It's often said that a car isn't an investment as it will be worth less tomorrow than it is today. While this may be true, your car can be a great asset when it comes to a down payment on a new vehicle and as such, should be considered an investment. Thinking of your car as an investment goes a long way in how you maintain it - and maintaining it can retain its value. Let us tell you how.
When it's time to resell your car, the most obvious first point of attraction will be how it looks - its interior and exterior. Keeping your car clean and in immaculate condition will work in your favour when it comes to getting good bank for your car. Dirt left on your car over a long period can lead to corrosion, faded carpets and permanent seat stains, which do not land your car in the most favoured spot.
The next thing a potential buyer will check out is the odometer, exactly how much time this beast has spent on the road. Needless to say, the less a car has gone around, the more attractive it will be. This is tricky to control as you obviously bought your vehicle out of a need to go to all these places. Our tip: sell it while it still has a reasonable number on the clock.
To help your car age gracefully, avoid excessive wear and tear. This could be the result of transporting heavy items, towing and driving at high speeds, or in poor road conditions. Wear and tear can age your car before its time and harm its resale value. Moving further in, let's talk engine and parts. It's important to keep to the service schedule of your car and to ensure that genuine parts are used in repairing it. Not adhering to your service schedule can have adverse effects on your engine; if the necessary replacements and oil changes aren't done on time, your engine will bear the brunt. Genuine parts are always recommended as they are manufactured specifically for your car, come with a 12-month guarantee and offer you the peace of mind of knowing your vehicle's inside is still as good as new. A faulty car is hard, if not impossible, to hide and nobody wants to buy a faulty car.
For free vehicle evaluation and to get a general idea of what your car is worth, visit our car buying service: https://www.kelston.co.za/sell-my-car and be sure not to miss a service: https://www.kelston.co.za/book-a-service
