Planning to sell your car after a few years? Take good care of your car now so that it retains the best possible resale value. Resale values particularly in UAE anrd other GCC countries are dependent on 3 main factors: 1) Age 2) Mileage and importantly 3) Condition of the car. Keep your car in good condition to get maximum value when you sell it. Follow these tips:
Buy a vehicle that has a high perceived resale value in the market. In UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and other GCC countries, certain Japanese brands have built a reputation over the years of being more reliable than others. These include Toyota, Lexus, Nissan, Honda and a few others. When buying a new car, there are no bad cars anymore but some give less hassle than others as the years go by.
Drive safely to avoid accidents, crashes and dents. A history with any of the above can dramatically lower the value of your vehicle at time of resale. In case you are unlucky and you end up having to fix any accidents on your vehicles make sure that any parts replaced are OEM meaning ORIGINAL. In addition, always save your receipts as proof of good quality repairs.
Ensure regular car servicing. Always keep up and perform all services recommended by manufacturer on routine and regular basis. Try to use the same workshop for your service and recognize the technician working on your vehicle. Stick to the same type / weight of engine oil and check the oil levels on regular basis. Finally, make sure all your filters are clean and replaced on regular basis as well.
Always keep all receipts in a nice organized binder/file as proof of quality repairs and replacements. Documentation is golden when it comes to gaining the trust of car buyers. Documented evidence of regular oil changes, repairs, original replacements will bring peace of mind to buyers (and cold hard cash in your pocket).
Take care of interior and exterior environment of the car. Wax and polish the exterior of your vehicle, approximately every 4-6 months to protect the clear coat / paint and that new car look. Try to keep your car in a covered parking lot, preferably indoor parking if possible. Do not smoke in your vehicle, smoking smells and can be a resale value damper for the car. If you have to customize or modify the car, customize cautiously. Do not over spend on accessories and upgrades as you may not get nearly enough what you put in.
