Things That Kill Your Car’s Resale Value Plus How To Retain It

Key Takeaways

• Your Toyota’s resale value can be retained by looking after the more minor aspects of your vehicle.
• Look at how your headlights, taillights, tires, and rims are faring.
• If you’re thinking of making aftermarket changes or additions to your car, consider how these might affect its value down the line.
• Some mods can increase your car’s resale value, while others negatively impact it.
• It’s essential to keep up with regular maintenance to retain your vehicle’s value.

Retaining your Toyota’s resale value can be difficult. Several things can contribute to your car’s devaluation. Be mindful of a few things that will kill your car’s resale value.

1. Don’t Get Too Attached

The first rule of thumb when retaining your car’s resale value is not to get too attached to it. It may be difficult, but try to think of your vehicle as a depreciating asset. The moment you drive it off the lot, it begins to lose value. So, while you may have fond memories of road trips and adventures with your car, it’s important to remember that it’s just a material possession.

2. Look Out for Bad Smells

Just as opening the front door of a smelly house can instantly turn off potential buyers, bad smells in a car can also kill its resale value. Cigarette smoke, pet odor, and spilled food are just a few of the culprits that can make your vehicle unappealing to buyers. If you’re a smoker, it’s best to avoid smoking in your car altogether. If you have pets, devise a proper plan for establishing boundaries. If a smelly incident occurs, clean it up immediately and ventilate the area as much as possible.

3. Don’t Let the Interior Turn Into a Trash Can

It’s easy to let your car’s interior become a catch-all for fast food wrappers, old receipts, and other trash. But a messy car is a significant turnoff for potential buyers. When you’re trying to sell your car, take the time to clean it out thoroughly, including the trunk.

Some people even go so far as to shampoo the carpets and upholstery to make the car look and smell fresher. To further maximize your Toyota’s resale value, you can try to keep the car close to the showroom condition.

4. Maintenance History

You heard it right. We’re not talking about maintenance per se, but having records of all the care done on your car over the years. This is one aspect where Toyota’s resale value shines. Many Toyota models are known for their reliability and ability to last hundreds of thousands of miles with proper maintenance. As a result, potential buyers are often willing to pay more for a model that comes with a complete maintenance history.

5. Keep It Stock

While some car enthusiasts enjoy modifying their cars, it’s generally not a good idea if you’re planning to sell your vehicle down the line. That’s because most modifications will decrease your car’s resale value. Some improvements can even void your manufacturer’s warranty.

Bumper stickers are yet another example of a modification that can decrease your car’s value. In addition to looking tacky, they can also be difficult to remove without damaging the paint beneath.

6. Peculiar Body Paint

While a fresh and new coat of paint can do wonders for a car’s appearance, body paint that’s either too wild or in poor condition can decrease your car’s value. If you’re planning to sell your car, it’s best to stick with more subdued colors that will appeal to broader strata of buyers.

Suppose you’re into bold and bright colors. In that case, you might consider a vinyl wrap, which can be removed without damaging the paint beneath.

7. Mismatched Tires

While it’s not necessarily a safety hazard, mismatched tires can make your car look sloppy and unkempt. If you’re selling your car, it’s best to invest in a new set of tires (or at least four matching ones) to help increase its resale value.

While selling your Toyota, you should consider getting professional help to know which tires are best suitable for the car you’re selling.

8. Forgotten Damage

Minor issues such as a scratch or dent can be easily forgotten, but potential buyers will remember. If you have any damage to your car, no matter how small, it’s best to get it fixed before listing it for sale.

Your Toyota’s resale value has everything to do with its appearance and presentation. If you want top dollar for your vehicle, make sure it’s tip-top before listing it.

9. Fading Headlight and Cracked Taillights

The plastic on your headlight cover fades with time and exposure to the sun and elements. This makes your car look old, neglected, and less valuable.

To fix this, buy a headlight restoration kit for about $20 and do it yourself in the afternoon.

Cracked or missing taillights are not only unsightly, but it’s also illegal in most states. If you have a cracked taillight, you can either replace the entire assembly for about $100 or buy a kit to repair the lens for around $30. A better option is to consult with a Toyota dealership to see if they offer this repair as a service.

10. Dented Fenders and Rust Spots

Dents and rust spots are common issues that can drastically reduce your car’s resale value. These make your vehicle look old, damaged, and less desirable.

You can try using a plunger or a vacuum cleaner to remove more minor dents. You’ll likely need to visit an auto body shop for more significant dents.

As for rust spots, you can remove them with a wire brush and apply a rust converter. This will stop the rust from spreading and make your car look presentable again.

Ending Note:

So before you trade in your car this year, avoid these things that will kill your car’s resale value. But don’t worry; there are ways to keep your vehicle looking and running like new for years to come, such as bringing it in at a Toyota dealership.

Toyota Dealership in Fairhope, AL

Eastern Shore Toyota, serving Fairhope, AL, can help keep your car running like new. At our Toyota dealership, you can value your trade to receive an estimate of what your vehicle is worth. Trade-ins are a great way to upgrade to a newer model while still getting money for your old car.

We also offer Toyota service and maintenance to keep your car running smoothly. Our team of certified Toyota technicians can help with anything from oil changes to transmission repairs.

Schedule yours today.