I Asked a Car Expert: 6 Features That Will Up the Resale Value of a Car
Written by
Josephine Nesbit
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
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In many cases, a well-maintained, popular car model will command more money on the used market. But beyond brand reputation and regular service records, certain features can make a vehicle stand out to buyers and drive up resale value.
Today, many buyers are willing to pay more for safety, technology and a little bit of luxury that improve the driving experience. According to car experts, these features typically help cars hold their value.
Sunroof
“People love sunroofs. For many buyers, a sunroof is a deal-breaker,” Melanie Musson, auto industry expert with AutoInsurance.org, wrote in an email. While not everyone likes a sunroof, the right buyer is often willing to pay extra for one.
According to a 2025 study by AutoPacific, 42% of new vehicle intenders surveyed wanted a sunroof. “A sunroof will typically increase the value of your vehicle by $500 to $1,000 compared to a similar vehicle without one,” Musson added.
Tinted Windows
Tinted windows can give drivers some privacy and help reduce glare and improve visibility on the road.
“Not everyone loves tinted windows, but if your car appeals to a specific demographic that values them, you could get an extra $250 to $500 if your vehicle features tinted windows,” Musson explained.
Keep in mind that in many states, tinted car windows must meet specific requirements. For example, California allows any level of tint for rear side and rear windows. But for front-side windows, the darkest legal tint is 70% visible light transmission, and the front windshield can have a non-reflective tint on only the top 4 inches, according to California Vehicle Code Section 26708.
Advanced Safety Features
“The average person wants to own a car that feels safe on the road, and advanced systems improve that feeling. That’s why features like blind-spot monitoring and backup cameras are always valuable to people looking to buy a used car,” explained Dale Gillespie, car expert and chief operating officer of DirectKia. “A car equipped with these systems will usually fetch a premium because buyers know they won’t have to fit them manually or, worse, compromise on safety.”
According to Musson, even having just a rear camera can add an additional $500 or more to a car compared with a vehicle without one.
Heated Seats
Heated seats aren’t essential, but they do help improve comfort, especially in cold weather. The AutoPacific survey found that 37% of intended drivers wanted heated seats.
“Heated seats could add as much as $1,000 to your vehicle’s value when you sell it,” Musson said.
Infotainment Technology
Infotainment technology can significantly influence a car’s resale value.
“Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth integration and touchscreens are now considered standard in almost every vehicle at least five years old,” according to Gillespie. “So most buyers look out for them, and an already used car without them feels outdated, even if it’s mechanically sound.”
High-Quality Interior
A high-quality interior often makes a big first impression on car shoppers.
“Their conditioning matters a lot, but leather seating and high-quality interior trims make the best impressions,” Gillespie explained. “Buyers sometimes don’t even realize that they associate these features with luxury, and well-maintained interiors can increase resale value by as much as $2,000 on mid-range cars, so it’s something to look out for.”
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