I'm buying a new car, what should i spec it with considering resale?

Question

Its the first new car i have ever bought and the audi dealer seems to think that every option is essential (i wonder why...) It will be an A5 3.2 Quattro. I assume metallic paint, SatNav, leather is standard. I was considering spending a lot on upgrading the alloys to RS ones - i think it makes the car look much better, but is it worth it?

Answer 1

It's only worth it if you can afford it.  Going broke over a set of shiny wheels is really foolish.

Naturally the higher the option package the more the car is worth, new or used, But I wouldn't be too concerned about resale value.  The car is going to plummet in value regardless of which options you have on it. All cars do.  Especially high priced Euro cars that are extremely expensive to repair.  

Answer 2

Any extra you add to the car new will make the car stand out from the crowd when it comes to resale. ie sat nav, alloys xenon lights climate control, metalic paint all adds value when it comes to resale. However because your going for a 3.2 letre engine the resale value will be poor in years to come due to this global warming c**p which if effecting running costs.

Answer 3

It,s a buyers market The value new must be around £30,000 and with the economy as it is feel the water to see if the salesman will offer the wheels to close the deal or offer to meet you half way.If not don't forget to take the removed tyres & wheels with you an sell them on Ebay to recover your money.  

Answer 4

Nothing.  It won;t matter.

Resale is a percentage of initial cost.

Yes, a loaded vehicle will resale for more than a base model...you also pay more for a loaded model.

Of course, you're considering an Audi, which has a reputation as being junk outside of the warranty period....you will be paying someone to take that car off your hands.

Answer 5

anything that you add to the car that is aftermarket or not audi parts will hurt the resale, sure you might be able to find some kid who thinks the wheels are cool, but most shoppers dont like to see after market items, and dealers know this.  

as far as options go they wont really help the resale value unless they are options that everyone wants. factory Nav screens for example, when buying that car used most everyone will think why should I pay the extra money for Nav when I dont really want it, or i could just easily add a garmin or tom tom to a car that doesnt have it. You are probably ok getting nav on an audi. Leather is a must, sunroof is probably good to.  

Answer 6

No, they will make no difference at all to the resale value 2 or 3 years down the line. Looks are in the eye of the beholder at any time.