How to Get the True Market Value of My Car
When you have a car to sell, price it fairly. If you price your car too high, it could sit on the market for months with nary an offer. If you price it too low, it might sell right away, but you will never know how much more you could have gotten. Whether you plan to trade your car or sell it privately, research the fair market value of the vehicle before you list it for sale. A number of online resources exist to help you determine the fair market value of your standard late model car. If you have a rare or collectible car, seek out guides specific to those unique vehicles.
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Instructions
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Check your local newspaper's classified section for cars of the same make and model as yours. See what those cars are selling for. Pay particular attention to the ads with a sold notice to get an idea of your car's value.
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Look up the fair market value of your car in price guides like Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds. These guides list values for cars in a range of conditions; assess the condition of your own car honestly. If your car has low mileage and is in excellent shape, it is worth more than a high mileage car with dents and scrapes. Both Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book are available online, making it easy to check the value of your car.
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Log on to the AutoTrader website (see references) and request an instant quote for your car. This service allows you to enter information about your vehicle and get a quote for its value. Take the quote to a participating dealer. When the information you entered in verified, the dealer can offer you a trade-in deal or cash for your car.
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Tips & Warnings
Gather all of the service records you have for your vehicle. Being able to provide evidence that the car was maintained properly can boost its value in the marketplace and get you closer to the high end of the price spectrum.
References
Resources
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