Check the Value of a Used Car Online on KBB.com
Before buying or selling a used car, you should check the value of it. Kelley Blue Book online provides information on trade-in value, the amount the owner should expect to receive from a dealer, the private party value, the amount a buyer should expect to pay when purchasing a used car from a private party, the suggested retail value and the amount a car dealer will ask for the car.
Steps
- Write down the year, make and model of the used vehicle, along with the mileage from the odometer.
- Navigate to Kelley Blue Book online at: http://www.kbb.com.
- Find the used car section and look for "Select a Year, Make & Model."
- Hit the arrows on the "Select Year" button. Use the mouse or keypad and click on an arrow. Scroll up or down to find the year. For instance, if the used vehicle is a 1997, click on 1997.
- Locate the make of the used car. If the automobile is a Saturn, highlight "Saturn."
- Select the model of the used car. The website has a button you can use to pull up the dialog box. The 1997 Saturn only had the s-series, but other makes and models may have more options. For a 1997 Saturn, click on "S-series."
- Click the "Go" button.
- Decide what Kelly Blue Book value you want to use.
- Choose "Trade-in value" if you plan to trade your automobile for a new car.
- Select "Private party value" if you want to buy a used car from a private party or if you want to know how much you can get for your used car if you sell it yourself.
- Pick "Suggested retail value" if you plan to buy a used car from a dealer.
- Highlight the trim of the used car. Pretend the used vehicle is a Series SL1 Sedan 4D. Move the cursor to the arrow beside this and click on it.
- Select any equipment or options that your used car has. Cars with more options tend to have a higher value.
- Enter the mileage of the automobile in the box beside "Mileage." Click on the "Continue" button.
- Select the used vehicle condition from the options given.
- A used car in excellent condition looks brand new and has no mechanical problems.
- An automobile in good condition has little or no rust, substantial tread on the tires and is free of any major defects.
- A used vehicle in fair condition needs some mechanical or body work.
Tips
- Kelley Blue Book online has a link that lists vehicles for sale in your area by private parties or car dealerships.
- Most used vehicles fall in the "Good" category.
Warnings
- While the Kelley Blue Book online can help you get an estimation of your car's value, it can only give an estimation. The actual price of your used car may vary based on a variety of factors, including your location.
