| It’s time to buy a new car and you are | | | | 3. Don’t Damage the Goods. If your car has |
| ready to sell your old one or trade it in. To get | | | | been in a collision, any kind of damage can affect |
| the most value for your car, here are a few | | | | your car’s resale value. If your car was is in a |
| things to consider – some you can do now, | | | | major collision, it could get reported to Carfax. In |
| others you can consider as you make your next | | | | any event, if your car is damaged, use an |
| purchase: | | | | experienced repair shop with a good reputation |
| 1. Consider Resale Value When Buying. Buy a car | | | | and insist on using factory (also known as OEM, |
| that will hold its value. Resale value is based on | | | | for Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts. Save |
| many factors, including desirability and reliability. | | | | all receipts and be up front and honest about any |
| Some makes, such as Toyota, Honda, Mercedes | | | | collision repair work when it comes time to sell or |
| and Lexus, always hold their value well. Use a | | | | trade. Being evasive about collision repair may lead |
| good used car-pricing site such Kelley Blue Book, | | | | the buyer to believe that the damage was more |
| to research the resale history of models in which | | | | extensive than you are letting on. |
| you are interested. Some options, such as air | | | | 4. Don’t customize. Spending money on your |
| conditioning or a sunroof, will improve your car's | | | | car can actually decrease its value. If you do have |
| resale value; consider buying them even if they | | | | your car customized, stick to non-intrusive |
| aren't on your personal must-have list. | | | | upgrades such as new wheels or an upgraded |
| 2. Maintain and Retain. Follow the maintenance | | | | stereo that won't require extensive re-wiring or |
| schedule recommended by your owner’s | | | | cutting up the dashboard. Before all of this, your |
| manual. Keep receipts for all maintenance and | | | | first priority should be to fix anything that’s |
| repair work, no matter how minor. A stack of | | | | broken or damaged for example dints in the |
| receipts underscores the fact that your car has | | | | bodywork or broken stereo equipment. |
| been well taken care of. Savvy used car buyers | | | | 5. Keep it clean. The better your car appears to |
| will be willing to pay extra for a car with a fully | | | | be kept up, the more it will be worth, and most |
| documented service history. Also, fix everything | | | | people associate cleanliness with care. Washing |
| in your car as soon as it breaks. If you're going to | | | | and waxing your car on a regular basis is a much |
| keep your car as long as possible, you have to | | | | easier way to keep it looking good than paying |
| want to keep it as long as possible. Don't ignore | | | | for an expensive detail job when the time comes |
| seemingly unimportant problems like broken trim | | | | to sell. You can also have your car detailed; |
| bits, torn upholstery, or electrical glitches. Little | | | | something most car dealerships do before reselling |
| annoyances tend to add up and can begin to | | | | used cars, which gives the car a new car look and |
| erode your love affair with your old car. When | | | | smell. Detailing is an investment well worth the |
| making repairs, ask for quality parts. Discuss your | | | | cost. |
| options with your mechanic or parts store clerk. | | | | |