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Getting Your Money’s Worth: Five Things That Can Hurt Toyota Resale Value

Date
August 5, 2020
|
Author
bestedge

Getting Your Money’s Worth: Five Things That Can Hurt Toyota Resale Value

Toyota vehicles tend to maintain their value better than other models. If you decide to sell or trade-in your Toyota for a newer model, you want to get the most possible money back. Here are five things that can lower Toyota resale value.

Poor Maintenance

Poor maintenance often results in low Toyota resale value. Although Toyota makes some of the most reliable vehicles on the market, routine servicing is still important. Make it a point to have your oil changed at the recommended interval.

Procrastinating to get an oil change can lead to premature engine wear. Over time, you may even start to notice smoking coming from the exhaust pipe.

It’s also important to have the vehicle’s transmission fluid replaced every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Old fluid can create excess heat, thus putting more strain on the transmission. Problems, like delayed shifting and slipping gears, are far more likely to occur.

Cosmetic Problems

Cosmetic problems can definitely take a toll on your car’s worth. Dings, scratches, and paint blemishes will all make your vehicle less appealing to buyers. Fortunately, there are a few easy ways to help protect the exterior from damage.

For starters, develop a habit of parking away from other vehicles. There will be a lower chance of someone denting your car by opening their door too wide. Runaway shopping carts will also be less likely to slam into a fender. Although you’ll have to walk further, your extra effort will pay off in the long run.

It’s just as important to wash your vehicle at least once a week. This helps prevent dust and other contaminants from ruining its finish. Furthermore, don’t forget to wax your car every three months.

Car Accidents

Nothing can cause Toyota resale value to plummet quicker than a car accident. The damage may result in your vehicle being given a salvage title, which will turn away a lot of potential buyers. This means you need to take the necessary steps to avoid a crash in the first place.

To minimize the chances of an accident, you need to maintain a safe following distance at all times. Many rear-end collisions are caused by drivers who aren’t able to brake in time. Most importantly, stay focused on the road ahead!

Research shows that distracted driving is the top cause of accidents in Raleigh. Even briefly peeking down at a text message can be dangerous.

Using Cheap Aftermarket Parts

When a component needs to be replaced, many Toyota car owners head down to the local auto parts store. Unfortunately, many of these aftermarket replacement parts won’t withstand the test of time. They tend to fail much sooner than expected. If you care about Toyota resale value, make it a point to always use genuine OEM parts.

Although genuine OEM parts are typically more expensive, they are built to meet a much higher standard of quality. Remember to keep the receipts for all of the parts you’ve purchased. When you prepare to sell your Toyota, this paperwork will prove to be extremely valuable.

Hazy Headlights

Hazy headlights can make your vehicle look a lot older than it should. This oxidation is caused by prolonged exposure to UV light. Although your headlights are protected with a clear topcoat from the factory, it only takes a few years for the sun’s powerful rays to wear it off.

After getting the headlights professionally restored, Toyota resale value immediately goes up. While it’s often difficult to prevent yellowing of plastic headlights, parking your vehicle away from the sun can help.

Call Today to schedule your next auto maintenance appointment at Creech Import Repair.