The Best Way to Get a Used Car Value From a Private Seller

When in the market for a used car, the option of purchasing a vehicle from a private seller can be a good alternative to buying directly from a dealership. When researching automobiles, investigate the current value for the type of car you are interested in obtaining.

Instructions

1

Use the Kelley Blue Book website as a primary source in ascertaining value for a used car. The site features a "Used Cars" section. Select the make, model, and year of the vehicle. Enter your zip code when prompted. Choose "Private Party Value" from the list of choices. Under "Select A Trim," pick from the varying styles relevant to the make, model and year. Fill in all the details (if known), related to the car. This includes mileage, engine and transmission types, and equipment. Pick the condition of the used car. The choices are "Excellent," "Good," and "Fair." You will then be directed to the private party value dollar amounts that correspond to the car's condition.

2

Explore the online marketplace to determine the average prices of the used car you have in mind. For example, on the Craigslist homepage, navigate to the city of your choice. Then, select "Cars + Trucks" under the "For Sale" section. Use the box at the top of the page to narrow your search of used cars. Use the drop-down menu and select "Cars & Trucks -- By Owner." Type the keywords that relate to the car, and if desired, enter a price range in the corresponding entry fields. Hit "Search" and you will receive a list of private seller vehicles and the owners' asking prices. The list is displayed according to the dates each advertisement was posted. The results will give you an idea of the median value for private sales. Be sure to cross-reference the prices you find on Craigslist with the Kelley Blue Book results. This will assist you in gauging which ads are using illegitimate and inflated prices and which ones are not.

3

Extend your work online to other websites such as CarsDirect and AutoTrader. Each website provides listings of cars for sale from private sellers. The figures will give you an even greater sense of the standard asking prices for the car you seek.