Depreciation is a major factor inbuying and selling a vehicle. The aver-age auto can lose 30 percent of itsvalue after the first year. After threeyears – the duration of most leases –the car’s value may have decreased by as much as 50 percent. Those lookingto sell or trade-in cars will need toemphasize maintenance to get themost for their vehicle.

There are ways to reduce a vehi-cle’s depreciation and improve itsresale value, whether selling to a pri-vate buyer or trading in the auto to adealership.

1. Buy the “right” car in the firstplace. Some models and brands sim-ply hold their value better than others.Dealerships will promote this factwhen attempting to sell a car.Choosing these types of vehicles canmean a better resale value later on.

2. Keep geography in mind. A con-vertible won’t be as popular in Alaska as it will be in southern Florida. Don’tbuy a vehicle that goes against thenorm in a particular geographic area.Otherwise, sellers will be left with acar with little resale value.

3. Stick to standard colors. Fad col-ors, such as lime green or brightorange, may turn heads, but they’ll be harder to find buyers for later on. This could reduce the asking price for thevehicle when it comes time to sell.

4. Choose the right upgrades. Afancy stereo system or top-of-the-linenavigation system won’t necessarilyadd value to the vehicle. However,leather seats, a sunroof and an auto-matic transmission are popularamong buyers.

5. Maintain the vehicle. Keep

Maximizing Vehicle Resale Value

records of maintenance that show thecar was well cared for. Follow manu-facturers’ maintenence schedules foroil changes and tire rotation, amongother things.

6. Trade in like for like. A sellermay get a better trade-in rate on aused car if he or she is buying thesame make in the new vehicle. Forexample, a Chevrolet dealership mayoffer a better trade-in price for thatold Malibu if the owner is looking at a new Traverse.

Keep in mind that if a buyer isthinking about keeping a car until it’sracked up tons of miles and is gen-erally older than dust, depreciationvalues really won’t matter much. Inthose instances, he or she should sim-ply purchase the car liked the best.

Family Owned & Operatedfor Over 47 Years

Lakewood Road onto Industry Lane. Top of the hill on the right.

• New Transmission Fluid, Pan Gasket & Filter• Most Cars & Trucks• By Appointment Please

TRANSMISSIONTRAN SAVER

Come in for a check engine light diagnosis.

CITIZEN’S NEWSFriday, October 8, 2010 17

The SHAKER FAMILYHAS SERVICED THE VALLEY FOR OVER 70 YEARS... OUR

CERTIFIED FORD, LINCOLN, MERCURY TECHNICIANS WILL

SERVICE ALL MAKES AND MODELS AT A COMPETITIVE

PRICE AND UNSURPASSED QUALITY. ALL OF OUR

LOCATIONS ARE SET UP TO HANDLE ALL YOUR FORD, LINCOLN, OR MERCURY WARRANTY REPAIRS.

WE REALLY WANT TO EARN YOUR BUSINESS

A Division of The Shaker Auto Group1189 New Haven Road , Naugatuck, CT 06770

203-729-0707

FAMILY FORD, INC.

1200 Wolcott StreetWaterbury, CT 06705

203-757-1201Fax: 203-757-0194

www.familyford.com

831 Straits TurnpikeWatertown, CT 06795

860-945-4900

Must present coupon when order is written.Most makes and models. Not valid with any other offer.

One coupon per visit. EXPIRES 10/22/10

$1995• LUBE, OIL & FILTER CHANGE • 27 POINT INSPECTION

Up to 5 quarts of oil. Diesel engines extra.

Lube, Oil &Filter Special

NOWJump Into Fall1. Oil Filter Change

2. Cooling System Flush

3. Full Safety Inspection

with Inspection Sheet

4. Tire Rotation

$12995NORMALLY $23995

Up to 5 Quarts.Most Makes & Models.

Diesel Extra. Must present coupon when order is written.

Most makes and models. Not valid with any other offer. One coupon per visit. OFFER EXPIRES 10/22/10

Tires We will Meet or Beat Any Tire Price on our Programon All Name-brand Tires We Sell – including Goodyear, Continental, Michelin, and more.

GUARANTEED!Must present coupon when order is written. Most makes and models.

Not valid with any other offer. One coupon per visit. EXPIRES 10/22/10

SERVICES WE OFFER

203-723-7247

203-573-033331-800-922-2828

• Custom Mirrors• Custom Shower &

Tub Enclosures• Replacement Windows• Storm Doors & Windows• Plexi-glass, Lexan• Insulated Glass• Furniture Glass Tops• Screens Repaired

• Contract Glazing• Storefronts• Door Repair• Plate Glass Replacement

• Direct Billing toInsurance Companies

• Windshield Repair• Written Lifetime

No Leak Warranty

168 Homer St. (Chase Ave.)

e-mail: transmission@snet.netOpen Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Bernard Caruso Jr. • Kevin Murphy

• CERTIFIED TECHNICIANS • • COMPUTERIZED DIAGNOSTICS •

Check Engine Light On?

OIL CHANGE & FREE SAFETY CHECK*Up to 5 qts. oil

$2495*