How much is my car worth right now?
A car's current value is an estimate built from a combination of factors, weighted against real market data for similar vehicles — not a fixed number, and not a guaranteed price you'll actually achieve on sale.
What feeds into a valuation estimate:
- Make and model — some brands and models hold value better than others, based on demand, reliability reputation, and running costs
- Age — generally the single biggest factor, particularly in the first few years of a car's life
- Mileage — higher mileage typically reduces value, though the impact varies by vehicle type and how the mileage compares to what's "typical" for the car's age
- Condition — mechanical condition, bodywork, interior wear, and service history all factor in, alongside how the specific example compares to others of the same age and mileage
- Market data — recent sale prices and current asking prices for comparable vehicles, which shift with supply, demand, and seasonal trends
Why it's an estimate, not a guarantee:
Two identical-looking cars on paper can sell for noticeably different amounts depending on service history, how well they present in person, regional demand, and simple timing — a valuation gives you a realistic range to work from, but the actual price you achieve depends on where and how you sell, and to whom. Treating a valuation as a starting point for negotiation, rather than a fixed figure you're entitled to, tends to lead to more realistic expectations.