Car valuation
Find out what a car is really worth before you buy or sell, with private sale, part-exchange and dealer values that take its history into account.
What this check shows
- Private sale value
- Part-exchange (trade-in) value
- Dealer forecourt value
- Mileage and history taken into account
- Plus the full history check
Full check £8.99
A car valuation tells you what a car is worth today, so you know whether an asking price is fair or what to ask for your own. Ours gives you three figures, private sale, part-exchange and dealer, and it's included in the Full check (£8.99) alongside the car's full history.
What the valuation shows
- Private sale value: what you'd expect to pay, or get, in a sale between two private individuals.
- Part-exchange value: roughly what a dealer would offer you for the car against another one.
- Dealer forecourt value: what you'd expect to pay for the car at a dealer, with their preparation and warranty.
Those three can be thousands of pounds apart, which is why a single "value" can be misleading. A private seller asking a dealer price is overcharging; a dealer offering a private-sale price for your part-exchange is being generous.
Why the history matters to the value
Two cars with the same make, model, age and mileage can be worth very different amounts. A write-off, clocked mileage or a long list of previous keepers all push the real value down. A standard valuation tool doesn't know about any of that. Because our valuation comes with the full car history check, you can see the reasons a car might be worth less than the headline figure.
What else affects the price
A valuation by registration is based on the car's details, its mileage and recent sales of similar cars. It can't see the car, so adjust for:
- Condition: dents, kerbed wheels, worn tyres and interior wear all cost money to put right.
- Service history: a full service history supports a higher price; gaps pull it down.
- MOT: a long MOT is worth something; a car due its MOT next week, with advisories, is worth a bit less.
- Options and colour: desirable extras help, unusual colours can hurt.
- Time of year and location: convertibles sell for more in spring, four-wheel drives in autumn.
Using the valuation to negotiate
Go in with facts rather than a feeling. If the asking price sits above the private sale value, point to the valuation and anything you found in the history or on the car, such as MOT advisories that need doing. Most sellers expect some negotiation, and a report on your phone is harder to argue with than "it seems a bit much".
Vehicle data from the DVLA, DVSA and Experian, including UK finance, insurance and police records. Where our data comes from.
Car valuation questions
How accurate is a car valuation by registration?
It's a strong guide based on the car's make, model, age and mileage, and recent sales. Condition, options and local demand can move the real price up or down.
Why are there three different values?
Private sale is what a private buyer would pay, part-exchange is what a dealer would offer you, and dealer forecourt is what you'd expect to pay at a dealer. They can be thousands of pounds apart.
Does a write-off affect a car's value?
Yes, usually by a lot. That's why the valuation comes with the full history check, so you can see why a price might be low.
Is the valuation included in the Standard check?
No. The valuation is part of the Full check (£8.99).
Related checks
Check a car now
Start with a free reg check. Only pay if you need the full history.