13203 SW Canyon Road, Suite C, Beaverton Oregon 97005

4.7
Total 597 Reviews
503-626-4810 Book An Appointment

How to Maximize the Value of Your Car

Whether you’re getting ready to sell your car or simply taking proactive measures to keep as much of its value intact as possible, keeping your car in pristine condition is always the way to go. This is for both for the condition of its cosmetic side as well as its mechanical side. However, over time, car owners begin to neglect much of what the car had to offer in the first place, and thus its value plummets. So, the question is what kind of things can you do to maximize the value of your car? Here are some of the best routes to take in order to accomplish this goal.

Upkeep

There’s a reason why dealer warranties end at a certain number of miles. This is because they know that after those miles have been passed, your car would no doubt need some repairs or minor upkeep. A good number of miles to stop and begin thinking about what your car may need is at 100,000 miles. Although most issues regarding the upkeep of a car are minor, the best way to know for sure that your car is ready for the next 100,000 is to take it to a professional mechanic. If you don’t want to pay full price for labor and parts you can always simply ask to receive advice. Understand that you should still pay them for their time and expertise, even if they never laid a finger on your car.

Headlights

Nothing says old car like worn out headlights. Fortunately for you and your car, there are plenty of products on the market that can clean off fogged out lights. If you’re hesitant about applying unknown chemicals, there are plenty of plastic products that can easily do the job as well. However, if your headlights are not operating at their best, it might be time to switch them out for brand new ones. This is both the law and necessary for your overall night driving safety.

Get Your Papers in Order

You can make all the claims you want, but if you don’t have the paperwork to prove it, then that drastically reduces the value of your car. So, if you’re simply making sure that your car is at its maximum value or you’re getting ready to sell it, you must always make sure your documents are in proper order. These can include your warranty documentation, maintenance records, odometer disclosure, and even your vehicle identification number (VIN), as some people might want to look up the history of your car themselves.

Keep It Spotless

Although the blue book value may show a certain price for your car, the condition of it may not be exactly representative of that price. Therefore, the perceived value of it will no doubt decrease in the eyes of potential buyers. So, what should you do? Simply make sure that you keep your car as spotless as possible. This doesn’t mean just wiping your center console off or brushing off your chairs. It also means making sure that there are no forgotten eyesores such as old bumper sticker residue. Note that you might want to add large price stickers for people to see that your car is for sale. Window stickers made of clear static cling material do not leave sticky residue behind, which means you don’t have to spend time and energy removing it..

Fix the Dents

Often sellers don’t want to invest too much in bodywork as it can seriously cut into the profit margin. This does not mean, however, that you should neglect all the dents and scratches that your car has accumulated over the years. Minor paint scratches and scuffs can be taken care of rather easily through some good old fashioned elbow grease and, of course, the right tools. Dents may be a little harder to fix, but most of them can be popped right out with the right tool. If you don’t think you can do this properly, it is best to seek the advice or aid of a professional.

Choose the Right Model

If you’re a first-time car buyer and worried about the long-term value of your car, you might want to consider a few things before signing the final paperwork. Not all cars are created equal and thus will depreciate differently. Some are simply very desired models while others are filled with various safety features. Vehicles that contain tech such as lane change assistance or stability control, will tend to hold their value the longest.

Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do to stop the depreciation of your car. However, it is possible to slow down the process. This can be accomplished by simply being proactive and paying attention to the minor details. Simply adhere to the list of tips above to begin implementing these value-holding techniques onto your car.

Check out our list of services to see how we can help you keep up with your car maintenance.

 

Back
Locations Served