How to Find the Resell Value of a Used Car with the Kelley Blue Book

The Kelley Blue Book offers a system of assigning monetary value to used cars, based on the vehicle's age, mileage, trim level, optional equipment and overall condition. The Kelley Blue Book has become a ubiquitous name in the world of reselling cars, making "blue book" a household name, known to even the most casual car person.

Instructions

1

Visit the Kelley Blue Book website (see link in Resources).

2

Select your specific vehicle by using the pull-down menus for the model year, make and model of your vehicle. Enter the used car's mileage to get a more specific price.

3

Enter your ZIP code into the pop-up window. The resale value of used cars fluctuates by region, and this information helps the Kelley Blue Book algorithm precisely appraise the value of your car.

4

Select the "Choose Style/Options" button, bringing up a menu of the different trim levels offered on this specific model year, of the make and model in question. Select the trim level that corresponds to your car.

5

Look over the checked boxes next to the engine, transmission and drivetrain information. The standard equipment for your car's trim level is selected by default; if your car has an upgraded engine, transmission or drivetrain options, select those options.

6

Select any extra options that are featured on your used car.

7

Choose a price type; select "Private Party," since you are seeking the resale value of your used car -- if you select the "Suggested Retail" price type, the system will automatically assume the car is in excellent condition. However, selecting the "Private Party" price option will prompt the Kelley Blue Book site to ask you to select the condition of your used car. Click on the blue hyperlinks under each option for an objective description of what each level of condition actually means.