Hardly anyone who buys a car expects to keep it forever. Many car owners choose to replace their vehicles as their needs change. For example, new parents might sell their roadster for a minivan; empty nesters relocating to a sunny state might sell their SUV for a convertible; and students leaving home for college might not need to bring their car to campus.
If you’re ready to sell your car from high school, here’s what you need to know to raise its resale value.
Questions to Ask Before Taking a Car to Campus
Most college campuses have all the amenities that students need — such as dining, entertainment, shopping and laundry facilities — within a few blocks of their dorms or apartments. Many students learn that they can get almost anywhere just by walking, biking or taking public transit.
For some college students, owning a car might be more trouble than it’s worth. Aside from buying gasoline and paying for insurance, students might get sticker shock when they learn how much they’ll need to pay to park a car that they barely use. Before you leave for college, be sure to investigate the campus parking arrangements.
Alternatives to Keeping a Car on Campus
If having a car on campus isn’t an option, there are usually alternative modes of transportation available. Municipal transportation systems usually offer bus routes from campus to popular destinations around town. Check the local transportation website to see if you can ride the bus or rail systems for a discounted student rate. Besides bus and rail service availability, you might not need a car on campus if:
· A friend or roommate already owns a car
· A bike or skateboard works just as well
· Ride-sharing services are plentiful
After you weigh the pros and cons of keeping a car on campus, it might make more sense to sell the high school car before college begins.
Tips to Ensure Good Resale Value When Purchasing a Car
No matter when you decide to purchase or sell a vehicle, there are steps you can take to ensure you get the most money for it when it’s time to sell.
· Purchase a car that’s a neutral color. A car that’s fire engine red or electric blue, although eye-catching, tends to draw more attention than the average person wants when behind the wheel.
· Purchase a car with an automatic transmission rather than one with manual. Only 18% of Americans know how to drive a car with a stick shift.
· Purchase an extended warranty for the vehicle.
· Wash your car regularly to maintain the exterior paint. Damage from salt or other corrosives can occur whether you live in the snowy north or near the ocean.
· Detail the interior of the car to prevent permanent stains or damage from ground-in sand, dirt or debris.
· Protect your car from the elements. Covered parking is good; secured garage parking is even better.
· Fix dents and scratches in the body and chips in the glass immediately, before they get worse. Sudden changes in air temperature can transform a tiny chip into fully cracked windshield.
For more tips to increase the resale value of your vehicle, check out this infographic.
AUTHOR BIO: Sam Combs is the founder for Chrysler Factory Warranty, an Internet-only provider of genuine factory-backed Chrysler Service Contracts. He has 18 years of experience in the industry and focuses on offering customers the same Chrysler coverage plan for less.
