
The first question on most people’s minds when they need to sell a car is probably along the lines of: “How do I find out what my used car is worth?” While there are many resources on the internet for determining the value of a used car, it is still important to know how to interpret the information about a car’s actual worth.
I have spent decades buying and selling at auto auctions and have helped many others determine the auction value of their car or truck. Don’t worry: It’s not too difficult.
There are many factors to consider, such as: the condition of the pre-owned car, where the car is located in the country, what method of selling the car is preferred, etc.
The easiest place to start, in my experience, is to use an online resource, such as Kelly Blue Book, that will be give you a value based on the year, make, model, and mileage of the vehicle. These values are usually presented in three forms: private value, trade-in value, and retail value.
Comparison of Vehicle Valuation Tools
Name | URL | Description |
---|---|---|
Kelley Blue Book | https://www.kbb.com/ | I’ve relied on Kelley Blue Book for years—it’s my go-to for accurate and detailed car pricing. The interface is intuitive, and their valuation tools have consistently provided me with confidence when buying or selling vehicles. |
Edmunds | https://www.edmunds.com/ | Edmunds has an incredible True Market Value tool that feels like having insider knowledge. I appreciate how they break down market conditions to give you realistic pricing—it’s helped me nail down fair deals on multiple occasions. |
J.D. Power Cars | https://www.jdpower.com/cars | J.D. Power, formerly NADA Guides, is my go-to when I need a comprehensive valuation beyond cars. They cover trucks, motorcycles, RVs—you name it. I’ve always found their data thorough, making it an excellent choice for deeper dives into vehicle worth. |

Learn How Used Car Values Are Determined
Here is a brief summary of what each of these values mean:
Private Value – This is what a car is worth when it’s sold by an individual, not a dealer. Think of someone selling their car on Craigslist or at an auction. That’s the private value in action. In my experience, this value can vary quite a bit depending on the seller’s motivation and how well they market the car.
Trade-In Value – This is the amount a dealer might offer for a trade-in. It’s usually the lowest offer you’ll get because the dealer wants the best deal. They know most people will use it as a down payment on something newer. I’ve seen dealers lowball trade-in values to increase their profit margins, so it’s important to do your research.
Retail Value – This is the sticker price you see at a dealership. It’s the highest price because it includes the dealer’s markup and any financing costs. I always check the retail value to see how much profit I can make. Over the years, I’ve learned that retail values can fluctuate depending on market conditions and the vehicle’s popularity.
Using this method I described can help you determine the “book value” of a car. However, depending on the condition of the used vehicle, and how motivated I am to sell it at the time, the actual auction value may be different.
Sometimes, you can expect to sell a car for a little less than book value in order to get their car sold in a timely manner.
My Tip: This is why, when a seller is holding out on selling a car at a lower cost, one might say: “They want all the value.”

When I’m sizing up a used car, the first thing I do is give it a good once-over. I’m checking the tires, looking for any dings or dents, and basically getting a feel for how well it’s been treated.
Then, I pop the hood and really start digging into the mechanical stuff. That’s where you can find some hidden problems that might not be obvious at first glance.

I always make sure to listen closely to how the engine sounds. Is it running smooth or rough? I also take it for a spin to see how the transmission shifts. Does it slip or jerk?
Let’s be real, most used cars have a few quirks, but I need to know what they are so I can figure out how much they affect the car’s value.
Finally, it is always good to perform a VIN history search of a used car for sale. Since a buyer is likely to have conducted a search themselves, it is good practice to already have one handy.
These used car VIN history reports will show any history of accidents, issues with the car’s title, and other important details. If someone sells their car at a public auto auction, they will most likely run a report for the customer.

What is the Auction Value of My Car or Truck?
Auction value is a whole different animal. It’s all about what someone’s willing to pay for your car on the auction block. Things like the make and model, how old it is, its condition, and even what’s hot on the market at the time all play a part. It’s a bit of a guessing game, but with a little experience, you can get a pretty good feel for what to expect.
My Pro Tip: The term “auction price” is often synonymous with “wholesale value”, indicating the final bid amount a buyer is willing to pay for your vehicle during an auction.
Car auction values [Click to read a Reddit discussion on car auction valuation] provide a benchmark for sellers and buyers alike, offering a transparent view of the current market rate for different types of vehicles. I should note that these values can fluctuate based on the mentioned factors and the overall economic climate.
Since used car prices are expected to continue to fall, the time to sell is sooner than later. A fast and easy option is to sell your car at a car auction (click to read my guide). This will typically bring you the wholesale value, or the auction value of your car.
Last updated on February 9th, 2025 at 02:48 am