With today’s high prices for new vehicles, knowing how to get the most out of your used vehicle is certainly beneficial. While you may not be ready to part with your trusty sidekick yet, there will inevitably come a day when it’s time to sell ‘ol Bessy and upgrade to a newer vehicle. But what can you do NOW to help increase your car’s resale value LATER? We’re glad you asked!
6 Reasons Why Preventative Maintenance Can Increase Your Car’s Resale Value
Choosing a vehicle make and model that is notorious for high resale value is a great place to start. But beyond that, the best way to ensure a higher selling price later is to practice good preventative maintenance habits now.
Here, we’ll walk you through 6 ways that a solid preventative maintenance plan not only saves you money now but also helps increase your car’s resale value later.
1. Preventative maintenance helps your vehicle last longer and perform better.
A well-maintained vehicle is more reliable and operates more smoothly than one that’s not. Used car buyers know that, too, and they’re likely to pay a higher price for a cared-for vehicle!
Follow the preventative maintenance schedule recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer or your trusted mechanic. That means scheduling things like routine oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections at regular intervals. This keeps your vehicle’s critical systems in top shape now and can help you get a higher resale price later.
2. Increase your car’s resale value with comprehensive maintenance records.
According to some estimates, approximately 35.9 million used cars were sold in the U.S. in 2023. When it’s time to upgrade, what will make YOUR used vehicle stand out in a competitive market like this? The answer is … your vehicle’s maintenance records!
A complete set of maintenance records can be a huge advantage when selling your vehicle. Rather than wondering where it’s been and what’s been done to it, potential buyers will see you’ve followed a regular maintenance schedule. This gives them peace of mind and confidence that they’re getting a safe deal. In exchange, they’re often willing to pay more.
3. Regular maintenance impacts fuel efficiency.
Routine maintenance like filter changes and keeping your engine in good health are simple ways to improve your vehicle’s fuel economy. That means you can save money at the gas pump now, but also reap the benefits later. That’s because used car buyers also love fuel-efficient vehicles and they’ll often pay more to get one.
4. Preventative maintenance can prevent costly repairs.
When your vehicle is regularly at your local auto repair shop for routine maintenance, it’s easy to catch small problems before they become big ones. You save money by preventing issues that could lead to expensive repairs or inconvenient breakdowns. But you also increase your car’s resale value. That’s because vehicles with a solid preventative maintenance record and few or no major breakdowns can command a higher price on the resale market.
5. Routine maintenance preserves cosmetic and structural health.
When it comes to selling your car, what’s on the outside matters just as much as what’s on the inside. After all, buyers often use their first impression to dictate how much they’re willing to pay. Regular maintenance like washing, waxing, and cleaning your vehicle can keep the interior and exterior looking fresh and pristine. Protecting the paint and preventing rust are two simple but effective ways to increase your car’s resale value.
6. Regular maintenance can help your vehicle keep up with current emissions standards.
Many states require routine emissions testing for vehicles. In these areas, it can be difficult to sell a used vehicle if it has failed an emissions test. That’s because potential buyers would need to complete certain repairs before the vehicle could legally be driven.
Increase your car’s resale value by keeping up with preventative maintenance. This will ensure your vehicle meets current emissions standards and make it more appealing on the used car market when you go to sell.
Increase Your Car’s Resale Value with Expert Preventative Maintenance Services in Tempe, AZ
There’s no question that the used car market is competitive, especially these days when new vehicles are so expensive. Anything you can do to increase your car’s resale value gives you an advantage over the competition and can help your vehicle stand out.
The great thing about preventative maintenance is that it SAVES you money now but helps you earn MORE money later when it’s time to sell. That’s a win-win and we want to help you with that!
At Good Works Auto Repair, we’re HUGE proponents of preventative maintenance. After all, that’s exactly how we’ve been able to keep our own vehicles running for hundreds of thousands of miles. Just this year, for example, our shop’s 20-year-old van passed the 300,000 mile mark and it’s still going strong!
The next time you consider skipping an oil change or another preventative maintenance service, just remember you’re not doing yourself OR your vehicle any favors! Instead, why not experience the best vehicle maintenance services in Tempe? We provide excellent service, have top-notch technicians, and treat our customers like family. Schedule an appointment with us today and see for yourself!
