Back when I was selling used cars at a small independent lot here in Columbus, Ohio, I saw the same thing play out over and over. Drivers showed up shocked that their vehicle wasn’t worth anywhere near what they expected. 

And I get it. On paper, it’s clean, runs fine, and maybe even has low miles. But what most people don’t realize is that resale value isn’t just about the basics. It’s about the details you’ve ignored, the habits you don’t think twice about, and the timing you didn’t plan for. 

After more than a decade on the retail side and now years covering the auto market, I can tell you exactly what’s quietly tanking your car’s worth…and how to stop it.

You don’t track service history

Skipping routine maintenance (or worse, not keeping records) can crush resale value. Buyers get nervous when your oil changes, tire rotations, and tune-ups aren’t documented. Sellers with full-service logs often command a noticeably higher price.

You’re racking up miles

Mileage is the most obvious value killer. Every extra mile chips away at worth. Keep yearly use under 12,000 miles. Over that, and buyers expect steeper discounts.

You’re ignoring car cleanliness

A dirty interior or gritty exterior feels like neglect. Buyers might walk away at the sight of grimy seats, cracked trim, or smoky smells. A regular wash and occasional detailing pay off when it’s time to sell.

You’re over‑modifying

That loud aftermarket exhaust may thrill you, but it screams trouble to buyers. Dealers worry about legality, insurance, and reliability. Custom wheels, tint, or body kits might actually cost you thousands at resale.

You don’t mind your car’s color

It turns out color affects value more than we expect. Popular, bold colors often hold up better. But neutrals like black or white (though trendy) can depreciate faster than rarer hues.

You have a salvage title

A salvage or rebuilt title is a major red flag. KBB says it can wipe out 20% to 40% of your car’s value, even if repairs are rock solid. Buyers just don’t trust it.

Now, I’ve driven plenty of rebuilt vehicles, and fixed right (!), they’re perfectly fine, performance-wise. Just don’t expect to get full retail when you’re ready to move on.

You sell at the wrong time

Markets shift fast. In summer 2025, used-car prices began softening. This trend forecast might continue through July or August. If you wait too long, trade-in value drops as more inventory floods the market.

We found that listing right as tax season hit helped with sales. Folks getting a refund and needing a car quickly tended to jump on our listings.

You skip repairs on minor fixes

Dents, scrapes, cracked trim, or burned upholstery? Small cosmetic issues can cost you much more than the repair bill. Buyers will use them to negotiate down. Get them fixed before listing.

You ignore market trends

Fuel prices, economy, and demand can reshape value fast. Compact sedans lost value as supply increased in 2025. Meanwhile, SUVs and hybrids stayed strong due to shifting consumer tastes.

You hold on to the car too long

Cars age, wear mounts, and new tech surpasses them. 

While I’m all about keeping your paid-off, good-running car as long a practically possible, I can’t deny this affects resale value. After year three, depreciation slows, but wear begins to matter more. 

If resale value is your main focus, you might sell around year three to five before mileage and repairs start to subtract more. Just keep in mind that selling a “young” car means you’ll have to replace it, and that costs.

If you’re planning to sell, a little awareness and upkeep now can land you a much better deal later on. Always treat your car like you’d want to buy it all over again, and your resale check will thank you.