How to Check the Value of a Used Car Online on KBB.com

When buying or selling a used car, it is important to fully understand its value and what it is worth if bought or sold. Before listing an ad in your favorite newspaper or going to a dealership, check the vehicle’s valuation using Kelley Blue Book. Used by dealers, loan organizations, insurance companies and private parties for over eighty years, Kelley Blue Book is the definitive source for used car pricing, and can be accessed from the privacy of your own home through its comprehensive and always up-to-date Web site.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Accurate listing of vehicle attributes and amenities
• Access to the Internet

1. Navigate to http://www.kbb.com.

2. Using the “Used Car Values” area, select the category the vehicle to be bought or sold falls into, from a list including Sedan, Coupe, Convertible, Hatchback, Wagon, Pickup, SUV, Van/Minivan, Luxury and Hybrid.

3. Once a category is selected, select a make from the list provided. Because of each manufacturer’s distinct line of vehicles, each category will contain a different list of makes available.

4. Once a make is selected, select a model from the list provided. Choose carefully, as similar models may be shown.

5. Once a model is selected, select the vehicle’s model year. Ensure you choose the year that the vehicle was manufactured, which may not necessarily be the same year as the car was first sold.

6. Determine the venue in which the car is to be bought or sold. Using that determination, choose either to investigate Trade-In Value, Private Party Value or Suggested Retail Value. See “Tips” below for an explanation on each value.

7. Select the car’s trim, which narrows down the car’s model to its particular style.

8. Select vehicle details and equipment specific to the car being considered for purchase or sale. After your selections are made, click Continue.

9. Select the condition of the vehicle, evaluating fairly and accurately. Alternatively, choose to take the vehicle Condition Quiz to determine the shape it is in. Click Continue.

10. Your vehicle valuation will be displayed. Evaluate carefully to ensure you have made all of the correct choices along the way.

Tips & Warnings

• Used cars are often worth more or less depending on the geographic area they have primarily been driven/stored in and the area in which they will be sold. If you have any mobility, check valuations in other areas as well.
• Remember that the valuation you receive online is an estimate and not a promise. When you take your car to a dealership or sell privately, faults may be found that decrease the price. Conversely, if buying a used car, features may be included that you did not include in your estimation that increase the value and selling price.
• A vehicle’s Trade-In Value is what you can realistically expect to be offered when you trade your vehicle in toward the purchase of another through a car dealership. The Private Party Value is what would be a reasonable asking price if the vehicle is sold through a private transaction. A vehicle’s Suggested Retail Value is what a dealership will likely list as a car’s selling price, accounting for its Trade-In Value and whatever expense the dealership bore to improve the car’s attributes, as well as a modest profit.