Best Vehicle Accessories to Increase Resale Value

When it comes to adding accessories, most buyers think about what appeals to them. They may be looking at upgrading a stereo system or adding fancy wheels for their ride. While the most important thing is to add accessories that will enhance your use or enjoyment of the vehicle, you might want to also consider how it will affect resale value, especially if you don’t plan to keep the vehicle for too many years.

Safety First

Safety accessories often add value to a vehicle, especially if it is older and doesn’t contain features that are standard on today’s models. A prime example is adding a rearview camera to a model that doesn’t have one.

Other safety systems come as options when you buy a new vehicle. You might want to think about including some of these in your purchase, especially if you plan to sell the vehicle in the next few years. Additional safety features make a vehicle more attractive to a wider range of buyers while also increasing the price you can get.

Functionality

When considering which accessories will add resale value or even help you sell your vehicle faster, you’ll want to think about the potential buyer. For instance, a three-row SUV is likely a purchase for a family, so a rear-seat entertainment system will appeal to parents who want to keep their kids happy on long drives. This same system might not have as much appeal to truck buyers who are often looking for a different function.

Mud guards, running boards, and a tailgate step are all accessories that would appeal for someone buying a truck. These truck accessories are practical and add value to the truck in some way. A hitch receiver already installed on a truck or SUV is another accessory with great appeal because both vehicles are often used for towing.

What about fun accessories?

When you’re thinking of adding accessories, sometimes you just want to have some fun. Whether you’re considering graphics, stripes on the hood, or an amazing sound system, you should add whatever appeals to you if it helps you enjoy your ride more. However, if you’re looking at future resale value, these “fun” features often won’t add to your vehicle’s worth.

Design elements like stripes or graphics are personal. What one person likes another person may find to be ugly. If it’s a limited edition color or special badging, you might see an increase in value since there may be more buyers than there were models for sale. Otherwise, add those accessories only for your enjoyment rather than hoping to increase the value when you want to sell.

Stereo systems, entertainment systems, and other fun features seldom increase the value of a vehicle, especially if you keep it for a few years. Those state of the art sound systems are quickly replaced by something bigger and better.

One exception is with lifted trucks. If you choose to add special shocks and a lift kit to a truck, you’ll often increase its value when you’re ready to sell. These buyers are looking for a unique truck and are willing to pay extra for those bonus features.

Should you or shouldn’t you?

If you’re trying to decide on adding accessories to your vehicle, focus more on what appeals to you rather than what will improve the price when you are ready to sell. While some accessories may allow you to increase the price by a few hundred dollars, they won’t have a big impact on the worth of your vehicle.