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blog large image - Check List: Maximise Your Car's Trade In Value

Check List: Maximise Your Car's Trade In Value

Want to Maximise Your Car's Trade In Value?  Use this Checklist

Looking after your car isn’t just so you can revel in that new car feel for as long as possible. Keeping your car in the best possible condition also increases your car’s trade in value. And who doesn’t want to get the best return when it’s time to upgrade? 

Things you can do to maximise a car trade in value

Looking after your car to keep it in the best possible condition doesn’t mean you have to spend exorbitant amounts of money. There are a few simple things you can do that require very minimal effort and just a bit of thought. 

Protect the paint job

Protecting the paint work on your car is crucial. There are a number of ways you can ensure the paint is protected from the environment and other external factors. 

  • Whenever possible, park in the shade or undercover. This protects from sun damage and unwelcomed destruction from bird and bat excrement.  If left untouched, this causes discolouration to the paint work and will eventually erode the protective seal on the paint. 
  • If you live near one of the Sunshine Coast’s beautiful beaches or take the family on day trips to enjoy the waves, it is essential that you wash your car straightaway. Not just your standard carwash, you need to make sure you get underneath and in every little nook and cranny. If you leave any sand or salt water in the chassis, it will result in rust forming and taking hold, corroding the metals. 

Care for the vehicle interior

Not only should you regularly wipe down and clean the interior, you should also avoid smoking inside your car. The smell and toxins that are left behind are almost impossible to get rid of.  

If your beloved pets are just like your kids and enjoy going on adventures, your interior will often be filled with pet hair. Keep on top of this and ensure it is regularly removed properly. Not only does this devalue your car trade in value, it also leaves odours behind and looks unappealing.  

Deal with rust immediately

If you spot rust anywhere on your vehicle, don’t ignore it. You can remove it yourself by following these steps:  

  1. Clean the affected area thoroughly and let it dry. 
  2. Use masking tape around the rusty area of your car. 
  3. Spray rust remover on the rusted area and let it dry as per the rust remover instructions. 
  4. Wipe clean. 

If you don’t feel confident enough to remove the rust yourself or it is a larger job that requires more work, contact a professional. 

Take care of mechanical problems

Check engine light on? Get that sorted ASAP. That is a big red flag for anyone looking at your car. It could be the simplest fix, but that one little alert light could be the difference in thousands of extra dollars when you trade in your car. 

Keep your service logbook up to date 

Everyone knows it is important to get regular scheduled services to keep your vehicle performing at its best. But what you might not realise is that keeping your service logbook up to date with services performed by qualified mechanics adds value to your car when it comes time to trade it in. 

When upgrading your car, getting the highest possible car trade in value is the ultimate goal. By ensuring you keep your vehicle in the best possible condition, both inside and out, you will maximise the value of your car when the time comes to trade it in. 


Thinking of upgrading your vehicle? The team at Ken Mills Toyota can chat car trade in value with you. Get in touch today!