One of the most important aspects of a car for owners who plan to sell their vehicle on is its range of parts and components, according to an auction organiser.
Making the right decision when it comes to additional options can add hundreds of pounds to the value of a car, a survey by Manheim Auctions reveals.
The company polled nearly 100 top used-car buyers and found that the most desirable options are leather interiors, metallic paint, a good sound system and satellite navigation, particularly if it has been factory-fitted.
Paintjobs are also particularly important, as the wrong shade can make a car less desirable and limit the amount that it could fetch at resale.
Rob Barr, Manheim’s communications director, said: "This research simply reflects what trade buyers think and it’s these guys who really determine the price of used cars.
"The message is simple – motorists should ignore options at their peril when buying their next new car."
The vehicle segment that is most sensitive to specification is the luxury executive car market, according to Manheim, with the type of gearbox a particularly important aspect within this sector.