Compare Used Car Prices

Whether you are buying or a selling a used car, it is imperative that you know how much the car you are dealing with is actually worth. As a used car buyer, knowing a car's value keeps you from spending too much on your "new" used vehicle; as a seller, it helps you set a fair price for both the potential buyers and yourself.

Use an auto price comparison website

The best way to determine the value of a used car is to visit one of the many websites that help you determine the price of a vehicle. Two of the most popular are Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com) and Edmunds (www.edmunds.com). Other sites are available, but as these are the most popular, they are also the most likely to be checked by a buyer or seller.

Enter the information about your car

The site first asks you if you are buying or selling a vehicle. Make the appropriate selection, then answer the questions that appear. The questions ask you to specify the make, model, year and mileage of the vehicle. You must also enter your zip code, as car prices vary from one area to another. Next you must check the boxes that indicate the various features of the vehicle, including number of doors, transmission type, presence of a sunroof, trim levels, number and types of airbags and so on. Make every effort to provide accurate information about these features, as they affect the car's value. Last, the site asks you to specify the car's condition as excellent, good, fair or poor. The site provides a description of each condition level; read these to ensure that you choose the correct one. Once you have completed all the steps, the website provides you with a price quote for the vehicle that you have described.

Do price comparison shopping on websites

Many used car websites or listing services such as AutoTrader.com allow you to specify the make, model or type of car that you want. Then, you can pit many cars against each other to find the one that best fits your expectations for price, features and age. If all else fails, a trip to a local used car dealer with this information in hand is sure to aid you in getting a fair value for your money.

Car price comparison websites are invaluable for those who want to buy or sell a vehicle. Simply enter accurate information and receive an instant price quote. If you are purchasing a used car, you may want to obtain price information regarding several cars before you start haggling for one. Armed with this information, you are ready to negotiate with confidence, regardless of whether you are the buyer or the seller.

Knowing a car's value keeps you from spending too much on your "new" used vehicle