How to Use NADA Guides to Assess a Car's Value

The NADA (National Automobile Dealer's Association) is one of the primary organizations offering pricing for cars both new and old. From the guides provided on the NADA website you can determine your car's value, as well as the value of any car you may be interested in purchasing. Always start with the NADA guides when you want to assess your car's value, especially if it's a classic car or one with an increased value.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• NADA guides

1. Log onto the NADA.com website (see Resources below). NADA.com has links to each of the three main branches of the NADA (Consumer, Business and Dealer's Association). Read each link's information box carefully to know which services are offered through each branch.

2. Use the "Consumer" link to access basic information about car values. From the Consumer section of the NADA site you can find new and used cars for sale, in addition to receiving preliminary appraisals on any cars you own.

3. Download the e-Valuator software from the NADA Business section. e-Valuator offers an in-depth online guide to car values. Note that you need to subscribe to NADA Online to download the e-Valuator software.

4. Use the "Car Prices" links in the NADA Consumer section of the website to find prices for cars that are similar to yours. By examining those prices you can get a clue as to the value of your own car. Remember that mileage, body damage and other factors can affect the value of your car.

5. Buy the NADA price guide from the "Buy a Price Guide" link. The NADA price guide is a subscription service that updates car prices once a month for the duration of your subscription.

Tips & Warnings

• Subscribe to NADA online from the "Business" link on the main NADA website. A NADA subscription gives you access not only to information that can help you assess your car's value, but also to "dealer-only" information on the prices and availability of cars, trucks and even farm equipment.
• Be aware that even though the NADA guides are great when you need to assess your car's value, there are some conditions that the standard guides won't accurately cover. Your car's value will be higher if, for example, you have customized it. Use the NADA guides to give you a rough estimate, but for an accurate appraisal you should contact a trained appraiser.

Resources

• Automobile resources from NADA.com