Selling Or Trading In Your Vehicle?

Here Is What You Need To Know To Get The Most From Your Vehicle Sale Or Trade-in.

1. We all know, first impressions are everything - The purchaser whether it is the dealership during trade-in or a consumer responding to your ad, they are first and foremost interested in the overall appearance of the vehicle. 
2. Everyone opens the hood or bonnet looking for visual signs of a well maintained engine - Buyers are also interested in how well the vehicle was maintained and you may be asked for a the maintenance history (did you follow the manufacturers suggested maintenance schedule?) so keeping good records of maintenance and repairs is important. 

These are the factors that have the greatest impact on the ultimate selling price or trade-in value of a vehicle. 

How Is Resale Value Value Determined?

According to NADA Official Used Car Guide there are three categories of vehicle condition - Rough, Average and Clean.  The difference between these categories can mean thousands of dollars in resale value.

• Rough - Significant mechanical defects requiring repairs in order to restore reasonable running condition; paint, body and wheel surfaces have considerable damage to their finish, which may include dull, faded or oxidized paint, small to medium size dents, frame damage, rust or obvious signs of previous repairs; interior reflects above average wear, with inoperable equipment, damaged or missing trim, and heavily soiled/permanent imperfections on the headliner, carpet and upholstery; may have a branded title; vehicle will need substantial reconditioning and repair to be made ready for resale; some existing damage may be difficult to restore.
• Average - Mechanically sound but may require some repairs/servicing to pass all necessary inspections; paint, body and wheel surfaces have moderate imperfections and an average finish which can be improved with restorative repair; interior reflects some soiling and wear in relation with vehicle age, with all equipment operable or requiring minimal effort to make operable; clean title history; vehicle will need a fair degree of reconditioning to be made ready for resale.
• Clean - No mechanical defects and passes all necessary inspections with ease; Paint, body and wheels have minor surface scratching with a high gloss finish and shine; Interior reflects minimal soiling and wear, with all equipment in complete working order; Vehicle has a clean title history; Vehicle will need minimal reconditioning to be made ready for resale.

Here is an example from the May 2009 NADA Central Official Used Car Guide.

A 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche - 1/2 ton, V8, 4WD with 27,000 miles

In this example, there is a $1,425 value difference between Average and Clean. Now the mechanical condition of the vehicle is very important, however the definitions above also illustrate that the vehicles appearance inside-and-out also play a significant role in a vehicles resale value. 

Now you see the importance of maintaining your vehicle from a mechanical, structural and appearance perspective to not only keep your vehicle looking and running great, but to get the highest possible resale value when it's time to sell it.  And for over 50 years Ziebart has recognized and understood the importance of maintaining your vehicle to protect its value.

Ziebart Can Help Increase Your Vehicles Resale Value

Diamond Gloss Paint Protection - Protects your paint finish from aging, weathering and keeps it looking showroom-new all year long.

Professional Exterior Detailing - Restores your vehicles exterior to that new-car look.

Anti-Bacterial Interior Detailing  - Cleans and protects your interior from spills, stains and wear.

Rust Protection - Protects your vehicles structure and body from the irreversible damage from rust.