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If you’re planning to buy a new or used car, then you’re probably not thinking about having to sell it in a few years. However, resale value is something to consider since it’s more than likely that you won’t keep the car forever, literally speaking. In that case, there are some features that you may want to consider in your next car in order to raise its resale value when it’s time to offload it. Here are seven of the most popular features that are must-haves if you want to get the most money for your car when it’s time to sell.

1. A driver-assist package

Most new cars in the market today come standard with a suite of driver-assist features. For example, Honda has the Honda Sensing suite and Toyota has Toyota Safety Sense. In fact, nearly every automaker has a different name for the same package of features. The most important part is that you opt for a model and trim level that has them.

Some of these driver-assist features include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, a lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitors, and a rear cross-traffic alert. These features are highly desirable now and they definitely will be in the future, so make sure to get a car with a driver-assist suite.

2. Apple Carplay and Android Auto Compatibility

A display showing one of the best car trends in recent memory: Apple Carplay and Android Auto
Apple Carplay and Android Auto are the best things to happen to infotainment | Smith Collection via Getty Images

Fortunately, most cars come standard with Apple Carplay and Android Auto. And while that doesn’t mean that it’s a deal-breaker if the car that you want doesn’t have this type of phone integration, it would be best if it does.

For the unfamiliar, Apple Carplay and Android Auto allow you to use certain applications (Google Maps, Apple Maps, Spotify, What’s App, etc.) on your car’s infotainment screen, negating the need to look at your phone. As you can imagine, it works well when using it for navigation as you no longer need to mount your phone to the car and stare at it every few minutes to find your way.

3. Heated and ventilated seats

2021 Mazda CX-5 heated seats in front row
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 has heated seats in the front row | Mazda North American Operations

Considering we live in an age where automakers are now installing heated steering wheels and even armrests into their cars, heated seats are a must-have. Heated and ventilated seats were once reserved for higher-end luxury cars, however, many affordable commuter cars are now equipped with them. In that case, it would be wise for you to choose a car with heated and/or ventilated seats if you want to increase its resale value later on.

4. Remote start

 Key chains bearing the Mercedes-Benz logo at a Mercedes-Benz car dealership
Key chains bearing the Mercedes-Benz logo at a Mercedes-Benz car dealership. | Dmitry Rogulin\TASS via Getty Images

If you live in an area with extreme weather changes, like a snow state or maybe the desert, then remote start is a very welcomed feature. Being able to remote start your car from the comfort of your own home and then getting into a comfortable car is quite the treat. Some cars even allow you to remotely start it via a smartphone app, which can even run on a schedule. So if you want to ensure that you get the most for your money when it’s time to sell, then buy a car with a factory remote start feature.

5. Keyless entry

 The door handle of a Mercedes EQC 400, Daimler's first all-electric SUV, shows a symbol for the keyless entry system Keyless-Go for opening, closing, starting, and stopping without touching the ignition key.
The door handle of a Mercedes EQC 400, Daimler’s first all-electric SUV, shows a symbol for the keyless entry system Keyless-Go for opening, closing, starting, and stopping without touching the ignition key. | Jens Kalaene/picture alliance via Getty Images

This one is almost a no-brainer considering it’s a super convenient feature that allows you to keep the key in your pocket or purse while opening the door with one hand. Nearly every new car on the market comes with keyless entry. However, some older cars do not, so if you want the best resale value, then buy a car that can open its doors with a keyless remote fob.

6. Rear HVAC vents or controls

The rearseat vents in a Lexus.
The rearseat vents in a Lexus. | Joe Santos, MotorBiscuit

Just like the keyless entry, plenty of cars nowadays come with rear-seat vents and HVAC controls. Without them, the driver will have to blast the A/C or heater so that the rear occupants can feel them. That’s not very fun, so find a car with rear vents at a minimum. Your future self, occupants, and buyer will thank you.

7. USB ports

A mobile phone is plugged into a car with a USB cable.
A mobile phone is plugged into a car with a USB cable. | David Caudery/Official Windows magazine via Getty Images

USB ports might not seem like the most necessary feature to have, however, they come in handy when it comes to charging phones and other portable devices. Most of your occupants, whether they are friends or family, will likely want to be able to charge their phones, especially on longer road trips. So, it will behoove you to find a car with them, if possible.

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