Your car begins to depreciate in value as soon as you buy it, but there are things you can do to retain and possibly even increase your car’s resale value.

Do all the things mentioned in this blog, and you could see an increase in your car’s resale value in 2025...

 

How to Increase the Resale Value of Your Car

A car can increase in value when there is an increased demand for used cars due to certain economic factors.

If you own a classic car, it may even gain value if collectors are interested.

You could also choose to enhance your car’s value by investing in certain modifications, such as engine remapping.

Let's take a look at some of the things you can do to try and increase resale value.

 

Maintenance

To get the most money when selling your car, you'll want your car to be in the best condition possible.

Having any scrapes, scratches or dents repaired can have an impact on the resale value.

If you neglect to have these repaired, potential buyers may question the safety of your vehicle.

Similarly, you should think about booking the following services if needed to maintain your car’s value:

If your vehicle needs any repairs, speak to a mechanic to find out the extent of the work required.

This can help you determine whether or not to invest in repairs or sell the car in its current state.

Maintenance means giving your car a proper clean, too, to make it more appealing to dealers.

You could even opt for a professional valet service, and perhaps a vehicle survey to help identify any hidden issues.

 

Driving Habits

Keeping your mileage low is a great way of maintaining your car’s value.

Driving less means that key components like the tyres and brakes will be less likely to wear out.

This can signal to the next owner that immediate replacements will be less likely.

Monitoring your driving habits and minimising how often you take your car out for short drives can also make a difference.

The higher the miles your car has completed, the lower the trade-in value is likely to be.

 

MOT Testing

If you are about to sell your car, make sure it has a new MOT – especially if there are less than three months on the current one.

 

Advertising

When it comes to selling your car on the private market, you should include the following information – regardless of whether you’re advertising online or via a more traditional method:

  • Make
  • Model
  • Paint colour and finish
  • Engine spec
  • Number of previous owners
  • Mileage
  • Age
  • Trim details
  • Vehicle history
  • Any features and equipment
  • Where you can view the car
  • Contact details
  • Asking price

To enhance your car’s resale value, make sure you have all the required documentation – including the V5C logbook.

If you don’t include this, you may find that some buyers reduce their offer or even back out of the sale.

Without the V5C logbook, it can look like the car has been stolen or written off in the past – some car selling websites won’t let you sell unless you have one.

Remember, you are legally required to disclose if your car has been written off.

Don’t forget to mention that your car has been recently serviced and MOT tested in your ads if you are selling privately.

A full service history can have an impact on your car’s value as this can prove to prospective buyers that the car has been well-maintained.

Include clear photographs taken in daylight that show both the interior and exterior of your car in detail.

 

What Is Resale Value?

Resale value refers to your vehicle’s future estimated worth.

Whilst it may feel unnecessary to think about this when you first get your car, it is worth bearing in mind throughout your car’s lifespan so that you can get more for your car when it’s time to sell.

The biggest factors that can have an impact on your car’s resale value are:

  • Car condition
  • Mileage
  • Fuel economy
  • Vehicle reliability
  • Warranty length
  • Service history
  • Road tax
  • Number of owners

Any of these factors could see your car drop in value, which is why preventative maintenance and repair work are so essential.

 

When Is the Best Time to Sell?

The best time to sell your car is when it is still considered the latest or one of the latest models on the market.

If you’re thinking of selling your car, doing so in the first quarter of the year is a great idea as this aligns with higher dealership demand, meaning you could get a better price.

That being said, people tend to be looking for new cars to buy when the new registration plates are released between March and September.

 

What Is Depreciation?

Depreciation = the difference between how much it cost to buy and how much you get back when it comes time to sell the vehicle.

Car depreciation is at its highest during the first nine to 12 months.

If you’re buying a brand new car, then depreciation will be higher.

Depreciation can also vary depending on the make and model, with the more recent models holding onto more value.