6 Surprising Ways You’re Killing Your Car’s Resale Value

Getting ready to move on from your current vehicle? If it’s in decent condition, you may be tempted to sell it. Cars with good resale value can help offset the costs associated with getting a new ride.  

But trying to determine the vehicle resale value might not be as simple as you think — and hidden issues can affect the resale value and keep you from making the most on a sale. Fluctuating car prices and local market conditions also play a role. 

When thinking about resale value, the Kelley Blue Book, known for its trusted blue book pricing and other pricing information, is a good place to start. But you may have questions about how different factors, such as color, brand and even customizations (like car flame decals!) might affect your car’s resale value — and not always for the better. 

Resale Value Considerations 

Here are some things to consider that might limit your car’s resale value, whether you’re selling your vehicle or buying and selling a new car. 

1. Color 

The color of your car is important: You‘ll look at it every day, after all, and it can reflect your personality or values, too. In general, cars with good resale value tend to come in neutral colors; common colors are more likely to appeal to a range of car shoppers, no matter the make and model of the vehicle. Colors such as black, white, silver and grey tend to be preferred, and they stand outside of seasonal trends in car colors, too. 

So, although you may love that bright orange car now, in a few years it could prove to be the reason your car’s resale value plummets. If you want to express yourself through your vehicle, look for options that maintain their value over time, such as premium wheels or a leather interior. 

2. Brand Reputation 

The brand of a car factors heavily into its resale value. Some buyers may be looking for a specific brand because they know it might need fewer repairs, offer greater durability or have a reputation for more reliability. A car company with a history of recalls or bad press can make resale much harder. Certain car buying mistakes — like ignoring a vehicle’s history or brand track record — can impact long-term value. 

If you do have a vehicle with a spotty brand reputation, make sure to indicate to buyers that you have performed regular maintenance on the vehicle and had it checked for any recalls. That will give a potential car buyer more confidence in the long run. 

3. Miles Per Gallon 

Gas can get expensive, and it’s something that buyers are always thinking about. Gas prices fluctuate, and buyers often desire fuel-efficient vehicles. That means the miles per gallon (MPG) of your car can be an important factor in determining its resale value. 

Hybrid cars and trucks, electric vehicles and compact cars all offer great MPG. If you own a gas-guzzling SUV and want to boost its resale value, remember that regular oil changes, updated filters and fluids and properly maintained (or new) tires all go a long way to ensuring the vehicle is getting the best MPG, and you get the best sale price possible.    

4. Mileage 

Yes, the age of the car may be important. But buyers might be more likely to plunk down money for a vehicle with less miles racked up on the odometer, even if it’s an older car. In fact, the average age of cars on the road in 2024 was almost 13 years — and that’s a record. 

Even if your vehicle is a decade old, you could still get top dollar for it, as long as the mileage is relatively low. There’s another bonus to low mileage, too: the owner might get an auto insurance discount if they continue to drive close to home and keep their usage low. 

5. Is it Clean? 

Let’s be honest — no one wants to buy a dirty or smelly car. When people are looking for a new vehicle, they want to feel like they’re buying a ride that has been well maintained. Keeping your car clean, or at least having it cleaned when you’re preparing to sell it, shows off its condition. 

Schedule biweekly car washes for your car (don’t forget the interior!) and consider having it detailed a few times a year, too. The upkeep may help you fetch a higher price in the long run. 

6. Maintenance 

Along with keeping your car clean, having your vehicle regularly serviced will help your car’s resale value. Keep a maintenance log of any repairs or tune-ups that you can show potential buyers, helping increase their confidence that your car has been properly maintained. They will be happy to see regular oil changes, inspections, fluid refills, tire rotations and more. 

This may not necessarily lower the depreciation, but it can give buyers more confidence in the quality of the vehicle they’re purchasing. 

The Right Coverage

Part of boosting your vehicle’s resale value is making sure your auto insurance has you properly protected. Contact Farm Bureau today to see if you have the coverage you need.