Will the required spec of my daughter's new Volkswagen Golf affect its residual value?

My 23-year-old daughter is about to place an order for a car, and she'd like something economical but sporty and young looking. Her current choice is a 1.6 Volkswagen Golf Bluemotion Tech 3-door in white with the darkened rear windows, parking aid and rear camera options. She has a 30-mile journey each day with a combination of 10 miles on the M40/M25 and London traffic too. White seems a popular colour these days, however I'm less certain about the popularity of the combination of three doors and Bluemotion when selling in five years time. Finally, should we add the fully automatic air conditioning (about £380 extra after discount) and will it help the residual value?

Asked on 5 July 2010 by Cadence

Answered by Honest John

£380 for climate control is a waste of money that you won't get back. The combination of white body, rear privacy glass and Bluemotion 1.6 is interesting, if your dealer can get what might be a special order before any general price increase. Yes, three doors restricts the market, but equally there can be enthusiasm for a spec like this that isn't often available, so it could add value when you sell.

Tags: air con depreciation extras specification

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