Virtually everyone who has purchased a new vehicle will treat the new purchase like a treasure for an initial period – but after a period of time, it’s not uncommon for the novelty to wear off.
Where a car or truck owner may adopt a regimented routine that includes regular maintenance, oil changes and appropriate care, this commitment may slip over time – but allowing that to occur can have an impact on the life of the vehicle, its reliability and resale value.
A recent article in autotrader.ca explored the issue of what is the most reliable used car make or model. The authors concluded that there is no such thing – because much of this has to do with how a previous owner has cared for and maintained the vehicle. The most reliable kind of vehicle is the best maintained vehicle!
Two different vehicles of the same model can hold drastically different values when one has received regular care and attention and the other has not. That’s why a regimented and consistent approach to upkeep is far more important than the year, model and make of the vehicle. This is key in keeping the re-sale value of the vehicle up, especially when owners look to sell their vehicles.
There are a few rules of thumb to follow and regular maintenance is a prerequisite. It is important for owners to follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, including oil and filter changes and keep a record of these schedules. These records are bound to come in handy during a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) of your vehicle.
There are a number of other factors that will impact the value of your car or truck, including age, mileage, condition, market conditions and location.
It’s no secret that keeping the mileage down can result in keeping your vehicle’s value up, so you may wish to consider renting a vehicle for long road trips to avoid unnecessary wear and tear of your personal vehicle. It can turn out to be the more affordable option in the end.
Driving smart is more than just avoiding reckless driving, it also includes driving safely. So, it’s always a good idea to invest in winter tires which can prevent serious damages from accidents and can consequently retain the vehicle’s value.
First appearances are important, and as such, the exterior condition of the vehicle is important.
Dings, dents or cosmetic damage can reflect negatively on a vehicle and leave the impression there may be interior damage as well. Apart from washing your car regularly, another element to keep your car sparkly is to wax two or three times a year, in order to prevent fading. A ceramic coating, while more expensive, can help protect your vehicle longer or a vinyl wrap around bumpers, side panels and hood that are more susceptible to road rash, rock chips and bug debris.
The undercarriage of your vehicle–the frame and components of the under body is also prone to deterioration and eventually rusting due to salt, sand, and grime year-round – so don’t leave this unattended. A variety of under-coatings are available – check with your service advisor for options.
In the end, we all want to get the most out of our investments, and in many cases, our vehicle is our second most significant asset aside from our home. It’s important to protect it now, and in the future, even if its future may be with someone else.
For the latest information on car careers in BC’s automotive industry, visit: https://carsandjobs.com/
Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected].
