Buying a new vehicle? We bet you're tempted to dive into that list of car options! But should you stack your ride with every conceivable add-on and feature?
Generally, vehicle options or add-ons will depreciate in value quickly. This, of course, varies by model, current supply and demand levels, region and the options themselves. However, if you are buying a new car and want to select a trim with only the bells and whistles that move the resale value needle, here's what to look for.
First Rule of Thumb: Convenience Reigns Supreme
Luxury car options may be nice, but are they really that useful? When in doubt, figure in the "convenience factor." Americans love quality-of-life products and despise being inconvenienced. If a car add-on, option or vehicle trim package makes life noticeably better or easier, you'll have fewer hassles trying to sell that vehicle.
Remember: Your goal is to own a vehicle that will have a larger audience of buyers in X number of years. What tech or feature will be the "norm" in the automotive industry? What will shoppers really expect from their vehicles by that time? Take all that into account when purchasing your new ride. (And strongly consider buying a good electric vehicle, like the Hyundai IONIQ 5.)
Most Sought-After Vehicle Options
Navigation
Fifteen years ago, built-in GPS navigation was an expensive, optional feature in most (i.e., average) new cars. Sure, the luxury models would include them on their higher trim levels; but finding a base Hyundai Sonata with navigation was like striking oil in your backyard.
Today, most new, low- and mid-trim models come with navigation, including the 2023 Hyundai Sonata SEL. Ten years from now, most shoppers will expect any used vehicle they purchase to come with onboard navigation. Compared to a smartphone, vehicle navigation systems are simpler to use and even tie into other in-car features, like head-up displays. A nav system is probably the biggest "must have" feature to package in your next new vehicle.
There's a reason why the IIHS grades vehicles' headlights—they can really enhance or harm the driving experience. The best car LED headlights will last longer, shine brighter, and may even come attached to a convenient automatic high-beam system.
Cars with rear-wheel drive may have a large pool of shoppers here in Miami, but around the country, it's AWD or bust. All-wheel drive, especially with SUVs, is a definite selling point for about 100 million people in America.
Cosmetic and interior vehicle options have a minor effect on vehicle resale price—except for leather seating. Even though they run cold in the winter and hot in the summer, and they can peel and crack over time, leather seats are highly desirable.
To recoup your expense, it's best to buy a higher trim level with leather seats. Adding leather upholstery to a relatively dull trim won't guarantee an increase in resale value. And always treat them well! Condition them regularly, especially if you live in a sunny or hot climate.
Desirable by just about everyone, vehicle sunroofs really open up the cabin—even if the specs say otherwise. That's just the magic of natural light!
While certainly sought-after cosmetic features, sunroofs and moonroofs don't necessarily increase vehicle resale values, but they don't necessarily hurt them, either. Used cars with sunroofs usually sell better in warmer climates and during the summer, so take that into consideration if and when you attempt to put your vehicle up for sale.
Used small pickup trucks—especially urban or city trucks, like the Hyundai Santa Cruz—are popular buys these days. But if you do opt for something large and in charge, don't disregard any upgraded towing packages without first comparing the pros (more powah) and cons (price). People who are shopping for pre-owned trucks may very well want the extra trailing capacity.
Remember when we mentioned that you should buy a new car that will offer futuristic levels of convenience? That's adaptive cruise control. Hyundai's Smart Cruice Control with Stop & Go will absolutely change your life. It uses radars to automatically maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you, and the system will even brake fully if traffic also comes to a stop.
In a decade, it's a safe bet that car shoppers are going to want this type of driver-assist feature.
As automatic CVTs take over, it seems like stick shifts are dying. That's not true! There are still many shoppers who seek sporty vehicles with manual transmissions. Your net may not catch as many of these buyers, but once you do, that shifter may fetch you a prettier penny.
Contact our Miami car dealership to request a quote for a Hyundai Elantra N with a 6-speed manual.
Vehicle Options Probably Not Worth Buying
Wondering what features or dealer add-ons may not really be worth the extra expense in the long run? All of these options do serve a purpose, but only certain shoppers will really want or care about them when researching used cars for sale:
- VIN etching – Your vehicle ID number is already located in several places.
- Key protection – If you're someone who loses their keys any time the wind blows, by all means get key or key fob protection. But unlike GAP insurance—definitely get it!—this type of insurance will just eat your money. Besides, key fob failure is incredibly rare, and when it does occur, it's most likely to be covered by a manufacturer warranty.
- Nitrogen tires – Unless you're buying a performance car that will live on the track, or unless you can get them filled really cheaply, nitrogen-filled tires are probably an unnecessary expense. Read more about the pros and cons of nitrogen tires.
- Premium sound systems – An affordable new vehicle with an expensive audio system is unlikely to fetch top resale dollar. It's one of those nice-to-have features.
- Bigger wheels – Having large wheels will necessitate large tires and caps, which are more expensive. Upgrading to bigger wheels on a base trim isn't going to help you sell your vehicle or make you any extra money.
- Specialty tires – Steer clear of expensive off-road, winter and performance tires if you're buying a daily driver. Prospective buyers aren't going to care about anything other than the tires' tread and condition.
- Rear entertainment systems – Twenty years ago, having a DVD player and screen in the back of an SUV meant you were living the dream. Technology has obviously come a long way since the 1990s, and those systems are now archaic. In five years, will today's in-car entertainment systems follow suit?
Get a Car Trade-In Estimate at Braman Hyundai
Before you buy a new car near you, don't forget about your old one. Come to our Hyundai dealership near Hialeah to get the most trade value for your current vehicle. Request your car trade-in quote online or contact our auto sales team in Miami at (786) 623-4261 today. Happy shopping (and future selling)!
