Quote:
Originally Posted by Veloist
There are many things that diminish a car’s value but only 5 really matter. Number 1 is obviously mechanical performance & maintenance history , Number 2 is condition of the consumable parts (brakes, tires, suspension, Windows). Number 3 is amount of reconditioning needed to resell. Number 4 is Warranty status. And Number 5 is history of reported accidents, repaired frame damage, and title status.
If the car looks good visually when traded in, meaning it appears to need NO reconditioning, then it’s good. The car has never been reported to have been fixed so that’s a good thing.
Private buyers know they are buying a used car so they will be more concerned about maintenance/Service history.
Trust me, if you are selling your car privately and you show the buyer a fat binder with all your oil changes and other service history and receipts (tire receipts, brake pad receipts) then the buyer won’t even care the car was repaired, if they even ask (they most likely won’t.)
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I would add a sixth that can sort of encompass some of the others and even negate them if they were good points.
That sixth would be mileage.
High mileage cars rarely are pristine and even if you can show perfect maintenance records the value is going to be less than one with lower miles.
It is very entertaining when you reach the trade in value part of the negotiation on your 4 year old car, they say "how many miles?", you reply "a little under 250,000" and total silence ensues. At that point they know the car is going off to auction and they risk losing money on whatever trade in value they give you.
So, in summery, the only way to get top dollar for a used car is to not ever drive it, keep it in perfect condition and perform above average maintenance on it. Doesn't sound like there is much fun in owning such a vehicle.