SIX ways to improve the RESALE value of your car

We have a unique used car market and following these six guidelines will help guarantee the resale value of your car in South Africa.

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RESALE VALUE OF YOUR CAR IN SOUTH AFRICA

First off, it’s not so much what you do to retain resale value but which car you bought. You can absolutely guarantee the resale value of your car in South Africa by buying the right car to start with. This means doing your homework ahead of committing to a purchase that will pay off down the line when it’s time to sell.

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1. BUY THE RIGHT CAR

The popular manufacturers in South Africa are that for a reason. Consider the best-selling models from Toyota, Volkswagen, Ford, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Then look a little deeper at the demand of a vehicle. Two-door or four-door, automatic versus manual, single or double can, diesel or petrol?

2. DON’T BE FLASHY

Exterior colour and interior options impact the resale value of your car in South Africa. We’re a weirdly conservative nation like that. White, gray and black is good. Luminous orange and acid green are not so good. Likewise, cream and beige interiors might pose a problem when it’s time to sell later on. Black leather and the like is more appealing.

3. MILEAGE IS KING

The South African used car market is very high-tech nowadays with AI pricing, et al. The key to the algorithm is mileage. More so than the model year of the car or even its condition. So, if you can limit the mileage on your car, you’re protecting its resale value.

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Similarly, when used car shopping, that high mileage car you’ve always coveted might be very tempting. But it could prove a costly error down the line, requiring ongoing maintenance. And it may be worth far less when you want to resell it one day.

4. SERVICE BY THE BOOK

It is also important to ensure the vehicle is serviced as per the manufacturer’s stipulated service intervals. The franchised dealer must have the necessary training to keep your pride and joy in good running order. If you can afford to use a franchise dealer, even better for the resale value.

5. KEEP IT CLEAN AND TIDY

Keeping the mileage low and your car clean and tidy is a great way to safeguard the resale value of your car in South Africa. It takes time and a bit of pain. A small scratch might not be a big deal now, but it can just as easily accumulate into a rust spot in the long term.

6. DO NOT ACCESSORISE

Lastly, forget about aftermarket accessories. Sure, for some, part of the joy of owning a car is making it your own. However, this will only have a negative impact on the resale value of your car in South Africa. Body kits and a banging sound system are definitely not what the next owner wants to see.

A company like GetWorth and many online retailers like it, have excellent tools to help determine the value of your car. Click the link and find out how much your car is worth today.

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Do you have any advice you’d like to share about maintaining the resale value of your car in South Africa? Be sure to share your thoughts with our audience in the comments section below. And don’t forget to follow us @TheSANews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest updates.