Mileage 'influences car value'

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Four out of ten motorists believe high mileage is the biggest factor in lowering a car's value, while it can also have a bearing on car insurance premiums, a survey found.

Almost half (49%) of car owners thought having a black car made their vehicle seem more expensive, while colours such as yellow, purple and green were unpopular, with just 3% believing these were impressive shades.

Two-thirds (67%) of the 2,351 surveyed thought leather seats were the accessory most likely to boost a car's appearance, while 5.5% would upgrade their car if they thought their neighbour's was worth more.

Personalised registration plates appealed to just 15% of people and 40% said they would be tempted to sell their car if they found it was worth more than expected.

Matt Thompson, marketing director at Auto Trader, the company who carried out the survey, said: "Whether consumers are looking to take advantage of extended scrappage schemes, or simply just want to keep up with their neighbours, there's never been a better time to think about selling a car.

"A lot of families in the UK could be sitting on a nest egg they don't know about."

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