How to Appraise a Vehicle
Selling and buying a car can be a drawn-out, time-consuming process. However, if you accurately appraise a used vehicle, you can spare yourself some hassle when pricing it. Since various makes and models have different resale values, there are a few basic factors to take into consideration when appraising a used car.
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Instructions
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Take the car out for a test drive. Listen for any unusual sounds -- like bumps, clicks or squeals. Inspect the exterior and interior of the vehicle thoroughly, taking note of any dents, scratches or bumps on the exterior and any tears, stains, scratches, or wear and tear in the interior.
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Determine whether any parts or features of the car set it apart from another car of the same model and year. If the car has any extra features, such as a leather interior, a CD player or satellite radio, the resale value will be higher than a similar car that does not have these.
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Consult Kelley's Blue Book and look up the car's exact make, model, year and features to determine what a similar car is worth.
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Visit a dealership specializing in the car's make -- for example, a Chevy or Ford dealership -- and ask a sales expert what he would appraise the car's value at. Getting an insider's opinion will help you price the car correctly, especially when economic times are hard.
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Check your local newspaper's classifieds ads under the "Automotive" section. Look for listings advertising similar cars to the one you are appraising. This can help you determine the car's true selling value, since a car's worth will vary from state to state. For example, someone in a large metropolitan area may be able to sell the exact same car for more than someone living in a more rural setting.
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