Information on the Kelley Blue Book
An industry standard since the 1940s, the Kelley Blue Book is a price appraisal guide for cars and other vehicles that is updated annually. Used vehicle values provided are trade-in, private party and suggested retail value. New vehicle values include manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP), invoice price and Blue Book value.
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Types of Vehicles
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The Kelley Blue Book lists the value of cars, trucks, sport utility vehicles, motorcycles, snowmobiles and personal watercraft.
Obtain Values
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People can calculate a vehicle's value at the Kelley Blue Book website (see Resources) or contact any auto dealership for the information.
Used Vehicle Values
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Trade-in value is the price a dealer will offer when a customer purchases a different vehicle and includes the current one as part of the payment. Private party value is the price at which private owners are selling, and suggested retail denotes the amount a buyer can expect to spend at a dealer.
New Vehicle Values
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MSRP is determined by the manufacturer, and invoice price is the amount the manufacturer charges the dealer for new cars and other vehicles. Dealers can choose to sell at a different price from the MSRP. New vehicle Blue Book value tells the price people are actually paying for a certain vehicle on a nationwide basis.
Factors
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Value is calculated by factors such as year of manufacture, make and model, engine size, mileage, general condition and custom details.
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