Common Mistakes That Decrease Car Resale Value

Let’s face it, there are some things that can really hurt your chance of selling your car quickly, or at all. Here are a few mistakes that will ruin a car’s resale value

Let’s face it, there are some things that can really hurt your chance of selling your car quickly, or at all. Here are some common mistakes that will ruin a car’s resale value:

Keep Your Oil Changed 

There’s nothing worse than calling up an interested buyer who wants to take your car out for a test drive—only to find the engine is sluggish, sputtering, or knocking in any other way. If you didn’t service your vehicle regularly, almost no one will want it after they hear oil sloshing around in the engine bay. Also, don’t forget that this goes double for when your warranty runs out: failing to replace your oi l filter at required intervals could void your warranty and leave you footing the bill for expensive repairs.

Keep Your Car Complete 

You’d be surprised how many people sell their car in pieces: “Just the engine, if that’s okay…” Potential buyers will look for a complete vehicle and not spend time—or money—on parts they don’t need. If there’s something wrong with your car, just let them know.

Charge Your Battery 

And finally, remember to charge your battery before you take pictures of it and put it on the market. Nothing makes you look guiltier than a photo of a car with smoke pouring out from under the hood and no battery installed in the engine bay: potential buyers will assume that you tried to start your car and failed—or worse, did something destructive to their own vehicles when trying to jump-start it.

Run a Carfax Report 

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is not including a carfax report for potential buyers. You’d be surprised by how many people don’t bother to do their research—they just trust that there isn’t anything wrong with the car, or that it hasn’t been involved in anything more serious than a fender bender. 

To learn more or take a test drive, contact us at Kia of LaGrange today! We have an expert team of qualified staff waiting to help you find the car of your dreams.