. Use a high-quality product to return the luster to vinyl surfaces and components on the inside. Vacuum the upholstery and carpets. Wipe down surfaces. If you've been doing this all along, you'll have no problems when it comes to preparing the vehicle. Keep the exterior free of debris and give it a good detailing when preparing it for sale.

There are more factors than routine maintenance when it comes to maintaining a car's value. Take note, however, that an unmaintained vehicle will fetch less money, regardless of its make or model.

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