Used Vehicle Value Estimator
Estimate your car's market value based on condition, mileage, and age.
Understanding Vehicle Valuation Factors
Determining the "Blue Book" value of a vehicle involves more than just looking at the make and model. Our calculator uses a sophisticated depreciation algorithm to simulate how experts evaluate used cars in the current market.
1. Depreciation Curves
A new car loses roughly 15% to 20% of its value in the first year alone. After that, depreciation usually stabilizes to about 10% to 15% per year. The age of your vehicle is the single largest factor in determining its residual value.
2. The Mileage Impact
The industry standard for "normal" driving is approximately 12,000 to 15,000 miles per year. If your mileage is significantly higher, your vehicle's value will drop because of the increased wear and tear on the engine and suspension. Conversely, low-mileage vehicles command a premium.
3. Condition Categories
- Excellent: Less than 5% of used cars. Looks new, no mechanical issues, clean title.
- Very Good: Minor cosmetic blemishes, no major mechanical work needed, excellent tires.
- Good: Most used cars fall here. Shows some wear, might need minor maintenance soon.
- Fair: Visible rust, worn interior, or mechanical issues that need immediate attention.
4. Trade-In vs. Private Party
You will always get more money selling to a private individual. Dealers offer lower "Trade-In" values because they must account for reconditioning costs, overhead, and their own profit margin when they resell the vehicle.
Example Calculation
If you have a 2018 sedan with an original MSRP of $30,000 and 60,000 miles in "Good" condition:
- Age Factor: 6 years of depreciation reduces value to roughly $13,500.
- Mileage Adjustment: Since 60k miles is standard for a 6-year-old car, there is minimal penalty.
- Condition Adjustment: "Good" condition might take 15% off the "Excellent" price.
- Final Result: You might expect a private party value around $11,475.