Confused by Your Vehicle's Blue Book Value? You're Not Alone
Discerning your actual vehicle blue book value is not as easy as punching in some data on a website form. Kind of sucks doesn't it?
Hypothetically, you should be able to locate your vehicle's blue book value within moments, put your car up for sale, find a buyer in less than a week, and close the transaction all on the Internet. But none of those steps are as easy as they sound, and the confusion starts with attempting to get an accurate valuation from Kelley Blue Book.
The Kelley Blue Book has become the de facto standard for used car sales, and it's widely regarded as the leading authority on the subject. Many users regard its numbers as sacred - a mistake that creates the popular scenario: buyer and seller argue that their KBB valuation is correct.
But how can two people get a completely different vehicle blue book value for the same automobile? Unfortunately, the blue book website offers several valuation tools that each present different valuation estimates. This is a good thing - but even Kelley Blue Book's editors and researchers acknowledge that the figures are only jumping-off points for the vehicle's value. They are trying to give us enough information to begin our own, more personal, evaluation of a car's worth. Because every car and driver is different, and each auto must be evaluated by its own merits.
Why You Probably Won't Get Top Blue Book Value for Your Vehicle
Sure, you're a fine driver who loved your car, truck, or SUV and took good care of it. There have been no major accidents, dings, or scratches and in your opinion, the vehicle still runs like a dream. So why shouldn't you ask for the top Kelley Blue Book value when you put your auto up for sale? Or rather, you may find yourself asking: Why won't anyone pay the Kelley Blue Book value when buying your car?
According to the Kelley Blue Book, only vehicles in "excellent" condition qualify for this price bracket. To ask top dollar for your used car, KBB recommends that it:
Pretty extensive list, isn't it? But it doesn't end there! The engine compartment must be clean and devoid of leaks, and there must be no visible defects or signs of wear.
But this is where most car owners start screaming and running around in circles beating their head against the wall: To be considered in "excellent condition" an auto must pass all the above requirements and come with complete and verifiable service records. Fewer than 5% of all used vehicles meet these immense requirements, yet most sellers, not realizing the "fine print" conditions of their estimated valuation, attempt to charge top dollar - which personal buyers almost always refuse to pay.
It almost makes you want to throw up your hands and run into the waiting arms of the nearest auto dealership, doesn't it? But before you rev up the engine, keep in mind that you're trading in one headache for another. In lieu of Kelley Blue Book's vexing numbers, you'll face the dealer's insulting offer for your used car, followed by pressure to buy a new one.
You Don't Have to Put Up with Sales Shenanigans
The Kelley Blue Book isn't the bad guy, especially in the right hands. Even if you find you're not a Blue Book whiz, there's a group of auto experts who can bring you closer to that magic value than you can on your own. At the same time, they won't try to pull one over on you either. These experts are known as auto buying specialists, and it doesn't get any easier than working with them.
We, at Cash4UsedCars.net happen to be Southern California's largest and most respected auto buying service, and we have over 25 years' experience working with Kelley Blue Book and other valuation tools. We've bought and sold over 50,000 used cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs. We can buy yours too, and often have a standing offer for it before we even pick it up!
Give us a call or fill out our contact request form. We'll immediately set up an appointment to view your car at your convenience. We'll present you with a purchase offer within 30 minutes of appraisal and most importantly, we'll take the car off your hands with zero hassle or cost to you. No paperwork, no title or smog checks, no costly auto inspections. We'll even handle transportation of the vehicle.
Click here now, and a trusted valuation expert will be in touch shortly.
