How much is my car worth? How to value it properly

How to work out a realistic asking price, and what pushes a car’s value up or down.

Pricing well is the quickest way to sell. Too high and buyers scroll past; too low and you leave money on the table.

Compare real cars for sale

Search for your make and model, then narrow it down to cars within a year or two of yours and similar mileage. Look at how prices change with mileage, trim and condition. When you list on Motorlane, our price check does this for you and shows whether your price looks great, good, fair or high.

What affects the value

• Mileage and age: lower than average mileage for the age adds value.
• Service history: a full history, especially from a main dealer or specialist, is worth paying for.
• MOT: a long MOT with few advisories reassures buyers.
• Condition: kerbed wheels, worn tyres and scratches all give buyers a reason to offer less.
• Colour, trim and options: popular colours and well-equipped trims sell faster.
• Season: convertibles sell best in spring and summer, 4x4s in autumn and winter.

Private sale, part exchange or trade sale?

Selling privately usually gets the most money. A part exchange is convenient but you'll normally be offered less, because the dealer needs to prepare and resell the car. See our part exchange guide.

Ready to sell? List your car for free and see the price check for yourself.