Moonroof Heated

Additional Features That Improve The Value Of Your Car

If you have ever gone out to buy a new or used car, you know the choices are unlimited. First you pick the type of body style you want; sedan, pickup, van, SUV, or station wagon. Second you may look at brand names of car companies, or this may be first for you. Third, choosing color and fourth, extras.

Each factor in your decision will determine the cost of the vehicle as well as its resale value. Will you pick a vehicle with just the basics or a LS model? And what is a LS model beyond meaning a Luxury Sedan? Here are a few things that make a vehicle that luxury touch:

•   Power - You have seen the abbreviations PW, PS, PB. They stand for power windows, power steering, power brakes. There is also power locks. Adding power can push the value of your vehicle up. Power windows alone can add around $125 to $300 to the value of a subcompact car. Power locks can add another $200.
•   Sound - Does your vehicle have a premium sound system? Does it include a MP3 player or CD player, multi-disc or single or rear seat DVD systems? A multi-disc CD player alone can potentially boost the value of your car up to $300 and $500 dollars.
•   Sunroof/moonroof - People love having extra light in their cars. And not every vehicle comes with sunroofs or moonroofs, therefore the addition of this feature can boost the value of your car from $200 to $600, depending on whether it is sliding, electric or a push-up.
•   Premium Wheels - Are the wheels premium alloy or aluminum? These additions to a vehicle will not only add style but value, anywhere from $150 to $600 in resale value.
•   Navigation Systems - While navigation systems used to be just for the very expensive luxury vehicles, today they are a bit more common and still in high demand. Some built in systems help owners unlock their vehicles when they lock their keys in the car or dial 911 for assistance in emergencies.
•   Color - This isn't as obvious as the other factors. Many vehicles come in standard colors but when you jump up to luxury you get a unique set of choices. For instance with the Lexus LS, sedan colors include Black Opal Mica, Golden Almond Metallic and Opaline Pearl, just to name a few. If you are looking at getting the highest resale value for your vehicle, you may steer away from choosing odd colors when buying your car, such as purple, yellow or orange. Also, if you live in a hot climate, black may not be a good choice.
•   Other Extras - There are many other extras that can boost your cars resale value. They include Leather Interior, which can add $500 to $600 to your car. Size of engine, cruise control, sports performance packages, air suspension, all-Wheel Drive, rear defoggers, title steering wheels, heated seats, extra trim, dual front or side air bags, and Power Seats.

Adding lots of after-market extras will not necessarily add value to your vehicle, such as name brand stereo systems or lift kits. Sticking with the basics that are tried and true is your best bet in finding a car you will enjoy and those after you will.

About the Author

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used cars in Austin and the surrounding area and is known as one of the bad credit car dealers in Austin. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.