New car owners are often eager to upgrade their vehicles with aftermarket add-ons. Many upgrades are available to the modern consumer from safety features like back up cameras and smart keys to infotainment features like satellite radio, navigation systems or Bluetooth connectivity. It seems reasonable to expect that an investment in your car would produce a corresponding increase in the car’s value, but many car owners are very disappointed to learn that it does not work that way.
Some car owners sell their upgraded vehicles to like-minded buyers who appreciate the upgrades and are willing to pay for them, but a more likely scenario is for your car to be appraised by an insurance company after being totaled in an accident or appraised for trade-in value when you buy a new car. Car dealers and insurance companies take a more objective approach to the vehicle’s value and often deliver the disappointing news that the money you poured into upgrades did not translate into higher market value for your car. In fact some radical style choices like some after-market rims can actually reduce your car’s resale value.
There are three economic factors to consider when making upgrades. What will it cost? Will it make my car more appealing to a potential buyer? Will it increase the value? If you purchase a costly add-on like a DVD system, the primary factor should be how much enjoyment you and your family expect to derive from using the enhanced vehicle since you should not expect a corresponding increase in the resale value of your car. If you buy snazzy rims, do not expect that upgrade to impress the appraisers at your insurance company. If your car is totaled, you will find the appraisers to take a no-nonsense approach to determining the market value.
One upgrade that seems like a wise choice is window tinting, especially if it’s not too dark. First, it is relatively inexpensive compared to other enhancements. It is unlikely to add significantly to your car’s resale value, but it will dramatically enhance the comfort of the driver and passengers and make your car more appealing to potential buyers.
Solar Solutions Window Tinting is locally owned and operated by Brian Schauder, and we have served the Treasure Coast of Florida for over a decade. Focusing on one thing since 1994 has allowed us to become very good at what we do. We offer vehicle, commercial and residential window tinting in Vero Beach and Sebastian. We offer the highest quality work, paired with integrity and professionalism.