10 factors that affect the resale value of your car

We answer the question we are often asked: "What influences the resale value of my vehicle?" by giving you a practical top 10 

If you've ever bought a used car or sold your own vehicle after driving it for a few years, you already know that there are several things to consider when putting a price on your tank. 

In this article, we demystify the preconceived notions surrounding the purchase of used cars and help you shed light on what's really important (and what's a little less important) in the sale of used cars. 

10. The bodywork

The condition of your car's bodywork has an impact on its value, yes, but that doesn't mean you should go to the body shop to make sure your car is spotless before putting it up for sale. 

In fact, most used car dealers faithfully deal with body shops where they have discounts. This means that when you bring your car to the dealer, the value of your car will have decreased depending on the work to be done, but it will still cost you less than having it repaired yourself at the body shop.

Conclusion: Let the dealer do the bodywork and you'll save money in the end.

9. The tires

There are two criteria to consider for tires: wear and size. 

It is important to sell your car with tires that are not too worn. You can check for wear by measuring the depth of the treads. If it is less than 5/32", the dealer may tell you that they will have to replace them and charge you for the replacement.

It is also important to have the right size tires, i.e. their original size. 

"What if I offer my winter tires with my car? Will I be offered a better price?"

No. Not at all. You're always better off selling your winter tires (or summer tires in the opposite season) to a private individual to get more for your money.

Conclusion: Sell your car with tires in good condition (above 5/32"), the right size and sell your other tires separately to have more money in your pocket.

8. The modifications

It depends on the modifications that have been made to your car and let's just say that there is a limit to what you can do.

For example, if you have a truck and you invest $2,000 by putting on bigger tires and raising it. Maybe this is an expense that will make your vehicle look better on the market and when it comes time to sell it, it will stand out from the rest and you will probably be able to sell it faster and/or at a better price.

On the other hand, modifications that are not standard: fender extensions, window deflectors, big mags, paint or film, cheap blinding headlights, eyelashes on your headlights. No. They don't increase the value of your vehicle and you may lose out.

Conclusion: Make sure your modifications make sense with your car and set a limit on the amount of money you spend on customizing your tank.

7. A higher version at the time of purchase

If you buy a new car and pay more for a better, more equipped version, it's likely that this money will be worth it when you resell it.

Simply because of the principle of supply and demand. The buyer is often more inclined to spend more money more quickly to get something that is more rare. 

Features such as a leather interior, a sunroof or panoramic roof, or oversized wheels on a pickup truck, are added values on the used car market. They therefore have a positive influence on the value of your vehicle. 

Conclusion: When your vehicle stands out with quality equipment on the market, you can sell it faster and at a better price.

6. Accident history

Was your car involved in an accident or fender-bender that resulted in an insurance claim? If so, this could affect the value of your vehicle, but there is a distinction to be made.

If the claim was for less than $3,000, there is no effect on the value.

However, if it was for more than $3000, the merchant is required to report the accident and, as a result, it will directly affect the value.

Conclusion: Any accident that resulted in an insurance claim of more than $3,000 negatively affects the value of a car.

5. Cleanliness

The cleanliness of your vehicle does not affect its value, whether it is dirty, dusty, clean, shiny, smells good or bad, . 

As soon as they buy a car, used car dealers or dealerships do a refurbishment and take care of cleaning everything. The purpose of the refurbishment is to completely depersonalize the vehicle so that the future owner can see the new car as their own.

Conclusion: Don't waste your Saturday morning cleaning your car before bringing it to a dealer! We'll take it as it is and it won't cost you anything!

4. Your vehicle's manufacturing coutnry

The manufacturing country is what determines if your car is exportable to the United States.

If it was built outside of the United States, it affects the export options because the vehicle will have a tax of about 25% imposed on export.

You can easily find out the manufacturing country of your vehicle by looking at its identification number (the easiest place is at the bottom of the windshield). Once you have the vehicle identification number, you can find out where it was manufactured online or call us and we will answer all your questions about the origin of your car.

Conclusion: The manufacturing country affects the value of the vehicle on the resale market due to export taxes. Call us if you have any questions, we'll be happy to help you find out what you need to know on the subject.

3. Mileage 

The effect of mileage on the value of your vehicle depends on your geographical location and the position of your car in the market as well as your intended use. 

If you are located in a market with few vehicles like yours, mileage is of little importance. If, on the other hand, your model can be easily compared with others in your area, the mileage will be a good way to determine which car is more valuable.

The other thing to consider, as a buyer and future seller, is the number of kilometers you will drive per year with the car you want to buy. Imagine that you buy a car with 60,000 km and that you drive it 15,000 km per year. If you sell this vehicle after three years, it will have passed the 100,000 km mark, which is a number that most Quebecers don't want to go beyond, and this will automatically have an impact on its resale value.

Conclusion: Yes, the mileage affects the value of your vehicle, but you also have to consider other factors: your geographical location, the uniqueness of your vehicle and your average mileage per year.

2. The windshield

The condition of your windshield is something to consider when you're thinking of reselling your vehicle. 

If it's "pitted," it's considered normal wear and tear and it won't reduce its resale value. If it's cracked, if it has been hit hard or has star cracks, these are signs that mean that the windshield needs to be repaired or replaced and, as a result, your car is automatically worth a little less.

Conclusion: the condition of the windshield has an effect on the resale value.

1. Okaze

And yes! Okaze definitely has an effect on your used car selling experience. In addition to everything else we've mentioned, choosing a car broker you can trust is by far the most important thing when you're thinking about reselling your car!