The Biggest Factors That Determine Your Car's Resale Value

The make and model of your car influence more than just its retail price at the dealership — it also carries a reputation that can affect its future depreciation in value. For example, one scandal back in 2015 involving Volkswagen diesel-power vehicles resulted in major damage to the company's reputation and reluctance on the part of consumers to purchase more cars from them.

Thanks to their convenience and ease of driving, as well as improved performance over the years, vehicles with automatic transmissions have surged in popularity among newer generations of drivers. As a result, manual transmission cars are no longer as sought after as they once were. If you happen to own a manual car, then there is a good chance that this dip in demand could cause some significant depreciation to your vehicle's value.

If you're one of the many hard-working people who sometimes enjoy taking a cigarette break to unwind during a busy day, then you'll want to refrain from doing so from inside your vehicle. Not only is the smell of cigarettes almost impossible to get rid of, but it is also off-putting to many prospective buyers. Those who happen to be more health-conscious may also be aware of those studies that have shown how driving in smoking-contaminated cars can expose you to thirdhand residual tobacco smoke.

While plenty of conscientious car owners maintain the inner working of their cars as well as the features on the interior, the vehicle's lights often tend to be overlooked. Make sure to inspect lights on the front and back as well as inside and outside the vehicle to ensure that they are all working and in good condition. Should any of the bulbs be burnt out, these are cheap and easy to replace. Also, make sure to inspect the light covers themselves for any scratches or cracks, as these could bring down the value of your car and diminish the rest of your hard work.