How To Determine the Kelley Blue Book Value of Hybrid Used Cars

Kelley Blue Book is an easy resource to use to estimate the value of a vehicle before you buy or sell. Many drivers are now opting for hybrid cars to save on gas and be more environmentally friendly. When you know the true market value of hybrid cars you can negotiate for a better price.

Instructions

1

Use the Kelley Blue Book's comparison function to compare different makes of hybrids for price and quality. Find a link in the References section.

2

To determine the Blue Book Value, click on the blue "used cars" tab on the homepage of Kelley Blue Book. Click on the car make that you're interested in pricing. (As an example, we'll use the 2007 Toyota Prius throughout).

3

After you've clicked "Toyota" a new page will come up where you're asked to select the model. Select "Prius." Leave the box below that says "Search Local Listings" as it is with "View Toyota" selected.

4

Select the hybrid model year you're interested in buying or selling.

5

Kelley Blue Book now brings you to a page with three different value options: Trade-In Value, Private Party Value, and Suggested Retail Value. Trade-In is used for sellers who want to basically sell their hybrid back to a dealer. Sellers can also choose private party value if they hope to sell to an individual. Buyers can also use this tool to buy a hybrid from an individual and not a dealer. This will most likely be a lower price than if you buy a hybrid from a dealer. You'll also have more room to negotiate going this route. If you'd rather buy from a dealer who will, presumably, stand behind the car, the Kelley Blue Book value will give you a good idea of what you can expect to pay by clicking on the "Suggested Retail Value" button. Whichever you pick, you'll be asked to select a trim package in the next screen. We'll choose Hatchback Sedan 4-door in our example.

6

Fill in the zip code where you'll most likely purcahse or sellthe hybrid. Then insert the mileage of the vehicle. It's important to have at least an idea of the hybrid car's mileage because this is a big factor in determining the price. Remember: 12,000 to 15,000 miles is average per year. Finally, select any and all features the used hybrid has. If you're not sure, leave the equipment box as it is, Kelley Blue Book automatically fills in standard equipment for you.

7

Now carefully consider the condition of the hybrid you're thinking about purchasing. If the private party seller has it listed as "excellent," make that selection. If you saw the vehicle and don't believe it lives up to Kelley Blue Book standards for "excellent," don't worry; the Blue Book value will be calculated for three different vehicle conditions. Click the continue button.

8

The next screen will appear with three different values for the same vehicle, depending on the condition. Remember, these are Blue Book value prices for either a private party sale OR the suggested retail price (dealer price). If you went through the process to find the private party sale price but now you want to compare that to the suggested retail price or a trade in that you'd find at a dealership look at the menu on the left side next to the picture of the vehicle. Click "Suggested Retail Price" or "Trade In" It's not unusual for the suggested retail price of a vehicle to be different than the private party value, even if they're listed in the same condition.

9

Take a few minutes to research the hybrid a little further by clicking on the other tabs on the left hand side of the screen. You'll find Kelley Blue Book and consumer reviews, as well as detailed interior and exterior pictures of the vehicle.

10

Click the "Search Local Listings" to see what's available for sale in your area. Kelley Blue Book will list the price, location, mileage, the hybrid vehicle's color, features, any pictures provided by the seller, and if a Carfax report is available. You can also compare up to three specific vehicles to find the perfect hybrid for you!