Keeping A Car's Resale Value Up

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By By Herb Weisbaum

Summary

Expensive options don't always mean increased resale value, and customizations can actually lower the value.

Story Published: Sep 8, 2004 at 5:50 AM PDT

Story Updated: Aug 31, 2006 at 1:33 AM PDT

Keeping A Car's Resale Value Up
SEATTLE - There's one thing ever new car has in common-- as soon as you buy it, it begins depreciating. In fact, according to Kelley Blue Book, after five years of normal driving, the average new car will lose 65 percent of its value.

According to the experts at Kelley, some of the new 2005 models will age more gracefully than others. These models are expected to hold half their value five years down the road:

  • Honda Civic
  • Infiniti G35
  • Nissan 350 Z
  • Volkswagon Jetta Wagon
  • Mini Copper, BMW 5 Series
  • Toyota Tacoma 4-Runner pickup
  • Volvo XC90 sport utility
  • Honda Odyssey Minivan.

Kelly says popular options such as power windows, power door locks, and cruise control don't add value to your vehicle, but they will hurt the resale value if they are not there.

And remember this: chances are, customizing your car won't make it worth more. Fancy paint and after-market add-ons usually bring down the resale value.

For More Information:

www.detnews.com

www.usatoday.com

www.nytimes.com

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