There are four major ways that are considered the best in calculating the value of your car. Choosing which way is the best for you will depend on which method is most convenient and how you plan on selling your vehicle. Thorough research on your particular vehicle will arm you with the tools you need to get the best price possible. Kelley Blue Book - The Kelley Blue Book has long been considered the authority on determining the value of used cars. Their online site is very easy to use and allows users to select almost the exact specifications of their vehicle. You'll have the ability to search by year, make, model, mileage, condition, and location. The Kelley Blue Book can give you prices for the type of sale you're considering for your vehicle by allowing you to select either private sale, trade-in, or retail. Edmunds - Edmunds is also a highly recognized source of used car values. It has similar search parameters to the Kelley Blue Book and they're often used in conjunction with each other to get the most accurate estimates. Edmunds gives users what they call a "True Market Value" for their vehicle. Local Dealerships - Before you head to the local dealership it's wise to visit the above two sites so you'll have a number to work with. A local dealership will give an estimate on your vehicle that will factor in what it'll cost them to get the vehicle ready for sale and what they expect to sell it for. Many dealerships are willing to negotiate this price with a seller, especially if they'll be using the trade-in to buy a vehicle through them. Classifieds - A useful tool in determining the value of your vehicle is the classified section on the Internet or in your local paper. The automotive classifieds will contain dealer ads and private sale ads that can help you figure out what a car similar to yours is selling for in your area. There are many websites like Craigslist.com, Autotrader.com, and Cars.com that offer a great deal in the way of determining the value of your vehicle within a very short timeframe. This can all be done in the convenience of your home. Doing a little homework upfront will help you to get the best value for your vehicle. Preparing yourself with information will assist you in negotiating the best deal possible for your situation.
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