How to Find the Value of a Car
If you are considering selling your current car, it is important to be aware of the vehicle's value so that you will be able to price it appropriately. Numerous factors influence a car's value, such as its mileage, condition and title history. The trade-in value of your car will always be less than its retail value, so be sure to take this fact into consideration if you plan on using your current car as a down payment on another vehicle.
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Instructions
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Verify that your car has a clean title. Cars that have previously been totaled out by insurance companies and then sold, or cars that have been wrecked and rebuilt with refurbished parts will have salvage or rebuilt titles. A salvage or rebuilt title will reduce the value of your car by up to 50 percent.
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Compare your car's mileage to the age of the vehicle. The average driver will put 12,000 miles on his car each year. Because of this, 12,000 miles a year is the standard assumption used by vehicle directories both online and in print when estimating your car's value. A lower mileage may give your car a slightly higher than average value, while a higher mileage will result in the car's value being less.
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Examine the condition of your car. A car in excellent condition with no scratches, dents, mechanical problems or interior damage will fetch a higher price than a car of the same make and model that has sustained previous damage--no matter how minor.
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Consider any modifications you have had done to the car, such as a specialty paint job or a custom interior. Although you may consider these modifications to be upgrades, they limit the demographic that your car will appeal to and thus reduce its value.
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Visit an online value directory such as the ones found at kbb.com and Edmunds.com. By entering detailed information about your car, including upgrades such as heated seats or a sunroof, you can obtain an estimate of your car's current retail and trade-in value. You will also need to specify the area in which you live, since this can also have an effect on the value of your vehicle.
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Visit local car dealerships to get quotes on the trade-in value of your car. Your car's value will be different to different dealers, so it is important to visit several dealerships to find the highest trade-in estimate.
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