5 Things That Lower Your Car's Value (And What You Can Do About It)

What's Dragging Down Your Car's Value?

Whether you're planning to sell tomorrow or next year, understanding what affects your car's value can help you make smarter decisions. Here are the five biggest value killers — and what you can do about each one.

1. High Mileage

This is the most obvious one. The more miles on the odometer, the less your car is typically worth. As a rough rule of thumb, the average American drives about 12,000-15,000 miles per year.

What you can do:

  • If you have two vehicles, consider spreading the miles between them
  • Keep up with maintenance — a well-maintained high-mileage car is worth more than a neglected low-mileage one
  • Keep detailed maintenance records to prove the car was well cared for

2. Cosmetic Damage

Dents, scratches, faded paint, stained interiors — these all chip away at your car's perceived value, even if they don't affect how it drives.

What you can do:

  • Small dents can often be fixed with paintless dent repair for $50-150 each
  • Touch-up paint can hide minor scratches for under $20
  • A professional detail ($150-300) can make the interior look dramatically better
  • Weigh the cost of repairs vs. the value they add — sometimes it's not worth fixing

3. Mechanical Issues

Warning lights, strange noises, worn brakes, bad tires — mechanical problems scare buyers and reduce your car's value significantly.

What you can do:

  • Fix cheap issues before selling (new wiper blades, air filter, burned-out bulbs)
  • For expensive repairs, get a quote so you can be transparent with buyers
  • Sometimes disclosing the issue and pricing accordingly is better than paying for an expensive repair

4. Smoking and Pet Odors

The smell of cigarette smoke or strong pet odors is one of the hardest things to remove from a car, and it can knock hundreds or even thousands off your sale price.

What you can do:

  • Professional ozone treatment ($100-200) can eliminate most odors
  • Replace the cabin air filter
  • Deep clean all fabric surfaces
  • If you still smoke in your car, stop now — the longer you wait, the harder (and more expensive) it is to remove

5. Incomplete Service History

Buyers — especially dealers — pay more for cars with documented maintenance histories. A car with no records raises red flags about whether it was properly cared for.

What you can do:

  • Start keeping records now, even if you haven't been
  • Ask your mechanic or dealership for copies of past service records
  • Keep receipts for oil changes, tire rotations, and any repairs
  • Some cars have service records tracked through the manufacturer's app or website

Bonus: What DOESN'T Lower Value as Much as You Think

  • Age alone: A 10-year-old car with low miles and good maintenance can still command a strong price
  • Minor wear: Small chips and light scratches are expected and don't significantly impact offers
  • Non-original parts: Quality aftermarket parts generally don't hurt value (though they can help or hurt depending on the buyer)

The Takeaway

You can't control everything about your car's value, but focusing on maintenance, cleanliness, and documentation can make a meaningful difference. When you're ready to sell, get a free quote from a local dealer and see what your car is worth today.