What is my used car actually worth?

Three prices, one car

• Part-exchange — convenient, lowest effort, usually the weakest price.
• Instant online buyer — fast and certain, priced to allow the buyer a margin.
• Private sale — the strongest price, but it costs you time, viewings and admin.

What genuinely moves the value

1. Mileage against age. Sharply above average mileage is punished more than most owners expect.
2. Service history. A complete, stamped or digital history is worth real money.
3. MOT length. A long ticket removes doubt for the buyer.
4. Condition. Kerbed alloys, a cracked screen and worn tyres get deducted at retail cost, not repair cost.
5. Specification and colour. Desirable options help; unusual colours narrow the buyer pool.
6. Timing. Convertibles in spring, 4x4s in autumn.

Getting a realistic figure

• Check what similar cars are actually advertised for — same trim, similar mileage, same region.
• Adjust down for anything a buyer will pick up on.
• Assume advertised prices are slightly above achieved prices.

Common mistakes

• Valuing your car against pristine examples with half the mileage.
• Forgetting that outstanding finance must be settled from the sale price.
• Spending money on cosmetic work that will not return its cost.

Next steps

Decide which of the three routes you actually want first. The right price for you is the best offer on the route you are willing to take.