Drivers urged to buy car with 3 features to hold its value best

A motoring expert has urged all Brits thinking about buying a new car to make sure it has three features that could help it to maintain its value for years to come. Whilst fuel economy, interior space and reliability are all vital factors when it comes to buying a new model, motorists who consider the amount of standard equipment available can get significantly more for their car when it is time to sell.

A spokesperson for the vehicle buying service BigWantsYourCar.com recommended that one of the most important features to have in a car is a feature-packed touchscreen. They explained: "Buyers are actively searching for cars with smartphone integration. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now seen as essential features, not luxuries. Vehicles with this tech are more likely to get snapped up quickly and fetch a higher price. Although many drivers now rely on their phones, an integrated sat-nav still adds value. It’s especially useful in areas with patchy signal or for older buyers who prefer a traditional setup."

Whilst practically all new cars now come with some form of infotainment touchscreens to control features like the radio and air conditioning, BigWantsYourCar.com highlighted that models with a more comprehensive set of functions will likely retain more of their value over time.

In particular, the company urged new car buyers to make sure the model they are interested in has smartphone mirroring systems, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Both features allow drivers to access a wide range of features from a menu system that looks very similar to that of their smartphone, helping to keep the car up to date and particularly user-friendly.

BigWantsYourCar.com's spokesperson also stated that models that are fitted with front and rear parking sensors are more likely to sell for higher prices on the used market.

They continued: "Parking sensors make life easier in crowded urban spaces. They’re especially popular with first-time drivers and families, and can increase a car’s desirability on the second-hand market."

The expert also suggested that drivers choose models that come with parking cameras, which can make it even easier for motorists to fit in tight spaces without the risk of scrapes or dents.

Finally, drivers were urged by BigWantsYourCar.com to find a new model that comes equipped with heated front seats.

They added: "A small luxury that makes a big impression. Heated seats are becoming increasingly popular, especially in colder months – and they’re one of those features people don’t realise they want until they try them."

This is particularly important for motorists looking to buy an electric model, with heated seats typically using less energy than a conventional heater, therefore protecting more of the battery's charge.