10 Things That Impact A Car’s Resale Value

9. Color

It may sound a bit strange, but one of the things that has been shown to impact a car’s resale value is its exterior color. This is especially true depending on where people live. In a hot state such as Arizona, for example, cars that are black in color are less desirable because they attract the sun and tend to be hotter than lighter colored vehicles. The bestselling used cars in Arizona are white in color. This might seem like a weird thing for people to keep in mind or consider when purchasing a vehicle. But paying attention to the color when buying a vehicle can reap dividends when you eventually sell it. Chalk “color” up to a little thing that can make a big impact on a car’s value. It’s what salesmen call “consumer psychology,” and it is real.

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8. Time of Year

Consider the time of year when selling your vehicle. It should come as no surprise that convertibles sell better, and for more money, in the summer, and SUVs sell better and at higher prices in the winter. They say timing is everything, and this extends to when you choose to put a car up for sale. If you want to create demand for your car and ensure plenty of interest from potential buyers, then wait until the time is right before putting it on the market. Holding off in May and waiting until June to sell a convertible can make a big difference. The summer will also enable people to test drive a convertible with the top down and ensure they get the most enjoyment from the experience, and that they are prepared to pay maximum dollars to own the vehicle themselves.

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7. Style Changes

If you have an older model SUV and the manufacturer comes out with a new version of the same vehicle, complete with a new body style, it could impact the demand for your older model. Naturally, people will want to get their hands on the new version of the SUV. In comparison with the new version, your SUV will look old and outdated and people will be willing to pay less to own it. Do yourself a favor and pay attention to reports by automotive manufacturers of their plans to revamp particular brands and models. If you hear that next year’s model of your vehicle will look completely different and have a new style, then you may want to list your car, truck or SUV for sale before the new version of the same model hits dealer showrooms. Staying ahead of the curve in this way can help ensure that you get a fair price when selling a vehicle.

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6. Rebates

Rebates and incentives do not only impact new car sales. They can also have an effect on automotive resales. For example, if there’s a significant rebate on a 2005 model truck, then the 2003 model might not sell as well and that will lower its value. For this reason, it is important to pay attention to information concerning rebates and other financial incentives. This information can be obtained from a source such as the NADA Guides website, which tracks rebates and incentives on most makes and models of vehicles. This is the best way to learn if a new model vehicle is more of a deal than an older model that has rebates and incentives attached to it.

http://www.carsdirect.com/car-buying/understanding-car-dealer-rebates-and-incentives Source: Carsdirect.com

5. Engines

While accessories and upgrades tend to have little bearing on a vehicle’s resale value, the engine under the hood does. Studies show that one of the things motorists care most about when buying a second-hand vehicle is the engine. This is because the engine impacts the functionality and reliability of a vehicle. If the engine doesn’t work well, it will mean costly repairs for the person who buys the vehicle. If the engine dies, it will mean that buying a second-hand vehicle was a bad investment. When people talk about a car being a “lemon,” they are usually referring to the engine being bad. Also, when it comes to certain types of vehicles such as pick-up trucks, owners like to have a powerful engine and will pay more for a V8 versus a V6 engine. This means that you should pay attention to what’s under the hood of a car you buy. Try to buy a vehicle from a manufacturer that has a reputation for reliable engines. Or, if you’re going to spend money on an upgrade, boost the engine from a V6 to a V8.

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4. Cleanliness

Another psychological factor is the cleanliness of a vehicle that you are selling. Having a clean car, especially a clean interior, can impact how much money someone is willing to pay for it. The cleaner the car, the more money people will pay. This not just because people like the inside of a car to be clean. It is because a clean interior signals that a car has been well maintained and is in good shape, and this makes potential buyers feel that the car you are selling is likely to be more reliable. Again, it’s psychology at work here. A filthy car telegraphs to people that a vehicle was not properly maintained and is not in good shape. And people naturally assume this means the car you’re selling is less reliable and more likely to breakdown on them. People can reap big financial rewards by taking time to properly clean a car before listing it for sale.

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3. Drivetrains

Few people these days drive a manual transmission car. In fact, most drivers do not even know how to work a clutch and manually shift gears. That is why nearly all vehicles sold today have automatic transmissions and shift gears automatically. For this reason, it will not be advantageous to buck the trend and purchase a manual transmission car. Same goes for all-wheel drive vehicles versus front-wheel and rear-wheel drive vehicles. Most vehicles are either front-wheel or rear-wheel drive only, and the majority of car owners could care less if a vehicle has all-wheel drive capability. If you personally prefer all-wheel drive, that’s fine. But you should not expect other people to be willing to pay extra money to buy a vehicle you’re selling that has all-wheel drive capability. Stick with the standard drivetrain options on most vehicles and you’ll have an easier time selling your car, truck or SUV.

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2. Accidents

Avoiding an accident at all costs is not only important from a safety perspective. It is also important to protect the value of your car. Any accident involving your vehicle, no matter how small, gives people an excuse to drive down the price. And in Canada and the United States, any and all accidents are reported as part of a vehicle’s history. They must be reported by law in most jurisdictions. Accidents follow a vehicle around like a criminal record. And it doesn’t matter if the accident was a minor fender bender or a total wreck and repair. Anyone considering purchasing a vehicle you own will have a reason to discount the price if they find out it has been in an accident. It’s like telling people your car has a life-threatening illness.

http://e-caraccidents.com/5-things-not-car-accident/ Source: E-caraccidents.com

1. Supply and Demand

Ultimately it is supply and demand that will determine the value of a car you are reselling. If you live in northern Wisconsin where it snows seven months of the year, then chances are there will be less demand for convertibles than in sunny southern California. The same goes for how popular and common a particular make and model of vehicle is. If you own a limited edition truck, you will likely be able to charge more money for it than, say, a Honda Accord that can be spotted on every street corner in the country. This means that it is important for people to know the market where they live and to do a bit of research before buying a car. As always, a little knowledge can go a long way towards the resale value of any type of vehicle.

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