Increase Your Car’s Resale & Trade-In Value

Hey, did you know that the moment you drive a new car off the lot, it starts losing its value? It’s like that initial excitement gets a bit deflated. But that’s just part of the deal when you own a car. Over time, between the weather and general wear and tear, your car’s shine can fade. But fear not! There are ways to keep your wheels rolling with its value intact when it’s time to say goodbye. From regular cleaning to replacing worn parts, here are some of the steps you can take to get your money’s worth when it’s time to say goodbye to your vehicle.

Keep Up Maintenance and Repairs

First off, maintenance is key. You’ve got to treat your car like the treasure it is from day one. Preventative maintenance is pretty simple. Keep an eye on those warning lights, regularly check for uneven tire wear or worn brake pads, check your oil and coolant, and stay on top of regular check-ups. If you’ve spotted a problem or if you’re unsure, taking your vehicle to a mechanic is your best bet. Make sure to keep any maintenance records as this will help you when it’s time to trade-in or resell your vehicle. Trust us, it’s way easier to deal with a small issue than letting it snowball into a pricey repair job.

Make Sure Your Car is Looking its Best

Now, onto the fun stuff – keeping your ride looking sharp. A clean car not only feels better to drive, but it also sells better. Regular washes are a must, but when it’s time to part ways, a deep clean is in order. Vacuum out those crumbs and tackle any seat stains with a good mix of elbow grease, upholstery cleaner and a microfiber brush. 

Now let’s take care of those exterior issues. We here at TouchUpDirect know better than anyone that your car will get dings and scratches on its normal day to day trips. Those ugly little blemishes can be dealt with using touch up paint. Apply the paint to the affected areas and your car coat will soon look pristine. Once that’s dry, give your vehicle a wash and a polish for that extra shine. Oh, and speaking of shine, consider parking in the shade to protect your paint from the harsh sun. It’s like giving your car its own little vacation spot. A more covered parking area will also lessen the risk of debris like bird droppings, fuel drips, or tree sap falling on your car.

Know Your Car & Do Your Research

When it comes to selling or trading in your car, knowledge is power. Do your research to know what your car is worth, and keep an eye out for the best time to make a move. Whether you’re trading in or selling, knowing the market value of your vehicle will help you get a fair deal. Online valuation tools like Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds will be useful in this endeavor. Timing is an important factor in this process. For trade-ins, stay vigilant and look for dealerships offering deals and incentives. Once you’ve made a decision, make sure to gather all of your car’s documentation (e.g. title and registration) before your sale or trade-in. As we mentioned before, having your maintenance and repair records on hand will be a useful tool for potential buyers. You might want to keep an eye on your mileage while you’re at it. The more miles you have on your vehicle, the more it depreciates. If the opportunity comes up, consider taking carpools, taxis, ride shares, or public transit to keep that odometer low.

It doesn’t matter if your car is brand new or has a few miles under the hood, TouchUpDirect has your back. Whether it’s a touch up or a full-on restoration, we’ve got what you need to create a professional paint job that will wow any potential buyer.