5 Ways to Maximise The Resale Value of Your Car

In the excitement of upgrading your car and saying goodbye to your existing model, it’s easy to forget that there are ways in which you can maximise the value of the vehicle you’re selling or trading in. With so many happy customers driving away from West Motors in new-to-them cars every week, valuing part exchange models and providing an alternative to selling privately is something we do all the time; we know what it takes to get the best price. From the day you get the keys to the day you hand them back over, there are some things you can do to maximise the resale value of your car… 

Keep it clean 

This might seem obvious, but giving your car regular TLC will not only prevent you from doing a huge clean before it goes to its new home, but it will also increase your chances of a good return. The more cared-for that your car looks, the more it will be worth, so consider the following: 

• Decluttering your car regularly so it’s easier to clean little and often 
• Protecting against dog hair
• Keeping the car smoke free 
• A professional valet prior to selling 

Mind your mileage 

This is something to bear in mind from day one; the price you’re offered for your car relies heavily on the miles it’s covered. The fewer on the clock, the more desirable the car is. If you know you’ll be selling or upgrading the car at some point, thinking carefully about the long journeys you do is a good habit to get into. 

Stamps in the service book 

Sticking to the maintenance schedule for your vehicle and getting it serviced regularly will reassure any prospective buyer that the car has been properly looked after. Cars with a full service history sell for more than ones with gaps in their records, and ones that have been recently serviced (and MOT’d) are particularly appealing. 

Repair and replace 

Things like chips in the windscreen and worn tyres and brakes can come back to bite you at valuation time, so getting these things sorted is worth it. Cosmetic damage shouldn’t be ignored either - scratches and dents will reduce the price you’re offered too. 

Round up anything that came with the car

Supplying as much original equipment, accessories and paperwork will give the next owner peace of mind - and it’s something they’ll pay more for too. We often remove parcel shelves, store the spare wheel away, and leave the spare key in a drawer somewhere, but collecting all these things up when it’s time to sell will pay off in the long run. 

Sell your car in Uxbridge with West Motors 

If you’re ready to sell your car and you’re keen to do it quickly and easily, we can help at West Motors. We’re always looking to buy cars that are up to four years old and under 80,000 miles, and can offer you a hassle-free process. Get started by filling out your details here. 

We do, of course, offer part exchange, so if you’ve not chosen your next car yet - what are you waiting for? Get browsing here.