How do you calculate my car's value?
To estimate your car's current market value, MotorTrend taps into the expertise of Black Book, a trusted name in automotive valuation used widely across the dealership industry. Their robust database considers key details like your vehicle's model year, mileage, condition, available features, accident history, and market trends in your region. Our tool provides two estimates: one for a private-party sale and another for a dealership trade-in.

What's the difference between trade-in value and private party value?
Trade-in value is an estimate of the price a car dealership is willing to pay for your car as part of the purchase or lease of a new vehicle. Private party value is the estimated price you can expect when you sell your car to another individual, without the involvement of a dealership. Trade-ins are usually faster and more convenient, especially if you're buying your next vehicle from the same dealer. Do I need a VIN to get a car value estimate? A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is not necessary to get a car value estimate from our tool. For us to provide an estimate, you need to know basic information about your vehicle such as model year, make, model name, trim level, mileage, and options.

Is the car value tool free to use?
Our tool is entirely free to use. All you have to supply to get an estimate is your contact information and basic information about your vehicle. Our valuation tool does the rest. If applicable, our tool will ask for more information about your vehicle's optional equipment to generate a more accurate appraisal.

How accurate is MotorTrend's car value estimator?
Our valuations are powered by Black Book, the same data that many car dealers use to price vehicles, so you can trust that they reflect real market conditions. However, the final amount you receive may vary depending on your vehicle's exact condition, the dealer you work with, and changes in the market.

How often do car values change?
Black Book updates its used vehicle values on a daily basis with data gathered from wholesale auctions and actual vehicle sales from across the country. This means that MotorTrend's tool is supplied with current data to produce the most accurate estimates possible.

Can I use this estimate to negotiate with a dealer?
You can and should use the data from our tool to negotiate with a dealer. Updated daily with information from genuine transactions nationwide, MotorTrend's value estimates are highly accurate, giving you exactly what you need to push back against lowball offers.