Free car valuation

Understanding how much your car is worth can be tricky, and the answer depends on all sorts of variables, from make and model to the number of previous owners. Some of these factors are changing all the time, so knowing how they affect your car’s value is crucial.

• Age
  A car’s value diminishes significantly after the first three years, and every year after that.
  
• Mileage
  Often a reflection of a vehicle’s wear and tear, mileage can be a deciding factor for a potential buyer’s offer.
  
• Service history
  Accurate valuations depend on an accurate service history. Big gaps in your documents or no MOT? Buyers will assume the worst and expect a lower price.
  
• Emissions rating or Euro 6 compliance
  Do you know your city’s low emissions specification? Your potential buyer will. Unsurprisingly, cars that comply with Euro 6 emissions standards are worth more than those that don’t.
• Location
  There are more than just local emission zones to think about. A smart car might be tough sell in the country, but in the city, it’s a whole different story
• Demand
  What makes a car desirable can change like the seasons. In fact, a used convertible will be more in demand if it is the season the top can come down.
• Fuel type
  The 2030 electric switchover is on every car owner’s mind. In the short term, the future of combustion engine vehicles is hard to predict – knowing their future value is even harder.

  Depreciation is an issue for most vehicles, although at different rates, your car’s value may be different this time next year, so if you wish to maximise money in your bank account, now may be the perfect time to sell your car.
  

Aside from the list above there are a number of factors unique to your car that could increase or decrease its value. These factors often can’t be assessed in online valuations, but will be vital for maximising value when the time comes to sell.
 
At Motorway, we work with over 5,000 car dealers so we know the small details they will be looking for, and those they will want to avoid.

Increases value:

• Optional extras
  The increased value, if any, from optional add-ons can vary significantly and will have to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. However, add-ons such as leather seats and premium sound systems do consistently increase value. While others such as four-wheel drive and automatic transmission often do depend on location and car model.

• Technology
  As the technology utilised in cars becomes more advanced the cars most up-to-date with the latest technology and features will fetch a higher price. Although most of the technology many cars have is dependent on its age, some brands are ahead of others in its use of technology. From USB ports, voice commands and WIFI to automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alerts and lane departure warnings.
• Colour
  The colour of a vehicle can affect its wider appeal and therefore its resale value. Buyers may be willing to part with more money for a car knowing that its colour won’t put off other potential buyers further down the line. Alternatively, if a car has a certain iconic colour that makes it more popular, it will often make it worth more.
• Above-average condition
  Although mileage is a good indicator of  a car’s condition it’s by no means a conclusive one. A car that has been well taken care of, with an exceptional condition both inside and out, can be more appealing than one with slightly fewer miles.

• Still under warranty
  The safety net of a manufacturer’s warranty can give buyers some extra reassurance. It may not be a dramatic difference but an in-date warranty will give a boost to your car’s value.

  Decreases value:

• Personalisation/modifications
  In some cases, especially when cosmetic, modifications may not decrease your car’s value but it is unlikely to increase it. This is because many buyers, especially car dealers, are looking for cars with a wide appeal as more potential buyers in the future often corresponds with higher resale price. By definition, most personalisations reduce that mainstream appeal and so can actually hinder a car’s value.

• Below average condition
  If a car’s condition is worse than would be expected for its mileage then buyers will expect the price to reflect that. If a car has broken parts, or features or is just generally in bad shape it goes without saying it will be worth less.

• Lots of previous owners
  Usually, the more owners a car has had the less it will be worth today. Of course, the number of owners a car has had will tend to reflect its age and condition.
• Accident history
  Even if fully repaired and seemingly in no worse condition, being involved in a significant accident, or even a flood, will likely lower your car’s value – by how much will always depend on the situation and vehicle.