Getting the best possible trade in value for your car starts the day you drive it off the show room floor. By treating that new car as an investment that you expect to get a return on, you will greatly increase the odds that you will be able to recoup most of your cars original value.

How often have you read news articles about someone who kept the family model T in good running condition, eventually trading it even up for a new car after 50 years of trusted service.

This isn't a complete pipe dream, though it will require you to be pretty particular about when and where you drive your car.

When was the last time you actually followed the maintenance schedule published in the owner's manual in your glove compartment? If your like most people an oil change and grease job was the extent of your preventative maintenance program as long as you've been driving. Expecting not to keep that car forever, why bother. The next guy can do it.

How about minor scratches and parking lot dents. Minor cosmetic issues can greatly reduce the appeal of your car to a prospective buyer, greatly affecting it's trade-in value. Even rock chips can be a definite turn off for buyers.

Damaged glass will also stop a deal in its tracks. Even small rock chips will eventually spread to leave a glaring crack, usually right across the drivers field of vision. Take care of small chips immediately to prevent the need for windshield replacement.

Visible rust and corrosion damage, faded paint, both will send trade-in values into a nose dive. Regular washing and waxing will keep the finish of your car in good shape. Be sure to wash the underside as well when you take your weekly trip through the car wash. Mud built up in corners will give rust the start it needs to dissolve your car from the bottom up.

If you treat your car like it's the only one you'll ever have, and it must make it through your entire live time. Realizing you must go above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to keeping it in good mechanical and cosmetic condition. Then maybe, if your quite lucky, you'll be able to command top dollar when it comes time to actually trade it in on another new car.

Learn more about this author, Curtis Carper.
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