Consequences of Dashboard Dining

Hitting the drive-thru may save a few precious minutes, but what you eat could save thousands of dollars in the long run. When it comes to a vehicle's residual value, it's what's on (or not on) the inside that counts.

According to the results of a national survey conducted by Kelley Blue Book Marketing Research and Taco Bell Corp., nearly 60 percent of all vehicle owners eat or allow someone to eat in their vehicles. However, only 34 percent rank a clean interior as "the most important attribute to the long-term value of their vehicle" versus 66 percent for exterior. And that could be costly.

"Our research highlights a huge misperception among consumers: that the interior condition of a car has less importance than the exterior appearance in terms of residual value," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and market analyst for Kelley Blue Book. "Cars in excellent condition and appearance — both inside and outside — can be valued thousands of dollars higher than those in good or fair condition."

Read more on RTM about the consequences of dashboard dining.