Whenever you are considering buying a new vehicle, the first question that comes to mind is: how much can I afford? A lot of prospective buyers are concerned about maintaining car value, which is precisely why they prefer second-hand vehicles. A brand new vehicle will lose around 40% of its value within the first year. Depreciation hits new vehicles quickly.
But it’s not the only reason why a used car makes sense. When you’re working with a limited budget, a used car comes at a lower price. You’re also more likely to find a vehicle that fits your needs within your price brackets. This will be a lot more difficult if you want to buy new. However, while used cars are unlikely to lose value at the same pace as a brand new vehicle, they are still affected by depreciation. Therefore, if you choose to invest in a second-hand vehicle, you need to think of how to best maintain its value and performance.
We recently purchased a used Fiat 500. It’s so cute! I am extremely picky when it comes to cars and always lie to get something fun as driving for me is a joy rather than a necessity. The car we settled upon took heaps of research and time to find but it was well worth it to get the best vehicle for our needs that will hopefully keep us mobile for years to come.
There are many ways to buy a used car but don’t rule out buying from a garage even if you are trying to get through the process as cheaply as possible. The guarantee the car comes with gives a great piece of mind and the car will probably end up being alot cheaper in the long run. This obviously depends on what kind of car you want and your budget at the time of purchase versus how much you are willing to spend on the car month to month.
Watch out for running costs like car tax too.
So, how can you preserve that value as much as possible?
Keep on top of all maintenance and checks
Every vehicle needs regular audits and checks to ensure that everything is in working order. It’s also fair to say that preemptive replacements and repairs can save you a lot of troubles in the long term. That’s why it’s essential to establish a regular maintenance schedule. If you’ve bought your car via a professionally recognised dealer, you can arrange for appointments, such as the Toyota service appointment , which ensures your car is checked according to manufacturer’s guidelines.
Additionally, professional car servicing also provides replacement and repair recommendations to maintain the car’s performance and structure. It can be a good idea to reach out to a specialist to plan mandatory car works by mileage. From changing your car fuel filter to replacing your car hoses, these costly works can prolong the life of your vehicle and shouldn’t be postponed.
Wash your vehicle frequently
When was the last time you washed your car? A lot of car owners have embraced manual car wash during lockdown. There’s a huge advantage to washing your car at home as it ensures you can access areas that may not be cleared while driving through the auto car wash. Ideally, you should wash your car every fortnight to remove the accumulated dirt, bugs, and particles on the car paint. This will preserve the car body and prevent corrosion. It also will remove potential pollutants and aggressive substances that can damage the paints. Tree sap combined with pollen can create a hard crust that can work its way through the paint and exposes the body. Tar and road grime can also wear out your brake pads quickly.
We live at the seaside so seagull poo is an absolute nightmare! I tend to wipe that off as soon as I see any on any of the paintwork because it’s like acid to paint. *Shakes fist at sky*
Keep up-to-date with useful tech
The main problem people face when they try to sell a vehicle is keeping up-to-date with the most recent technology on the market. Car drivers are more likely to consider a used-vehicle if they can find all the tech they need. Thankfully, you can add new tech, such as a rear-view camera, to keep your vehicle attractive to buyers and performant on the road. The most sought for additions include parking sensors and gadgets, sat-nav tools, and BlueTooth smart auto radio.
Contrary to common belief, you can buy a second-hand car and sell it at a good price. I’ve even made money on cars I’ve bought and sold on after running them for years. It’s all down to understanding how to look after your vehicle and preserving its value, both mechanically and technologically. And even if you don’t want to sell, it’s guaranteed to keep your car on the road for longer.
