Five Tips to Improve your Car’s Resale Value

When it comes to selling your car, there several ways to ensure that you get the very best price. All cars depreciate, no matter the make or model, but you can make sure that your pre-owned vehicle retains as much of its original value as possible by following a few simple tips.

Keep it clean
Both inside and out, the condition of your car makes a big difference to its value. Faded seats and scratched, dirty paintwork will reduce the value of your car at a stroke. Having it valeted regularly and keeping it clean will keep the value up. Before you put it on the market, a professional valet will ensure that potential buyers are not put off by those all-important first impressions. For example, an exterior wax and polish will buff out any micro scratches and make your car’s paint sparkle. Try not to smoke in your car too, as the smell of stale cigarettes can kill a potential sale before you’ve even begun.

Do your research – what’s the market value?
All used cars in the UAE have a market value, regardless of the make or model. Before you offer your vehicle up for sale, do a little bit of checking to see what the current value is. This will ensure you don't get 'lowballed' by potential buyers trying to get a bargain. Try to steer clear of unscrupulous traders looking to maximise their margins by offering a low price and then selling it on for a handsome profit! 

Keep the modifications to a minimum
While it may be tempting to go for a sporty, after-market exhaust and some trendy modifications, they’ll all affect the value of your car when it comes to resale time later on. You may love a lowered suspension or a fancy paint job, but the person you’re trying to sell your car to in a year may not. A standard car that hasn’t been altered or modified in any way will be worth more than the same model that has been radically changed. 

A full service history
A buyer will want to see a full service history with no gaps or missed major service dates. Make sure all of your paperwork is in order before you think about selling and that you get your car serviced by an authorised dealership or technician at those key service points. Keep all your receipts and notifications of any work done so that potential buyers can see the car's provenance at a glance.

Sell to a dealer
Getting the best resale price for your car will depend on several factors, but one of the common myths is that you get less if you sell to a dealership. This simply isn’t true, and in fact, selling to a dealer could mean a better price and much less hassle and time-wasting than selling your car privately. Not only do you avoid the labour and time-intensive process of advertising your car privately, but you also stop ‘tire-kickers’ and bargain hunters trying to drive the price of your car down. 

A dealer will give you the full market value and take care of any outstanding finance. The money is transferred to your account quickly, often within an hour of signing the contract. You could even use the money you get for your pre-owned Lexus towards a new model. Selling to a dealer means you could afford that 2022 Lexus NX you’ve always dreamed of.