Smoking

A survey of 2,7000 vehicle users performed by What Car? Discovered that 85.6% of used car buyers would be less likely to consider purchasing a vehicle that had been smoked in.

Smoking was named the biggest problem when considering buying a used vehicle. 85% of potential purchasers would expect to pay less for a car that has been smoked in.

Even though it is legal to smoke in a car, you should not allow it to distract you behind the wheel.

The Highway Code lists smoking as a distraction meaning if you are involved in a collision and it is determined that smoking caused you to be distracted, you could be charged with careless driving and be handed a hefty £100 fine and 3 points on your license!

Towing

66.68% of buyers are less likely to consider a model that had been used for towing.

Towing causes additional strain on your vehicle, from your engine to the brakes, which in turn causes a knock-on effect on the value of your car. If you are frequently towing a heavy object, it will eventually have an impact on important components and the roadworthiness of your vehicle.

You can avoid severe damage by checking your owner’s manual, taking the journeys slow and tow within your ability.

Pets

Surprisingly, 47.57% car buyers would avoid purchasing a car if the owner had pets in them, and 64% would expect to pay less if the car was used to carry animals.

You can minimise the impact your pet’s dirt has on your vehicle by taking precautions such as packing towels and blankets or having your pet travel in a crate.

See our driving with pets blog for more information regarding carrying pets in your vehicle.