What factors are used in determining a used car's value? Recent upgrades?

Asked by Jeanette Sep 16, 2020 at 10:54 AM about the 2013 Mazda MAZDA3 Sport GX

Question type: Car Selling & Trading In

When estimating a price for a used vehicle do any recent upgrades count
towards the cost?  For instance, a month ago I bought all new brakes (pads
& rotors), new bearings on front wheels and a stabilizer bar in the front.  
$2600 worth of maintenance.  The "instant market value" came back at
$7,918 (without taking this into account).  Plus, it's been rust-proofed and
dealer serviced.

2 Answers

40,000

IMV is a program that calculates the worth based on year, make, model, mileage, and what other vehicles are selling at in that range in your location. So any upgrades and parts mean nothing to the IMV. Put that information in the description and ask more if you want. But all that maintenance work you put into the vehicle, you will not recoup that. The car needs those part to operate safety and had them to begin with, so they are a none adder. Having them replaced might help you sell it fast is all. That's why I usually sell my vehicles as is, as you never get back what you put into the car to fix it up for sale. It's usually a wash.

1 people found this helpful.

Those items are maintenance not upgrades. They may help sell the car but they do not add value. Not that it matters now but I think you were ripped off.

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