Don’t pimp your ride if you want to sell it – Glass’s

Retrofit add-ons like big bore exhausts, aftermarket alloys and tinted glass can put off potential used car buyers and destroy values, says Glass’s. Andy Cutler, forecast values editor, explained that these non-manufacturer options suggested that the previous owner was a boy racer and the car would have been driven hard.

“To the previous owners, particularly younger drivers, these retro-fitted extras must have increased the overall appeal of the car.

“However, when it’s time to sell or part exchange, such enhancements put many buyers off, even when they have been fitted really well, due to the image that they portray.

“Often these cars are completely overlooked by buyers in auction halls, most likely because the instant image that these vehicles project is that they have been owned by boy-racers.”

The impact on values can be significant, Cutler added, a recent example being a 2011 registered Seat Leon 2.0 TSI 5dr at 55,000 miles that was ostensibly worth £6,610 which sold for just £5,700 in the trade. Apparently, this was because of its aftermarket tinted windows and non-standard alloy wheels.

He said: “On the other hand, original factory fitted optional extras, such as larger alloy wheels and tinted rear windows, actually have a positive effect in general on resale value because not only do they visually improve the look of the car but they are trusted by buyers and won’t look out of place on the forecourt.

“However, when it comes to the retrofit market and car values, our advice is very simple. Don’t.”