Second Hand Car Values
From LoveToKnow Cars
If you’re thinking of buying a used car, it’s important to do your homework about second hand car values. Knowing the worth of a car is also useful when you sell or trade in your old vehicle.
Where to Find Second Hand Car Values
The Internet is a great place to look for used car values. All it takes to find out about the value of a vehicle is a few minutes, the right links, and a good Internet connection. These resources should help.
Kelley Blue Book
Available both online and at your local library, the Kelley Blue Book is one of the most respected sources for the value of used vehicles. First published in 1919, the Blue Book has an excellent track record for accuracy. With nearly a century of experience behind them, this organization knows more than a little about assessing car values.
You can use the online version of the Kelley Blue Book to search for car values by year, make, or model. You can also sort cars by category or find used cars for sale in your area.
Edmunds.com
Another great source for used car values is Edmunds.com. First launched in 1995, this site can help you appraise your used vehicle or find the value of any second hand car. They also offer a wealth of information about buying a used vehicle.
Black Book Car Values
The Black Book USA and Canadian Black Book may also be a good place to look for used car values. While these sites require a subscription to view the information they have compiled, they are generally seen as extremely accurate and well-respected. If you are considering buying or selling several used vehicles this year, getting a Black Book subscription could be a good idea.
Other Sources of Information
You can also conduct your own research about the value of a second hand car. Start by looking in your local newspaper. You can find out a lot of practical information about buying or selling a car by looking in the classified ads. You’ll get a good idea about supply and demand for used vehicles, as well as a general sense of what your car is worth.
Another good resource for values is used car lots. While used car dealers often charge more than individual sellers, you can still get an idea about value. Tour local used car lots to see what is selling and what is being marked down. Often you can knock a couple hundred dollars off of the dealer’s price and have a reasonable estimate of your car’s value.
Tips for Assessing Value
Before you assess the value of your used car, it helps to take a few things into consideration:
- What is the season? Used cars are often worth the most when the weather is nice. If you’re thinking of buying or selling a convertible or other seasonal vehicle, it helps to know that the car will probably be worth the most in the spring or summer.
- What is the car’s condition? Be honest with yourself about the condition of the car. Car appraisal websites rely heavily on the car’s condition when they determine value.
- What are people buying right now? If gas is expensive, fuel-efficient vehicles will be worth more money. Styles and trends also have an impact on sales. If everyone’s favorite celebrity is driving a particular car, it may impact the value of that vehicle.
It always pays to do your homework. While looking up the value of a car may seem like a hassle now, it will save you money in the long run. Doing research about second hand car values can only help you in negotiations.
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This page has been accessed 20 times. This page was last modified 01:39, 26 October 2009.
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