Think again if you believe that a car’s hefty price tag guarantees a high resale value. Luxury cars, surprisingly, depreciate faster than your average ride. Why? Well, they’re like high-maintenance partners – expensive to keep, thirsty for fuel, and prone to breakdowns (hello, complicated design). Take the Audi Q7, for instance – it’s like a diva, requiring pricey repairs -up to 3 million naira for an engine- for issues like timing chain problems and engine failure. So, when it comes to resale value, don’t just rely on the brand or initial price; you also have a role and that has to do with how well you’ve been able to maintain it.
Keep It Looking Pristine
Your car’s exterior is like your online dating profile – it’s all about the aesthetics. The fewer scratches and dents, the higher the price tag. Make sure all the exterior bits ( lights, mirrors, panels, doors, and emblems) are in top shape and functioning like a charm. Because, let’s face it, buyers are like nosy neighbors – they’ll be snooping around for any imperfections that’ll make them go, “Uh, no thanks, I think I’ll come back later”. If you must paint it, don’t be like me trying to DIY a haircut – leave it to the pros, or you might end up with a color that’s more “hot mess” than “hot wheels”.
Service Regularly
Want to keep your car in top shape and maximize its resale value? Follow the manufacturer’s service schedule like a pie recipe you’re learning to make. Use the right fluids to keep wear and tear at bay, and change that engine oil like you’re giving your car a refreshing spa treatment before and after long road trips. And remember, when it comes to replacement parts, go for OEM – it’s like using genuine designer parts instead of all those cheap replicas. A well-maintained car is like a hot commodity, and potential buyers will be willing to pay top cash for a ride that’s mechanically sound and purrs like a kitten.
Trace The Squeaks and Rattles
Is your car making weird noises? Like, “clang-clang-clang” or “squeak-squeak-squeak”? Yeah, that’s like a big red flag waving at potential buyers, screaming “Stay away! I’m a money pit”. Nobody wants to pay for a car that sounds like it’s about to fall apart. So, take some time to play detective and track down the source of those mysterious noises. You might be surprised to find that it’s just a loose screw (literally). Fix it, and buyers will be more than willing to take it off your hands.
Respect Your Shocks and Suspension
Your car’s suspension is like a team of superheroes – shocks, stabilizer bars, and control arms working together to save the day (or at least, your car’s value)! But, if one of them goes rogue (aka fails), your ride quality goes from comfy to crummy, and your car’s worth takes a hit. So, keep your suspension squad in top shape by replacing or fixing what needs fixing. And don’t forget to align those wheels like a pro – get that camber just right, or you’ll be dealing with a “k-leg” or “bow-legs” situation. If your car’s camber cannot be adjusted, swap out those bushings and it’ll drive like a dream, maintaining that resale value.
Avoid Cheap and Unsafe Improvisations
Don’t turn your car into a Frankenstein’s monster! Stick to the manufacturer’s design, lest you end up with a hot mess on wheels. We’ve seen it all in Nigeria – cars with bypassed thermostats, radiator fans hooked up like a DIY project, mismatched rims, tires older than your grandpa, and radios that look like they belonged to the past. And let’s not forget the ‘beautiful’ seat patches that scream “I’ve been through shege ”(hardtimes). Don’t be that person who thinks frugality is a valid car maintenance strategy – it’s a recipe for disaster.
