Every car owner someday will ask “how to value my car?”.

Determining the value of a vehicle can be a daunting task, and with so many makes and models even experienced car dealers look to vehicle valuation providers for guidance on current car prices.

Determining the value of a car can be a challenging task, especially with the vast array of makes and models available in today’s market. Even experienced car dealers often rely on car valuation providers to guide them on current car prices. In this guide, we leverage decades of experience in providing car valuation services to the UK motor trade, helping you make informed decisions on selling your vehicle for the best possible price.

Traditionally, car valuation guides were accessible only to the trade, requiring visits to car dealers or scanning used car classifieds to estimate the value of your beloved vehicle. However, with the advent of Parker’s Guide in 1972, car valuation guides became available to consumers for the first time. Nowadays, there are hundreds of online platforms where you can obtain a value for your car.

We are going to give you the best possible solutions to value your car, exploring all the options so you can be sure that you are selling your car for the best possible value.

Is it Possible to Value My Car With Auto Trader?

Auto Trader, the largest and most visited used car classified website in the UK, offers free car valuations when you create an account. While they may require some data sharing, their service is a convenient option for obtaining an estimate.

Check the Auto Trader Free Valuation Tool

Car Buying Websites

In recent years, there has been a surge in websites dedicated to buying cars. This trend, partly driven by a shortage of used cars due to lower new car registrations, has created a sellers’ market. Car auctions, dealerships, and specialist car buyers are now competing to purchase your vehicle. If you’re seeking a quick sale at a favourable price, it’s worth exploring several car buying websites to gauge the prices on offer.

Car Auctions

Did you know that some of the most successful car buying websites are actually owned by car auctions? Auctions provide access to a market of trade buyers and can be an excellent avenue for maximising the value of your vehicle. However, be aware that there is some level of risk involved in relying on the auction hammer price.

Car Dealers

Car dealerships remain a convenient option for selling your car. If your vehicle is less than six years old, consider approaching your local franchised dealer, especially if they have serviced the car. Well-maintained vehicles pose less risk for dealers and are likely to attract many potential buyers. For slightly older vehicles, seek out independent dealers specialising in the same make, model or type, as they may offer you a competitive price.

Private Sale

Selling your car privately can often lead to a better price, although it requires you to handle advertising and interact with private buyers.

If you choose this route, be aware of the risks involved and set a realistic asking price. Providing high-quality photos and conducting thorough research on your car’s value will increase your chances of success. Typically, you can expect a price somewhere between the trade-in value and the forecourt price when selling privately.

Vehicle Valuation API

If you’re looking for a vehicle valuation API for your website or software project, we can help you explore a wide range of options from leading car valuation API providers.

Conclusion

Valuing your car accurately is crucial to ensure you obtain the best possible price when selling. Armed with the knowledge in this article, we hope you’ll be well-prepared to make informed decisions and achieve the optimal value for your car.