How to Check the Value of a Used Car Online at Kelley Blue Book

Whether you’re buying or selling a used car, knowing the vehicle's market value is essential. The Kelley Blue Book (KBB) offers a car comparison tool that displays the features of as different cars alongside each other. Here's how to use this valuable guide.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet access

1. Navigate to the Kelley Blue Book website at www.kbb.com.

2. Click the "Used Cars" tab on the menu bar. Select a year, make and model on the dropdown menus at the top left of the window, and then click the "Go" button.

3. Choose from three different valuations, which are explained in the following steps.

4. "Trade-in Value" represents the amount you could expect to receive for the car if you sell it to a dealer.

5. "Private Party Value" is what you should expect to pay if you buy the car from an individual (or what you'd receive if you were to sell it privately).

6. "Suggested Retail Value" offers an estimate of a professional dealer's asking price.

7. After choosing the valuation type, click "Select a Trim." Choose the car that most resembles the one you want to sell or buy.

8. Type the mileage for the car into the appropriate box. Check the boxes for any relevant equipment features. Click "Update" to continue.

9. Select a condition for the car or take the quiz at the bottom of the page to accurately assess the car’s condition. Click "Continue."

10. Study the KBB estimate of the car’s value and other useful information displayed on the next page.

Tips & Warnings

• Click the "Compare Used Cars" link at the top right of the KBB home page. Select the year, make, model, trim, mileage, features and condition for every car you want to compare. Choose as many as four.
• KBB bases its used car value estimates on various factors. In addition to data pertaining specifically to the cars, KBB also considers historical trends in car values, current economic conditions and developments in the auto industry.
• Use KBB's suggested retail value as a starting point when you negotiate with a used car dealer. Even better, start a hair below that number.
• The car comparison tool generates information about each vehicle's price, parts, features, dimensions and specifications. It's a helpful resource if you're trying to pick from among several appealing cars.