The Car Features That Actually Increase Resale Value (And the Ones That Don't)

Thousands are spent by drivers through modifications and upgrades and many don't stop to think if it will ever be recouped upon resale. The truth is, not every improvement bears a financial return.

Some genuinely increase what buyers will pay while others may turn the buyer off or reduce the amount offered. Knowing which is which can save thousands and save drivers from dealers explaining that the highly personalized upgrades are now a challenge.

What Features Buyers Want (And Are Willing to Pay For)

Drivers seeking used cars have practicality needs above flashy enhancements. While some might be inclined to buy a feature that looks nice, their resale expectations are likely tied to either factory features or necessary ones that come off as added bonuses.

Upgraded sound systems that look aesthetic and are professionally installed may add value, factory-recommended adding more than aftermarket options. Likewise, reversing cameras and parking sensors on older cars that never came with them can enhance quality of life but aren't there for show.

When looking at the interior, leather is preferable to cloth but only in the right context, in family cars, value is added for practicality. But cloth seats converted into aftermarket leather seats never bear as much value as factory versions. Buyers can tell the difference and adjust offers accordingly.

Fancy wheels may help but not by much. Alloy wheels and wheels painted to compliment the vehicle may help slightly. However, oversized wheels may put drivers at risk and gaudy wheels are more a deterrent than anything else as most drivers seek something practical which they can use, not something they'll have to explain everywhere.

What Features Buyers Don't Want (And Tank Resale Value)

Body kits and spoilers are a primary deterrent when it comes to resale value unless people are buying the car for racing purposes. Sticking on a plastic spoiler for an everyday hatchback won't make someone pay more for it as it eliminates resale opportunities, buyers with specific tastes are located few and far between.

Lowered suspensions are unattractive to many buyers who fear lowered shocks with potholes or speed bumps ruining used cars. Remapped engines do the same; even if it's been done tastefully, insurance is raised and there are questions surrounding how the vehicle has been treated.

Repainting a car to custom colors doesn't pay off unless it's immaculate work. Many people find it more convenient to have standardized colors they can match should replacement panels ever be needed. That stunning metallic purple may have seemed great at the time, but it's likely to sit on the lot longer than the barren silver next door.

Heavy tint is illegal and means buyers will question what people were trying to hide, it leaves them no choice but to remove it before offers can be made or adjust how much they're willing to offer to repair aftermarket errors.

The One Personalization That's Acceptable

Private Plates seem like a no-no, but while they're fine to personalize a car, they don't hurt resale value and can even help. This is because unlike permanent changes, plates can be taken off and put on another vehicle upon resale, so it's not a wasted endeavor.

The key is flexibility. A thoughtful plate offers initials, a personal word or some numbers that may have significant meaning, none of which restrict buyers from feeling any personal connection. If buyers aren't interested, however, they can simply be taken off and retained, no other personalizations offer this kind of ease.

The Technology Features

Built-in sat nav was great ten years ago; now, everyone has smartphones with better access. Factory models are clunkier and outdated. They don't necessarily hurt resale value but they don't help as much.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are great features; those without these capabilities are considered old-school. Even if they've left the factory in the last few years, they already feel outdated. Adding an aftermarket head unit should make it easier to sell; it won't raise value, it merely prevents it from being a deal-breaker.

Dashcams are expected features now more than anything special, as cheap items, no one is paying for them unless there's an additional security system (tracking and immobilization). Those cut costs for insurance and therefore add value.

Maintenance History and Work Overshadow Everything

The most important factor adding value beyond anything else is reassuring buyers that time and care have gone into the vehicle under ownership. Full service history with a well-respected garage adds more than virtually any modification possible as buyers will want to see oil changes, brakes replaced before becoming fatal issues and problems across the way that have been dealt with sooner than later.

Save every receipt for even the smallest of services; that £30 bulb replacement may not seem like it's worth keeping on file but it's an example that the car has not been neglected in its time on the road. When two cars of equal value are being sold, one with a massive folder of documentation and one with none, the one with documentation gets increased offers.

The same goes for manuals and service books; missing items raise red flags instantly. It's minor but hints at bigger issues.

The Features That Age Cars Prematurely

Chrome trim was once exciting; now we're seeing blacks and body-colored bits more often. Aging things prematurely is not ideal for newer vehicles with current design aesthetics.

Interiors with colored lights have also gone out of favor; that ice blue footwell lighting you think looks retro from 2010 now makes you look like you binge watched too many shows about cars instead of focusing on what's actually useful. Neutral white LED lighting in interiors need to add value if they add anything at all.

What This All Means When Deciding What to Do

Before spending money on any feature or modification, ask if it presents a solution or satisfies a personal desire. If it's merely up to taste, accept that it's going to please the owner and not amount any value in hopes of recouping costs later. There's nothing wrong with that - cars should be fun, but perception needs adjustment.

Those mods that come at increased value come from simplifying car ownership for potential buyers through safety or practicality means as long as none are turned away from means that burden practical use later down the line. Everything else is gamble, and one that usually ends up negatively financially even if it makes ownership fun.

Go with improvements that can be reverted if universally they're not accepted unless maintenance comes before anything else. A well-maintained stock vehicle will always beat out a highly modified one no matter how great the story was behind each switch if servicing shows poor decisions along the way - not amounting of cost from depreciation either.