Determine the resale value of the car
The beloved car: A faithful companion for many years, until it has to be sold and a new car is purchased. It is not easy for some people to part with their own car and offer it on the market as a used car for a reasonable price.
But what is actually important for a used car in order to achieve the best possible sales value?
In addition to the model, engine and condition, the special equipment also plays a significant role in determining the resale value.
The first impression counts
A flawless advertisement of the car is essential to attract interested parties who are willing to buy. In addition to the TÜV and a well-kept checkbook, the used car’s appearance should be brought into the best possible condition, because even before a potential buyer examines the features of the car in detail, the first impression must be correct.
Accordingly, the car should be washed inside and out beforehand, small scratches should be polished and dents – if possible – removed.
The profile of the tires should also last for at least another season so as not to impair the attractiveness of the vehicle.
In the end, however, the model and equipment are much more important for the actual price determination of the used car in addition to the condition. The features that have now become essential are explained below.
Value-enhancing special equipment
In principle, the value retention of the car can already be predicted when the vehicle is bought new. Sports cars, convertibles and SUVs in particular can be resold with relatively little loss in value. In terms of conventional classes, station wagons and vans sell better than sedans and hatchbacks.
The second significant factor is the color of the vehicle. According to TÜV-Nord, 48.4 percent of used car buyers are looking specifically for cars painted black. While white and blue land in second and third places with 13.7 and 9.5 percent respectively.
In terms of motorisation, there is a gap between powerful and weak engines. The demand is high from 160 hp, but also for engines with a displacement of less than 1,000 cubic centimetres. Electric cars also attract some interested parties, but sales in this category are still a bit sluggish.
With regard to equipment, standards such as the safety systems electronic stability program (EPS) and the anti-lock braking system (ABS) have also become indispensable for used cars, the same applies to the air conditioning system. These three features must be present regardless of the vehicle class.
Many used car buyers also want parking assistants in any form and scope these days, as well as an infotainment system with a Bluetooth interface for media playback and hands-free telephony.
Extra criteria in middle and upper class
From the middle class, an integrated navigation system should also be available. The popular seat heating is also almost standard in this price segment, although some small car buyers no longer want to do without this luxury.
In the luxury class, the needs of used car buyers become even more specific. Leather seats and bi-xenon headlights are a must here and the automatic transmission should not be missing either.
According to TÜV-Nord, the following equipment features are also becoming increasingly popular across the classes:
Fog lights are explicitly requested by 17 percent of potential buyers, 18 percent want a ski bag and 22 percent don’t want to do without the luxury of cruise control. A good quarter (27 percent) of search queries also want electrically adjustable seats.
While such features integrated by the manufacturer increase the value of the used car, tuned and specially modified cars are rather unsuitable for resale and usually only achieve low prices.
Henry Ely / Editor finanzen.net
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