How much does high mileage hurt my trade-in value?

Mileage significantly decreases value. If you drive more than the average 12,000 miles per year, expect a lower value regardless of the vehicle's age.

Do car modifications increase the value of my car?

Generally, no. You rarely recoup the cost of modifications, and they often decrease the vehicle’s value because they limit the number of potential buyers interested.

How badly does smoking in a car affect its resale value?

Significantly. The odor is very difficult to remove, and buyers are increasingly intolerant of smoked-in vehicles, leading to a major reduction in trade-in offers.

Is my information private?

Yes. Your details remain with Salem Nissan and are never shared until you approve next steps.

Protect Your Car's Value | Salem Nissan

7 Things That Will Significantly Decrease Your Car’s Value

Q: What's the best way to maintain my car's value?

The single most important factor you control is regular, scheduled maintenance. Skipping oil changes and repairs will drastically decrease value.

Q: How fast is the process?

When paperwork is prepared, many guests finish quickly. Jason Sarango coordinates steps so your time is respected.

Your vehicle's value is constantly dropping, but you control how fast it falls. Protect your investment by avoiding these 7 major depreciation pitfalls.

Ask About Trade-In Value

The Factors You Control the Most

These first three are directly tied to daily habits and care — they hit your trade-in the hardest.

Skipping Maintenance

Ignoring the service schedule is a massive red flag. Techs can tell when a car’s been neglected — expect a significant value drop.

Smoking Inside

Odor is hard to eliminate and most buyers avoid smoked-in vehicles, which means a major hit to offers.

Too Many Mods

You rarely recoup accessory spend. Heavy mods often decrease value by shrinking the buyer pool.

Schedule a Maintenance Check

Your 7-Point Value Protection Guide

Know what impacts value — and how to get ahead of it.

Skipping Maintenance

Lack of records and missed oil changes severely penalize value.

A Discontinued Make

Brands that cease operations can spook buyers due to parts/service.

Higher Mileage

Well above ~12k/yr will pull value down even on newer models.

Dings & Dents

Cosmetic neglect makes a car look tired — offers follow suit.

Undesirable Spec

Low-demand trims/colors/options won’t pull top dollar.

Smoking

Persistent odor drives buyers away — appraisals drop quickly.

Too Many Modifications

Enjoy them, but expect lower trade value. Most shoppers prefer stock.

Get a Free Trade-In Appraisal

What Buyers Are Saying

“Jason Sarango explained exactly how maintenance records affect value. Transparent and fair appraisal.”

— Happy Seller near 93 S Broadway, Salem, NH 03079

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Selling With Jason Sarango — FAQs

What's the best way to maintain my car's value?

Regular, scheduled maintenance is #1. Skipping service slashes offers.

How much does high mileage hurt value?

Above ~12k/year reduces value — even if the car is otherwise clean.

Do modifications add value?

Rarely. They usually narrow demand and decrease the offer.

Does smoking really matter?

Yes — odor removal is tough and turns buyers away.

How fast is the process?

With paperwork prepped, many finish quickly. Jason Sarango coordinates steps.

Is my info private?

Yes. Salem Nissan keeps your details private until you approve next steps.

Get a Fair & Transparent Appraisal

Ready to trade? Jason Sarango will factor these items and get you the best possible offer.

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