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Step 1
Determine the make, model and year of the car that you want to get information on. Also get the odometer reading and the general condition of the car.
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Step 2
Go to an automotive pricing website, such as Kelly Blue Book or NADA Guides. These sites provide a free service to find the values of used automobiles.
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Step 3
Select the "Used Car Values" button on the webpage. On the page that comes up, enter the year, make and model of the car in question from the drop down lists. You will also need to enter your zip code, as car values vary from state to state.
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Step 4
Decide if you want to know the trade-in, private party or retail value of the auto. Trade-in value is what you can expect from a dealership if you trade it in for a new vehicle. Private party is what you can expect to sell the car for if another individual buys it. Retail value is what you can expect to pay for such a vehicle from a used car dealer.
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Step 5
Go through the next several screens, selecting the equipment that the vehicle in question has. Be careful to answer correctly because optional equipment and trim level can significantly impact a vehicle's value.
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Step 6
Rate the vehicle's condition; there are explanations for the different choices on the website. Be honest in your assessment if you want meaningful results. You now have a Blue Book value for the vehicle.
