Government Vehicle Auctions – The Secret to Cheap Vehicles
It’s the vehicle of your dreams – at least for right now. Many of us realise that the two-seater convertible or mini-coupe is probably not going to be the most practical car for the future. And we know that we’ll eventually end up selling our first vehicle – and likely our second, third and fourth cars as well. If you’re smart about your purchasing and upkeep, you can ensure that your vehicle retains a higher resale value for the future.
- Buy smart – think about what you’re buying. Less popular cars will generally depreciate faster. Be wary of end of year sales – dealers will try and push less popular models in an attempt to get them off the lot. These cars may seem like a great deal, you can expect their resale values to plummet in the coming years. Think carefully before going for a limited edition model – they tend to date quickly so are less attractive as used cars for sale.
- Consider the extras – while you might not need the air-conditioning or power windows yourself, when it comes to used cars – most buyers look for these options. It might be worthwhile to invest in these extras to make your vehicle more attractive in the long run.
- Keep it generic - avoid making substantial modifications to the vehicle or “chipping” the engine. And while they may be boring, white and silver cars tend to retain a higher resale value than other colours.
- Maintenance and record keeping - make sure you go in for all the required car checks and keep your log book up to date. Having a good track history and record of your vehicle history will instill confidence in the vehicle’s value and could get you a few extra dollars when it comes time to sell it.
- Good driving habits - needless to say, a car that has been in an accident is worth less. Don’t think that a quick coat of paint or a trip to the panel beaters can hide all the flaws – a seller can run a previous accident check to find out if the vehicle has suffered any substantial damage in the past.
When buying and driving your dream car – think about the future and how you’ll sell the car. After all, do you really want one of these vehicles in your driveway for the rest of your life?
For more information or to get car history check done to protect yourself when buying a used car in Australia, visit carhistory.com.au.