How to Gather a Blue Book Summary

Want to sell your car but are unsure of how much to ask? Use a Kelley Blue Book to determine the retail value and trade-in value of your car. The Kelley Blue Book has become the industry standard for valuations. Search for your car's model and make in the book, and then view a chart that lists the "fair," "good" and "excellent" prices for your used car. You can get a hard copy "Blue Book," as it is known, or search through the book's listings online.

Instructions

1

Buy a Kelley Blue Book. You can find one at book stores or from online vendors. You also can search the listings online (www.kbb.com).

2

Search for the make, model and year of your car. Cars in the Blue Book are listed in charts in the book. They are listed alphabetically and in order of oldest to most current year. The year range is listed on the cover of the book.

3

Choose the class. Is your car an "ES," "SC" or a "GT?" Values can differ greatly depending on class, so run outside and look for a two- or three-letter initial on your bumper.

4

Trace your finger from the class to the values. You will see a "fair" and a "good" trade-in value, a "good" private party value and an "excellent" retail value. The latter is the amount representing "what a dealer may ask for the vehicle once it has been inspected, reconditioned and possibly warranted," according to the Blue Book.