Depreciation is a major factor in buying and selling a vehicle. The aver- age auto can lose 30 percent of its value after the first year. After three years – the duration of most leases – the car’s value may have decreased by as much as 50 percent. Those looking to sell or trade-in cars will need to emphasize maintenance to get the most for their vehicle. There are ways to reduce a vehi- cle’s depreciation and improve its resale value, whether selling to a pri- vate buyer or trading in the auto to a dealership. 1. Buy the “right” car in the first place. Some models and brands sim- ply hold their value better than others. Dealerships will promote this fact when attempting to sell a car. Choosing these types of vehicles can mean 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’t buy a vehicle that goes against the norm in a particular geographic area. Otherwise, sellers will be left with a car with little resale value. 3. Stick to standard colors. Fad col- ors, such as lime green or bright orange, may turn heads, but they’ll be harder to find buyers for later on. This could reduce the asking price for the vehicle when it comes time to sell. 4. Choose the right upgrades. A fancy stereo system or top-of-the-line navigation system won’t necessarily add value to the vehicle. However, leather seats, a sunroof and an auto- matic transmission are popular among buyers. 5. Maintain the vehicle. Keep Maximizing Vehicle Resale Value records of maintenance that show the car was well cared for. Follow manu- facturers’ maintenence schedules for oil changes and tire rotation, among other things. 6. Trade in like for like. A seller may get a better trade-in rate on a used car if he or she is buying the same make in the new vehicle. For example, a Chevrolet dealership may offer a better trade-in price for that old Malibu if the owner is looking at a new Traverse. Keep in mind that if a buyer is thinking about keeping a car until it’s racked up tons of miles and is gen- erally older than dust, depreciation values really won’t matter much. In those instances, he or she should sim- ply purchase the car liked the best. Family Owned & Operated for 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 TRANSMISSION TRAN SAVER Come in for a check engine light diagnosis. CITIZEN’S NEWS Friday, October 8, 2010 17 The SHAKER FAMILY HAS 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 Group 1189 New Haven Road , Naugatuck, CT 06770 203-729-0707 FAMILY FORD, INC. 1200 Wolcott Street Waterbury, CT 06705 203-757-1201 Fax: 203-757-0194 www.familyford.com 831 Straits Turnpike Watertown, 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 $ 19 95 • LUBE, OIL & FILTER CHANGE • 27 POINT INSPECTION Up to 5 quarts of oil. Diesel engines extra. Lube, Oil & Filter Special NOW Jump Into Fall 1. Oil Filter Change 2. Cooling System Flush 3. Full Safety Inspection with Inspection Sheet 4. Tire Rotation $ 129 95 NORMALLY $ 239 95 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 Program on 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 203-573-03333 1-800-922-2828 • 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 to Insurance Companies • Windshield Repair • Written Lifetime No Leak Warranty 168 Homer St. (Chase Ave.) e-mail: [email protected] Open 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 $ 24 95 *