Advice
How do you value your car?
We know what your car is really worth - join the millions who value their car with Auto Trader for a free, accurate valuation.
Words by: Andrew Woodhouse
Last updated on 5 October 2023 | 0 min read
Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a car, a car valuation is a fantastic tool you can use to find out how much your car is really worth.
From buying your first car and preventing it from getting a single scratch, to having your baby’s first car ride, at Auto Trader, we understand how much your car means to you, so we know you need a valuation you can trust.
From buying your first car and preventing it from getting a single scratch, to having your baby’s first car ride, at Auto Trader, we understand how much your car means to you, so we know you need a valuation you can trust.
What is the value of my car?
Inflation has seen a lot of prices go up – including the price of a used car. While this means buying a used car is, in many cases, more expensive than it was a couple of years ago – it also means that the car you currently own could be more than you think. In some cases, used cars are appreciating in value – meaning it could be worth more than you paid for it.
Find out how much your car is worth with a free car valuation on Auto Trader.
Find out how much your car is worth with a free car valuation on Auto Trader.
What is a car valuation?
A car valuation uses several data points to determine what a car is estimated to be worth. That valuations can change based on the age of the car, the number of miles on the clock and other factors, like what is happening in the wider market.
On Auto Trader, car valuations are reached by assessing: • over 800,000 adverts from a range of trusted sources • over 3,500 dealer websites • values from major car auctions • ex-fleet and leasing car values
On Auto Trader, car valuations are reached by assessing: • over 800,000 adverts from a range of trusted sources • over 3,500 dealer websites • values from major car auctions • ex-fleet and leasing car values
Why do I need a car valuation?
Knowing your car’s value can help you:
• Make a more informed decision when you’re buying or selling a car • Know what your options are should you seek to sell • Know how much your car’s worth in today’s market so that if you’re looking to buy another car, you’re not paying over the odds (increasingly important as used car prices remain so volatile) • Knowing your car’s worth can also help in the event of an accident or theft (assuming your insurance covers those – explore insurance quotes here). With used car prices still high, you might be surprised to find your car’s value has increased. As we navigate the increased cost of living, it pays to know how much your assets are worth – including your car.
• Make a more informed decision when you’re buying or selling a car • Know what your options are should you seek to sell • Know how much your car’s worth in today’s market so that if you’re looking to buy another car, you’re not paying over the odds (increasingly important as used car prices remain so volatile) • Knowing your car’s worth can also help in the event of an accident or theft (assuming your insurance covers those – explore insurance quotes here). With used car prices still high, you might be surprised to find your car’s value has increased. As we navigate the increased cost of living, it pays to know how much your assets are worth – including your car.
Why should I get a car valuation with Auto Trader?
We get what your car means to you, and we care about the all the little details.
With Auto Trader, you can get an independent valuation that is 100% data-driven and considers the vehicle’s age, mileage, factory spec and optional extras, to give you the most up-to-date valuation we possibly can. We only use independent market data to find your valuation, so you get a fair price whether you’re buying or selling. We know you can get a different price everywhere you ask, so we combine data from auction houses, live listings, dealerships and other trusted sources to give you the one valuation you can trust. It doesn’t matter how old a car is, or how niche a brand it is: we can accurately benchmark the price. All you need to do is enter your registration and mileage to find out how much your car is really worth. It's completely free to get your valuation with us, and can be done online in minutes. >Join the millions who value their car with Auto Trader.
With Auto Trader, you can get an independent valuation that is 100% data-driven and considers the vehicle’s age, mileage, factory spec and optional extras, to give you the most up-to-date valuation we possibly can. We only use independent market data to find your valuation, so you get a fair price whether you’re buying or selling. We know you can get a different price everywhere you ask, so we combine data from auction houses, live listings, dealerships and other trusted sources to give you the one valuation you can trust. It doesn’t matter how old a car is, or how niche a brand it is: we can accurately benchmark the price. All you need to do is enter your registration and mileage to find out how much your car is really worth. It's completely free to get your valuation with us, and can be done online in minutes. >Join the millions who value their car with Auto Trader.
How do I get the best price for my car, using a car valuation?
Of course, it's natural to want to get a decent amount of cash for your car, but if you set the asking price too high, no one will take a second look. At the same time, though, you do need to leave a little wriggle room because potential buyers will expect to be able to haggle the price down a little.
To navigate that – start by getting a valuation, using the free Auto Trader valuations tool. Remember to take into account any extras fitted to your car, as well as its history, mileage and condition. These steps will help you to produce a price that you (and your buyer) will be happy with if you decide to sell it privately. Remember to set minimum price that you will be willing to accept for your car – haggling might happen! Whatever you do, though, don’t tell anyone this price.
To navigate that – start by getting a valuation, using the free Auto Trader valuations tool. Remember to take into account any extras fitted to your car, as well as its history, mileage and condition. These steps will help you to produce a price that you (and your buyer) will be happy with if you decide to sell it privately. Remember to set minimum price that you will be willing to accept for your car – haggling might happen! Whatever you do, though, don’t tell anyone this price.
Top tips
• Do as much research as possible before setting a price
• Be realistic with the valuation, allowing room to be beaten down a little • Set a (secret) minimum price that you will not go below • Set the price at a round number. Pitching it at £6,000 rather than £5,995, for example, will mean it appears in more search results, and come nearer the top of the list when someone searches for cars priced at £6,000 and under.
• Be realistic with the valuation, allowing room to be beaten down a little • Set a (secret) minimum price that you will not go below • Set the price at a round number. Pitching it at £6,000 rather than £5,995, for example, will mean it appears in more search results, and come nearer the top of the list when someone searches for cars priced at £6,000 and under.
Next steps
Get a free car valuation so you know how much you have to play with, then explore your options (including buying, selling and part-exchange) on Auto Trader as and when you’re ready. As ever, it’s in your hands.
FAQs
What affects a car's value?
The guide prices we provide give you a good idea what the car might be worth, depending on how you’re buying or selling it. However, many factors can influence the price, including:
Overall condition • Cars of similar ages can have vastly different levels of wear and damage. Number of owners • Typically, cars with more previous owners are worth less, especially if they lack documentation too. Optional extras • Features like sat navs, leather seats and panoramic sunroofs can bump up the value. Colour • Certain colours can be more desirable, depending on current trends and fashions. Service history • Cars are worth more with a fully-documented service history. MOT • Buyers often pay more for a long MOT. Modifications • Additions like body kits, spoilers and so on can increase or decrease the value. Rarity of model • Some cars are desirable because there aren’t so many of them around. Extras included in the deal • Such as extended warranties
Overall condition • Cars of similar ages can have vastly different levels of wear and damage. Number of owners • Typically, cars with more previous owners are worth less, especially if they lack documentation too. Optional extras • Features like sat navs, leather seats and panoramic sunroofs can bump up the value. Colour • Certain colours can be more desirable, depending on current trends and fashions. Service history • Cars are worth more with a fully-documented service history. MOT • Buyers often pay more for a long MOT. Modifications • Additions like body kits, spoilers and so on can increase or decrease the value. Rarity of model • Some cars are desirable because there aren’t so many of them around. Extras included in the deal • Such as extended warranties
What does 'good condition' mean?
When referring to 'good condition', we mean the current state of the vehicle and how well it has been looked after. We class 'good condition' as:
• Minor or cosmetic damage to bodywork, wheels, tyres and interior • Minor or cosmetic damage to lights, glass and mirrors • All tyres are safe and legal • Documentation and keys present • Partial, documented service history • Current MOT • No outstanding finance • It is not a write-off (category C, D, S or N vehicle)
• Minor or cosmetic damage to bodywork, wheels, tyres and interior • Minor or cosmetic damage to lights, glass and mirrors • All tyres are safe and legal • Documentation and keys present • Partial, documented service history • Current MOT • No outstanding finance • It is not a write-off (category C, D, S or N vehicle)
What determines a car's condition?
The condition your car is in will have a large influence on its value. We’ve assumed your car is in Good condition. There are generally 3 types of condition:
Fair:
• Bodywork needs minor repair, with some significant chips and scratches
• Minor or cosmetic damage to wheels • Minor or cosmetic damage to lights, glass and mirrors • Interior has wear and tear, with some damage or staining • Some interior equipment does not work • Tyres are safe and legal, but tread depth may be close to legal limit • Documentation and keys present • Large gaps in service history • Current MOT • No outstanding finance • The car has never been written off
• Minor or cosmetic damage to wheels • Minor or cosmetic damage to lights, glass and mirrors • Interior has wear and tear, with some damage or staining • Some interior equipment does not work • Tyres are safe and legal, but tread depth may be close to legal limit • Documentation and keys present • Large gaps in service history • Current MOT • No outstanding finance • The car has never been written off
Good:
• Minor or cosmetic damage to bodywork, wheels, tyres and interior
• Minor or cosmetic damage to lights, glass and mirrors • All tyres are safe and legal • Documentation and keys present • Partial, documented service history • Current MOT • No outstanding finance • It is not a write-off (category C, D, S or N vehicle)
• Minor or cosmetic damage to lights, glass and mirrors • All tyres are safe and legal • Documentation and keys present • Partial, documented service history • Current MOT • No outstanding finance • It is not a write-off (category C, D, S or N vehicle)
Excellent:
• No damage to bodywork, wheels, tyres and interior
• No damage to lights, glass and mirrors • All tyres are safe and legal • Documentation and keys present • Full, documented service history • Current MOT with at least six months to run • No outstanding finance • It is not a write-off (category C, D, S or N vehicle)
• No damage to lights, glass and mirrors • All tyres are safe and legal • Documentation and keys present • Full, documented service history • Current MOT with at least six months to run • No outstanding finance • It is not a write-off (category C, D, S or N vehicle)