Pricing Your Used Car: What the Blue Book Doesn't Tell You
The Kelley Blue Book, or KBB, has established itself as the industry standard for used car pricing, and the general public has picked up on this reputation as well. But average users who want to take advantage of this insider information when selling their car often mistakenly take KBB numbers at face value. As a result, they may be presented with an awkward situation: buyer and seller argue that their KBB valuation is correct.
If it seems odd that two people can get different pricing information from the same source for the same vehicle, you'll need to check the blue book website. Go to its several auto valuation tools, and answer a number of questions about your car. KBB will provide its best estimates of your auto's worth, depending on various selling scenarios. As it turns out, the seller and buyer can both get their pricing from KBB--yet both be wrong.
Kelley Blue Book's editors and researchers aren't intentionally trying to confuse you. On the contrary, they merely provide starting points for determining your car's value. Because every car is different, each auto must be considered on its own merits. Ultimately, KBB can't give you an exact figure for your vehicle; you must use your knowledge of the car's history to come to a fair valuation.
Why Top Blue Book Pricing Is Hard to Come By
If you're a typical driver, your knowledge of your car's history is pretty basic. You haven't been in any major accidents, and you can't see any significant dings or scratches on the auto. You brought the vehicle into the shop when the maintenance light went on. The engine still runs fine. As far as you can tell, you have every right to ask for top Kelley Blue Book pricing when you put your auto up for sale. But don't be surprised if you find yourself asking why no one will buy your car.
According to the Kelley Blue Book, only cars in "excellent" condition can be considered for the top pricing bracket. To qualify for top dollar, a used car must:
We've only scratched the surface (almost literally) of Kelley Blue Book's rules. Under the hood, the engine compartment must be clean and devoid of leaks, with no visible defects or signs of wear. Finally, apart from the vehicle's physical requirements, an auto must come with complete and verifiable service records--often the most difficult recommendation to meet. Fewer than 5% of all used vehicles fulfill these obligations. Not that it stops most sellers from charging top dollar, only to discover that personal buyers almost always refuse to pay.
We don't blame you for throwing in the towel at this point, but don't run to the nearest auto dealership just yet. Keep in mind that the Kelley Blue Book's confusing numbers will follow you here too, in the form of the dealer's insulting offer for your used car.
Leave the Blue Book to the Experts
The Kelley Blue Book doesn't have to be your friend, but it doesn't have to be your enemy either, especially in the right hands. There's a group of auto experts who work with the blue book every day, and they can bring you closer to that magic number 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 are 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.
