It’s generally accepted that a car’s value decreases by at least 10 percent as soon as it leaves the lot. While luxury cars do tend to have higher resale values than standard vehicles, for high-end buyers, that’s still a lot of money. The factors that affect the resale value of your luxury car are the same as for any vehicle—with a few more variables. Brand reputation is the big one, but there’s a lot to consider.

The Basics

Like any pre-owned car, there are obvious factors that affect resale value. Like any car, luxury cars are valued by:

Condition

While there are many luxury cars with great mileage ranges , buyers aren’t looking for a fixer-upper, preowned luxury car. Unless you can describe it as “mint,” you don’t have a lot of leverage.

Performance

The engine should still be purring. A luxury car’s resale price is reflective of how well it was treated.

Mileage

Even if a car is mint, 200,000 miles isn’t going to be attractive.

Paint color

For Ferrari buyers, there are a variety of unique colors you can paint your car , and while buying a tangerine-colored model might’ve seemed like a fun idea at the time, not all used car buyers will be so taken with it. White, silver, and black cars will have better resale value.

Special Features

This is where luxury cars depart from mainstream vehicles. They want the extras—at least enough of them that it’s still an indulgent driving experience. At minimum, interior leather and wood should have specific identifiers (bull skin, black ash). Sound systems such as Bang & Olufsen or Burmester are sought after, as well as anything massaging.

Upkeep Costs

Even if it’s a good deal, buyers can balk at a luxury car if they know its maintenance will be monstrously expensive. The car’s parts aren’t any cheaper than when it was brand-new. The cutting-edge features are a perk until they break down and require thousands of dollars to repair. Luxury cars also cost more when it comes to insurance and fuel.

Brand

Just as high society reveres traditional “old family” names, car enthusiasts rely on a car’s brand reputation above all else—and are usually looking for one in particular. These are a few of the brands with traditionally higher resale value:

Mercedes

Its German counterparts Audi and BMW are well thought of, but Mercedes’ safety record puts it firmly above them.

Porsche

It may sound boring, but Porsche is famous for its reliability. A buyer isn’t looking for a fast car just to have it break down in a few miles.

Lexus

Every year, Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds gush over Lexus’ consistently high resale values. Sedans, Coupes, hybrids, and sport utility vehicles all do well.

How well you’ve taken care of it is one of the biggest factors that affect the resale value of your luxury car , so keep it in peak condition. Then call Nahas Motorcars for a free quote. Our experts will fly to you, inspect the car, and make an offer. You can have the money and be on your way within a half hour, because your time is worth even more than your car.