How To Increase Your Vehicle’s Value
Looking to Sell Your Car?
When you pull into any Aschenbach Automotive Group-owned dealership across Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia for a trade-in, the very first thing our appraisal team does is take a slow lap around your ride to determine its quality and assess the car's condition. Was it well taken care of, or did it experience many accidents? Did the owner swap the oil on schedule or stretch every interval “just one more month”? Every little detail found can add up to real dollars and affect the car's value. Maintaining the car's resale value is crucial for getting a good trade-in offer. After watching tens of thousands of trade-ins roll across our scales, we’ve learned exactly how to increase car value without wasting money on upgrades that never pay you back. In this guide, you’ll learn how to get the most value out of your trade-in so you can save more on your next vehicle purchase.
Introduction to Car Value
When it comes to determining a car’s value, several factors come into play. For car owners, understanding these factors is crucial in maintaining their vehicle’s resale value. The car’s value is affected by its make, model, and condition, as well as its mileage and vehicle’s age. Regular maintenance and repairs can help retain the car’s value, while neglecting these tasks can lead to a decrease in its resale value. As a used car owner, it’s essential to be aware of the factors that affect its value in order to know how to increase your car's value and get the best price when trading it in for a new car.
What To Do Before Trading In Your Car
Present A Clean, Neutral First Impression
Should I clean my car before trading in? Our experts say yes. A little elbow grease can go a long way in cleaning the car. First impressions always matter, and your vehicle’s trade-in is no exception when it comes to how to increase your car’s value. It may seem obvious, but plenty of drivers pull in for trade with coffee-stained cup holders and stained seats, so it’s often forgotten by the time our team goes to inspect their vehicle. If you’ve had your pet in the car or smoked while driving, you may find that your trade-in value is lower if clear damage is present as a result.
A hand wash followed by a light machine polish and synthetic wax can restore depth to the clear coat and conceal minor surface scratches.
Steam extraction of carpets, a neutral-scent upholstery treatment, and an antistatic wipe on plastic can remove visible wear cues.
A clean car enhances its curb appeal, making it more attractive to potential buyers.
The better your car is detailed before you trade it in, the more money you can get for it.
Removing dirt is crucial for proper detailing, as surface dirt and grime can negatively impact the appearance and protection of your vehicle.
Simple Fixes For Greater Satisfaction
You don’t need to overhaul your car to increase its value, but small repairs go a long way. Replace burnt-out bulbs, top off fluids, check your tire pressures, and get a fresh oil change before rolling into our appraisal area. Maintaining performance through simple fixes, like ensuring your engine runs smoothly, can also enhance your car's value. If your check engine light is on, get it diagnosed and fixed if it’s inexpensive. These low-cost fixes for how to increase your car’s value can prevent your trade-in value from being penalized and help keep the negotiations in your favor.
Keep and Bring Your Records
One of the most overlooked ways of how to increase your car’s value is by proving the car's condition through detailed service records. Bring your service records detailing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, timing belt replacements—anything that shows regular upkeep. At Aschenbach, when a customer walks in with a folder of service receipts or a fully logged digital record, we take notice. Well-documented maintenance increases confidence in your vehicle and often leads to a stronger appraisal, significantly boosting the car's resale value.
Don’t Modify Your Vehicle
Aftermarket modifications might suit your taste and that of others, but they rarely add value at trade-in. In fact, they often do the opposite. While a new paint job can sometimes add value, custom rims, tuners, suspension lifts, or non-factory audio systems can reduce appeal to a wider market and complicate resale. If you’ve modified your vehicle, consider restoring it to factory condition before trading in. Stock vehicles are easier to assess and resell, which means a higher offer for you, and keeping your vehicle unmodified is another strategy for how to increase your car’s value.
Mileage & Timing Matters
We often get asked: how long do I keep a car for the best value? The vehicle's age is a significant factor, with the ideal range being three to five years, especially if mileage remains between 12,000 to 15,000 annually. After five years, depreciation slows, but repair costs can rise, which buyers and appraisers consider.
While age impacts value, condition is crucial when it comes to how to increase your car's value. A well-maintained seven-year-old car with low mileage can be more valuable than a four-year-old vehicle in poor condition. If planning a trade-in, consider an appraisal once your vehicle is paid off or nearing a major service, like 100,000 miles or a timing belt replacement.
Timing Your Trade
Another critical part of how to increase your car’s value is knowing when to trade it in, and your location can significantly impact this timing. If your vehicle is nearing the end of its warranty, approaching a high-cost repair, or depreciating faster than your remaining loan balance, it may be time to consider a trade. Conversely, if you’ve maintained your vehicle well and it still has several years of reliable service left, it might be worth holding on, especially if resale values are temporarily down.
Trade Smart, Drive With Confidence
When it comes to selling, strategize effectively by considering factors like mileage, age, and overall condition to maximize your selling potential. A well-maintained vehicle will always stand out when you’re trading in at any of our Aschenbach Automotive Group locations. The next time you’re wondering what to do before trading in your car, remember to clean it, fix the basics, bring your records, and know your market. If you’re unsure, our team will guide you through the process of how to increase your car's value and help you get the most out of your trade. Aschenbach Automotive Group proudly serves drivers across Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania with transparent trade-in offers and unmatched new and certified pre-owned inventory. Visit us today!