A high-quality used car is an investment. You may hang onto it for years or even decades – and when it comes time to sell it, you want to get the most for your money.
But how can you choose a used car that will have a great resale value? With so many different models out there, it’s hard to know!
Luckily, you’ve got Ride Time on your side. In this quick article, we’ll take a look at the most-desired features in used cars, and help you figure out how to buy a used vehicle that will maintain its value for years to come!
1. Power Windows And Locks
Okay, this isn’t exactly a surprise. These were once considered a luxury feature, but are now standard on 99% of entry-level cars. But this means that, today, car buyers expect your car to have these features. If you buy a car that doesn’t have power windows or locks, you may have quite a hard time selling it – and your resale value will decline.
2. Sunroof/Moonroof
Sunroofs and moonroofs (they’re the same thing) are increasingly popular, and available in most vehicles. They’re a “nice-to-have” luxury feature – and if your car has one, you may be able to get a better price when it’s time to resell it.
3. Automatic Transmissions
Even if you love driving a stickshift, an automatic transmission is usually better as a long-term investment. Most people simply don’t know how to drive a manual transmission – and that means that when it’s time to resell your car, it will appeal to far fewer potential customers.
So think long and hard before picking that manual transmission – an automatic will guarantee you better long-term resale value.
4. High-Performance Packages
A Ford Explorer with a V8, AWD package is always going to be worth more than a Ford Explorer with a V6 and front-wheel drive – and this same principle applies all types of vehicles.
While high-performance packages do mean that you’ll pay more for your car initially, cars with these packages usually maintain their value more effectively. People are willing to shell out a bit more for a car with more horsepower.
5. Alloy Wheels
Most aesthetic add-ons – two-tone paint jobs, deluxe interior finishes, and fancy entertainment/sound systems, just to name a few – have almost no impact on the resale value of a car.
But alloy wheels are an exception. Alloy wheels are much more high-quality than steel wheels or plastic wheels. They last longer, and make your car look more valuable and newer – which can help you get a better price when the time comes to sell your vehicle.
6. Leather Seats
Leather seats can significantly boost the resale value of your car. Leather makes cars feel more luxurious, and it’s easier to clean and maintain than cloth – so it tends to last much longer.
Note that this is only true if you maintain your leather seats well. If your leather is cracked, ripped, or discolored, it will certainly have the opposite effect, and lower the resale value of your vehicle.
7. Basic Mobile Device Compatibility
Investing in a top-tier entertainment console will probably not be worth the investment. But modern car buyers do expect a certain level of mobile device compatibility. You should look for a car which can offer things like:
- Bluetooth connectivity
- AUX input
- Apple lightning input
- USB ports
These basic features will allow users to connect smartphones of just about any type, which is becoming a top priority.
8. Neutral Paint Color
Black, silver, gray, and white are the top colors for cars – composing over 72% of all vehicles sold. It’s easier to sell a car that has a neutral paint color. For example, an SUV with a black color scheme would appeal to more customers than an SUV with a custom, hot-pink paint job!
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