How To Increase the Value of Your Car

Updated Oct 2025

The obvious reason for increasing your car value is that it will have a higher resale value if you decide to trade it in or sell it privately. Small details like having two car keys, a main and a spare or a full-service history can significantly impact your car’s market value and appeal. In fact, a study by We Buy Any Car reported that most buyers won’t even look at a car without a spare key. So by keeping house on a few aspects can future proof your investments moving forward and stop you loosing money in the long run.

1. Make Sure You Have Two Working Car Keys

One of the easiest ways to add value to your car is to make sure you have a spare/additional key for it! Having a spare car key will increase the value by:

• Buyer confidence: A second key signals the car’s been well cared for.

• Completeness: Cars originally sold with two keys are expected to be sold with both.

• Less Expense & Stress: Already having 2 keys for the car means the buyer doesn’t have to pay out or organise an auto locksmith after purchasing.

2. Keep Your Car Clean Inside and Out

The exterior of your car is the first thing potential buyers are going to be looking at and having a clean car will look great on advertising photos you take:

• Wash, polish, and wax the exterior.

• Deep-clean the seats and carpets.

• Remove your personal items and any stickers on the car.

This all will help you negotiate a higher asking price over a car that looks more worn and tired.

3. Keep Up with Servicing and Repairs

Ensure you have a full-service history. Presenting this to potential buyers reassures them that you have looked after the car well and any faults have been quickly identified and dealt with.

• Stick to manufacturer-recommended service intervals, this is usually once a year or every 12,000 miles.

• Keep all receipts, invoices, and MOT certificates.

• Fix small issues such as lights, tyres, and wipers before selling.

Did you know a stamped service book or digital record can add hundreds to your car’s value!

4. Sort Out Any Minor Faults

Any small warning lights or dashboard alerts in your car are enough to put buyers off, before listing your car for sale, you should:

• Fix any/all MOT advisories.

• Replace worn tyres or brake pads.

• Tidy up minor scratches or dents, no one wants to be the owner of a dented car!

5. Highlight Low Mileage to Increase Value of Car

If your car still has low mileage (under 7,500 to 10,000 miles per year of date manufactured), ensure you highlight this when selling your car as low mileage attracts buyers! If you are currently the only one to have owned and driven your car, ensure you make this clear as that also is a great selling point!

6. Include All Accessories and Manuals

When selling, make sure you provide the following which indicates your car is ready to be sold and driven away:

• Two keys

·        The owner’s manual and service book

• Spare tyre, locking wheel nut, and toolkit (or anything else that came with your car when it was bought new)

How to Get a Spare Car Key

If your car is missing a spare key, we can help! Simply give our friendly locksmith Leigh a call who will ask for a few small details about your car to ensure we have the correct parts stocked. We offer like-for-like car keys which are much cheaper than going to your dealership and able to programme them to your car. Let us help you make the most of your car sale and achieve the price you’re after!

FAQs

Q. Does having one car key affect my car’s value?

A. Yes. Buyers expect two keys, missing one can reduce the car’s resale value by a few hundred pounds.

Q. Can I sell a car with only one key?

A. You can but expect lower offers or slower sales. Replacing the spare key before listing your car makes it more appealing.

Q. What’s the easiest way to make my car look more valuable?

A. Clean it thoroughly, fix minor issues, and keep all service records together in a folder for buyers to review.

Get A Spare Car Key