Drivers could enjoy £1K boost by making this change to their vehicle | Personal Finance | Finance
Drivers often add some extra features to their vehicles to improve the driving experience or to upgrade their car’s look. But you may end up regretting paying for these accessories in hindsight.
Car experts at Auto Express have urged vehicle owners thinking of paying for an upgrade to consider how this can affect the value of their motor. They have looked at a range of extra features you may consider adding to your motor, such as alloys, larger wheels, or a sunroof.
Some additions are worth paying out for and can increase the price you fetch when you sell your car, while others may prove to be a costly mistake. Paul Barker, editor at Auto Express, said: “Choosing the right optional extras comes down to understanding what the next buyer expects and what will genuinely make the car more appealing.
“Some features add real value, while others are more about personal indulgence.” One feature that may be worth adding is a panoramic sunroof.
Mr Barker said: “For SUVs and family cars, an opening glass roof can make a big difference. It brightens the cabin, improves the driving experience, and can recoup up to £1,000 when you sell the car. It’s one of the few options where buyers often see a decent chunk of their money back.”
You may also want to splash out on leather seats, as this can make your car feel more premium. Mr Barker said: “While it’s often expensive to specify, it can add £500 to £700 in resale value and makes the car more desirable to a wide range of buyers.”
Another addition that could increase your car’s value is alloy wheels, as these can improve the look of your motor and help attract more buyers when you come to sell your vehicle.
Some other features that Mr Barker said may be worth adding include:
In contrast, the car expert said may want to steer clear of making any of these upgrades:
- Polarising colour choices – You may be pleased with a bright or unusual colour for your car, but this can make it harder to sell later
- Oversized wheels: While getting alloys fitted can increase your vehicle’s value, going for very large wheels can be expensive in the long run. These can add to your costs, with higher running costs and worse fuel efficiency, which may outweigh the impressive look
- Subscription-tied features – Some manufacturers now offer tech features as a subscription, such as advanced driver aids or performance upgrades. This may put off future owners and can reduce your car’s value, as features such as heated seats or high beam assist are set to lapse.
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