Discover what lowers your vehicle’s trade-in value.
Buying a new vehicle is a whole lot easier when you come to the negotiating table with a high-value trade-in car. And the little things you do to maintain your car every day go a long way in determining its worth. You can take steps right now — including adjusting your personal and driving habits — to save yourself hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Here’s what to avoid if you want to be able to swap your old car for a new one.
1. Smoking Cigarettes in Your Car
It’s no secret that smoke stinks up your car. The problem, however, goes beyond smell. The contaminants in cigarettes bond with the materials in the car, making the smell and discoloration almost impossible to erase. Kelley Blue Book confirms that smoking inside of your car can affect the overall value of it over time.
If you can’t give up the habit, you’re better off leaning on alternatives like patches, gum, lozenges or e-cigarettes when you drive — or you could always just pull over to smoke.
2. Neglecting Regular Service
One of the first things used-car buyers are cautioned to do is request a service history report for any vehicle they’re considering. Well-maintained vehicles are far more reliable and have much longer lifespans, making them more coveted by buyers who want the best deal.
Your car’s manufacturer dictates a suggested maintenance schedule, with recommended servicing at a specific mile or time intervals. If you’re not sure, use an app such as My Firestone to determine your vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule.
Find Out: 30 Biggest Do’s and Don’ts When Buying a Car
3. Racking Up Too Many Miles
Each mileage milestone you pass can dramatically reduce the value of your car. The first one is 30,000 to 40,000 miles, which is when the first routine services are usually scheduled, according to Edmunds. The next milestone is 60,000 to 70,000 miles when more expensive car components tend to start failing. The final turning point is the 100,000-mile mark.
If you plan to sell your car, do it before you hit 30,000, 60,000 or 100,000 miles. Once you drive a single mile beyond those landmarks, you’re likely to receive an offer that’s the same as it would have been if you had driven all the way up to the doorstep of the following milestone. To reduce mileage, consider renting a car when you travel.
Open Next Page To See More…
