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You risk extra costs if you make changes to your vehicle
Car owners often pay for extra features for their vehicle to get a better driving experience or to upgrade the aesthetics of their car. However, you may regret these optional extras further down the line.
Motor experts at Auto Express have advised vehicle owners contemplating upgrades to consider how this could impact the value of their motor. They have looked at a variety of extra features you might think about adding to your vehicle, such as alloy wheels, larger tyres or a sunroof.
Certain additions are worth the investment and can boost the price you achieve when selling your car, while others may turn out to be an expensive error. Paul Barker, editor at Auto Express, said: “Choosing the right optional extras comes down to understanding what the next buyer expects and what will genuinely make the car more appealing.
“Some features add real value, whilst others are more about personal indulgence.” One feature that might be worth paying out for is a panoramic sunroof.
Mr Barker said: “For SUVs and family cars, an opening glass roof can make a big difference. It brightens the cabin, improves the driving experience, and can recoup up to £1,000 when you sell the car.
“It’s one of the few options where buyers often see a decent chunk of their money back.” You might also want to invest in leather seats, as this can give your car a more luxurious feel.
Mr Barker said: “While it’s often expensive to specify, it can add £500 to £700 in resale value and makes the car more desirable to a wide range of buyers.” Another upgrade that could boost your car’s value is alloy wheels, as these can enhance the appearance of your vehicle and attract more potential buyers when it’s time to sell.
Mr Barker suggested a few other features that might be worth considering:
- Tinted windows – This relatively inexpensive modification can give your car a “sleeker, more finished look”
- Branded premium audio systems – Opting for a well-known brand like Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins could be a sound investment. Buyers may be interested if you have a high-quality system installed, helping your vehicle stand out
- Sporty-looking trim levels – Packages such as AMG-Line, M Sport, or R-Line might be worth installing. These generally appear more premium than basic models, and can appeal to a broader audience
- EV essentials – Certain features are increasingly expected as standard for EVs. These can include heated seats, heated steering wheels, and heat pumps. Mr Barker said: “Missing these can affect desirability and even reduce resale value, so it’s sensible to tick them if available.”
Optional extras that may not be worth the price
On the other hand, the car expert advised against making any of these upgrades:.
- Polarising colour choices – Opting for a bright or unusual colour for your car might please you, but it could make it more difficult to sell in the future
- Oversized wheels: While fitting alloys can enhance your vehicle’s value, choosing very large wheels can prove costly over time. These can increase your expenses, with higher running costs and poorer fuel efficiency, which may negate the benefit of the striking appearance
- Subscription-tied features – Some manufacturers now provide tech features as a subscription, such as advanced driver aids or performance upgrades. This could deter future owners and decrease your car’s value, as features like heated seats or high beam assist may be set to expire.
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