Good maintenance 'key to car value'

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Looking after your vehicle could help to keep car insurance claims to a minimum and also help you retain some of its value when selling it on, so says the latest advice.

Online used car retailer Carsite.co.uk found that damage to bodywork, alloys and cracked windscreens can all reduce the value of a car by up to £300 and put off potential buyers.

Alistair Jeff, from Carsite, said: "A well maintained car is the best way to get a good resell valuation and fill your buyer with confidence.

"Keeping your car clean with an up-to-date service book and selling with a long MOT are simple, but rewarding steps to achieving this."

The study also found that blander tastes in colour can also help a car to keep its value, with colours such as yellow, orange or pink depreciating the value by up to £500.

Carsite said: "On a small to medium car, the wrong shade can make it £200-£500 less appealing to retailers and buyers.

"A nearly new executive model could be worth up to £1000 less if the colour is expected to deter customers."

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