10 Smart Ways to Preserve the Value of Your Car
Want to sell your car for the best price? These 10 value-preserving tips help maintain resale price, impress buyers, and avoid costly repairs.
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Need to Sell Your Car?
July 12, 2024
Why Your Car’s Value Drops (and How to Stop It)
Every drive puts a few dollars in the depreciation bin. but you don’t have to let your car’s value crash and burn. Whether you plan to sell in 6 months or 6 years, taking the right steps today can mean thousands more in your pocket later.
Here are 10 proven, resale-boosting tips used by car dealers, fleet managers, and pro flippers alike.
✅ 1. Stick to the Schedule
Regular maintenance is key to preserving the value of your car. Keep up with routine oil changes, tyre rotations, aircon servicing and other recommended service intervals. Keep in mind the extra maintenance precautions in the summer months.
A full logbook is resale gold. Buyers love knowing your car’s had regular oil changes, filter swaps, and inspections.
Bonus points: Use genuine parts and service at manufacturer-approved workshops.
✅ 2. Keep the km Low
The more you drive, the more you devalue. Every 10,000 km dents resale, especially once you crack 100,00 km.
Plan smart: Combine errands, avoid unnecessary long trips, and consider hiring a car for road trips.
✅ 3. Avoid Mods That Turn Buyers Off
Lowered suspension, loud exhausts, vinyl wraps.. they’re fun, but most buyers see them as red flags.
Unless you're selling to a car enthusiast crowd, keep it stock.
✅ 4. Park Smarter
UV rays fade paint, especially in QLD. Tree sap ruins clear coat. Shopping trolleys dent doors. Whenever possible, park under cover or in shaded areas. Use a sunshade and be choosy about where you leave your car.
✅ 5. Clean It Like You Love It
A dirty car signals neglect. Regular interior and exterior cleans, including vacuuming, leather treatment, and polishing protect surfaces and make your car feel newer for longer.
Rather than reaching for baby wipes that could damage your interior, keep a container of
Meguiars car interior wipes in the glove box.
Check out our guide to detailing your car.
✅ 6. Smash Repairs? Choose Quality Over Cheap
If your car gets dinged, don’t skimp on dodgy panel work. Insist on reputable smash repairers who’ll use quality parts and paint-match properly. Shoddy repairs get spotted by savvy buyers (and valuers).
Choosing the
right kind of car insurance can make a big impact on the quality of repair.
✅ 7. Keep All Documentation
Receipts. Roadworthy certificates. Tyre changes. Battery replacements. Stack them neatly in a folder, it shows you’ve cared for the car, and gives buyers confidence.
✅ 8. Replace Tyres, Wipers & Fluids Before Selling
A pre-sale top-up and tidy-up can add instant value. It signals to buyers that your car’s road-ready, well-maintained, and not a ticking time bomb of expenses.
✅ 9. Fix the Little Things
Broken cupholder? Flickering headlight? That annoying rattle in the dash? Don’t wait, fix them. Small annoyances give the impression of poor upkeep and can snowball into price cuts.
Instead of telling potential buyers that the AC needs re-gassing, replace the AC compressor. 9/10 times it's not the gas.
✅ 10. Time Your Sale Right
Selling before a rego or major service is due = smart. Selling before major depreciation kicks in (around 5 years old or 100K km) = smarter.
Ready to Sell? Get a Free Car Valuation Today
Preserving your car’s value is only half the game. Knowing what it’s actually worth in today’s market? That’s the clincher.
👇 Tap below to get your instant, data-backed price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors impact car resale value the most?
Service history, kilometres, accident repairs, modifications, and cosmetic condition are the biggest contributors. Colour and transmission can also influence buyer demand.
Does a full service history increase car value?
Absolutely. A stamped logbook can add hundreds (or even thousands) to your car’s sale price and makes it easier to sell privately or to a dealer.
Should I fix small dents before selling my car?
Should I Fix It?If the repair cost is low and the damage is visible, yes. Presentation matters, buyers judge cars emotionally.
But it comes down to the car. Check out our guide on whats worth fixing and whats not.
Do aftermarket accessories affect value?
They can, but not always in a good way. Bullbars, roof racks, and tow bars may appeal to specific buyers. But cosmetic mods usually narrow your audience.
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