7 Things That Will Significantly Decrease Your Car’s Value
Your vehicle's value is constantly dropping, but you have control over how fast it falls. Protect your investment by avoiding these **7 major depreciation pitfalls**.
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The Factors You Control the Most
While mileage is necessary, these first three things are directly related to your habits and care, and they have the biggest impact on your trade-in offer.
Skipping Maintenance
Ignoring your vehicle's maintenance schedule is a massive red flag. Mechanics can always tell when a car has been **neglected**—which drops the value significantly.
Smoking Inside the Car
The smell is incredibly hard to eliminate. Because fewer people smoke, the market is highly intolerant of a smoked-in vehicle, often resulting in a **major valuation hit**.
Too Many Modifications
Not only will you **not get your money back** for add-ons, but significant modifications often **decrease the value** by limiting the number of interested buyers.
Your 7-Point Value Protection Guide
Be aware of these factors, both controllable and uncontrollable, that determine what you'll get for your car on the trade-in market.
Skipping Maintenance
A lack of **oil changes** and routine care is easily detectable and will severely penalize your trade-in value.
A Discontinued Make
If your manufacturer goes out of business (like Pontiac or Saturn), your vehicle's value will **definitely take a dive** due to parts and service concerns.
Higher Mileage
Driving more than the standard **12,000 miles per year** will inevitably mean a lower value, even on a new car.
Dings and Dents
Cosmetic flaws, small or large, make a vehicle look beat up and **unattractive to buyers**, directly decreasing its appraised value.
(Un)desirability
Some models or **colors are simply unpopular**. If you own an undesirable car, don't expect a high value, as demand is low.
Smoking in the Vehicle
The **hard-to-remove odor** will cause the value to drop significantly, as buyers will almost always avoid a smoked-in car.
Too Many Modifications
Enjoy your upgrades, but know they are more likely to **decrease** your trade-in offer than increase it. Most buyers want a stock vehicle.
What Buyers Are Saying
“**Jared Casper** gave me a fair appraisal and explained exactly how the lack of maintenance records affected my trade-in value. The transparency was appreciated.”
— Happy Seller near 503 Broadway Haverhill Ma 01832
Selling With Jared Casper — FAQs
What's the best way to maintain my car's value?
The single most important factor you control is regular, scheduled **maintenance**. Skipping oil changes and repairs will drastically decrease value.
How much does high mileage hurt my trade-in value?
Mileage significantly decreases value. If you drive more than the average **12,000 miles per year**, expect a lower value regardless of the vehicle's age.
Do car modifications increase the value of my car?
Generally, no. You rarely recoup the cost of modifications, and they often **decrease the vehicle’s value** because they limit the number of potential buyers interested.
How badly does smoking in a car affect its resale value?
Significantly. The odor is very difficult to remove, and buyers are increasingly intolerant of smoked-in vehicles, leading to a major **reduction in trade-in offers**.
How fast is the process?
When paperwork is prepared, many guests finish quickly. **Jared Casper** coordinates steps so your time is respected.
Is my information private?
Yes. Your details remain with **Autofair Subaru** and are never shared until you approve next steps.
Get a Fair and Transparent Appraisal
Ready to trade in your current vehicle? **Jared Casper** offers honest, transparent appraisals that take all these factors into account to give you the best possible offer.
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