Before you sell your car, get an estimated auto valuation

Whilst recently doing a Google search for “Sell your car”, we came across a convertible Nissan Micra, 1.3, Japanese import. Quite a unique vehicle, and sentimental to its current owner. It may just actually be the only Micra conversion of its kind on the road, and the owner had posted optimistic recommendations on what the resale value of this car might be. In truth, when selling your car, you certainly have high hopes of getting the best resale value and cash offer from a buyer. But before listing your vehicle, you should avail yourself of the following options to determine, “what is my second-hand car realistically worth?”

#1 Take it to your local dealership for evaluation

When you are ready to sell your car and need a ball-park figure on how much you might get for it, it pays to take your vehicle to your local, trusted dealership for a current estimation of its value and condition. Choose a dealer who knows your specific car make and model and will be able to give you an accurate car valuation. Bear in mind that there may be time and labour involved on the car dealership’s part when assessing your car and you may be required to pay a fee for this service. 

#2 Research the market value and retail value of your specific car.  

When you sell your second-hand car and you hear the terms, ‘retail value’ and ‘market value’, be advised that these are two different amounts, generated by different factors. Retail value is determined as the average price at which car dealerships can sell your specific vehicle. On the other hand, market value considers your specific vehicle’s mileage, condition and the standard of repair work undertaken in the past. While the market value is almost always less than its retail value (bearing in mind, the margins that dealerships need to add, to make a profit) it is a more accurate valuation of your car’s actual worth.  

#3 Upload and Sell your Car on a reputable Online Platform

Selling your car online through a trustworthy, online platform has emerged as one of the most convenient and quickest methods of getting a great deal, while also getting your car evaluated as part of the steps towards uploading and selling. There are many such platforms online, so please do your homework and check reviews on a trusted online car platform that can sell your car for the best cash price. 

A reputable online dealer is one that strictly vets and pre-approves its buyers and uses algorithms and ranking factors to give you the closest possible valuation for your specific vehicle in advance of selling. 

Whether you sell your car privately, or through an online platform, your vehicle’s valuation should never be a mystery or a nasty surprise to you. Explore the above methods and see what prices you can realistically expect. Better still, test all of the above, and see how close the numbers correlate. Good luck with your sale and may you get the best cash price for your pre-loved vehicle.