As the countdown to September's 54-plate launch begins, jamjar cars has identified a specification checklist to help new car buyers retain more of their vehicle's value for longer.

Depreciation means that up to 30 per cent of a new car's value is lost as soon as it is driven away from the forecourt. However, by carefully making the right choice at the purchasing stage and not necessarily increasing initial outlay Power assisted steering, alloy wheels, air-conditioning, CD player and sunroof (manual or automatic) can all increase a vehicle's re-sale value by more than 10 per cent when compared to a lower-spec version of the same car.

Falling car production costs have resulted in wider availability of what were once prestige features, with many fitted as standard or offered as free extras.

The re-sale value of extras is also only applicable if fitted before the first registration. If options are added on after this they an actually detract from a car's value, particularly if non-standard.

Chris Rushworth, the sales manager of jamjar cars,said: "Typical 'Max Power'-style add-ons - oversized wheels, spoiler, body kit - should definitely be avoided if you want your vehicle to have any significant re-sale value".

jamjar cars specification checklist: 1) Air-conditioning, 2) Power assisted steering, 3) Alloy wheels, 4) Metallic paint, 5) Sunroof, 6) Leather trim, 7) CD player, 8) ABS, 9) Remote central locking, 10) Satellite navigation.