PRESS RELEASE

17^THAUGUST 2016

Retrofit add-ons can destroy used car values, says Glass's

Big bore exhausts, aftermarket alloys and tinted glass put off potential buyers

Retrofit add-ons like big bore exhausts, aftermarket alloys and tinted glass can put off potential used car buyers and destroy values, says Glass's.

Andy Cutler, forecast values editor, explained that these non-manufacturer options suggested that the previous owner was a boy racer and the car would have been driven hard.

"To the previous owners, particularly younger drivers, these retro-fitted extras must have increased the overall appeal of the car.

"However, when it's time to sell or part exchange, such enhancements put many buyers off, even when they have been fitted really well, due to the image that they portray.

"Often these cars are completely overlooked by buyers in auction halls, most likely because the instant image that these vehicles project is that they have been owned by boy-racers."

The impact on values can be significant, Andy added, a recent example being a 2011 registered Seat Leon 2.0 TSI 5dr at 55,000 miles that was ostensibly worth £6,610 which sold for just £5,700 in the trade. Apparently, this was because of its aftermarket tinted windows and non-standard alloy wheels.

He said: "On the other hand, original factory fitted optional extras, such as larger alloy wheels and tinted rear windows, actually have a positive effect in general on resale value because not only do they visually improve the look of the car but they are trusted by buyers and won't look out of place on the forecourt.

"However, when it comes to the retrofit market and car values, our advice is very simple. Don't."

About Glass's

Glass's is the largest vehicle data provider in Europe, offering products and solutions that are invaluable at every stage of a vehicle's lifecycle. These include key valuation, technical and fleet management data, estimating, bodyshop and dealer management systems and web-based services. Founded in 1933 by William Glass, the first Glass's Guide to Car Values - widely referred to as the used car dealer's bible - was published in July of that year.

For further details:

• Sanjay Mistry, Paperchase PR, 07810 368 772, sanjay@paperchasepr.co.uk

• Simon Wells, Paperchase PR, 07768 912 430, simon@paperchasepr.co.uk

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