Buying a new car is a big investment. And of course, you want to get the most out of your new vehicle and enjoy the luxury. 

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But more likely than not, at some point in the future you will want to sell your pride and joy and upgrade to something even more stylish.

And the more money you can get for the old model, the more you’ll have to splash out on the next one. 

So when that time comes, you’ll want to have taken the best possible care of your car. It will inevitably depreciate in value over time (in fact, the moment you drive it off the lot!), but there are certain things you can do to ensure you get the best bang for your buck when you come to sell.   

Regular Servicing and Repairs 

One of the most effective things you can do to retain the value of your car is to take it in for regular servicing and repairs.

Not only will this solve any existing problems with the vehicle, it will also help prevent further damage being caused by wear and tear. 

The best way to keep on top of this is to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, and take the car in for servicing as and when suggested. Vauxhall recommended servicing intervals are every 20,000 miles or 12 months (whichever is sooner). 

Pristine Paintwork

Nothing says wear and tear like scuffed paintwork. And no one is looking to buy a car that looks tatty. So it’s very important to look after your paintwork and keep your car looking fresh. 

Parking sensors can’t help you avoid unseemly scratches, and a regular car-wash will serve to reduce damage from chemicals and pollutants. 

And bear in mind that one chip in the paint work can spread and cause further damage if not dealt with quickly. So if you see a problem, sort it out right away. 

Use Your Garage

Another fantastic way to protect your paintwork, as well as a range of other features, is to keep your car in the garage. (If you don’t have a garage, a car cover can also help). 

A garage will shelter your car from heat, rain, frost, and miscellaneous flying objects – stray branches, grit thrown up from the road, the kids’ football, and everything in between.  

Spotless Insides 

You know what they say: it’s what’s on the inside that counts. And this is absolutely true when helping maintain your car’s value. Worn out, smelly, broken interiors ain’t pretty, and they will certainly put buyers off. 

If you currently smoke in your car, stop. If you find yourself leaving garbage on the seats – find a bin and cut it out! And it might be time to find somewhere else to eat your lunch. Because all of these things are likely to leave a stain or a nasty smell, which over time are going to do some real damage.  

Keep An Eye on Your Mileage  

And finally – one of the major factors in the value of a second-hand car is the mileage on the clock. Obviously, you’ve bought the car so you can drive it! But that doesn’t mean you can’t keep an eye on the mileage, and find ways to keep it as low as possible.  

If your circumstances warrant more than one car, use a cheaper run-around vehicle for small errands like a trip to the shops. If your new car is your only vehicle, find ways to shave distance off of your journeys, avoid unnecessary trips, and if it’s a sunny day – take a walk!  

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