What you get
£ Market estimate — based on real dealer asking prices
≡ Comparable listings — similar cars currently on sale
✓ MOT history — full history with advisories and mileage
Common questions
How is this different from other car valuations?
Most valuation tools use proprietary algorithms that produce a number with no explanation. We show you what similar cars are actually listed for at UK dealerships, so you can see where the estimate comes from.
Can I use this to value my car for trade-in?
Yes. Our estimate reflects real dealer asking prices, which gives you a strong baseline for what your car is worth on the open market. Dealers typically offer less for trade-ins, so this helps you negotiate.
Is this a formal valuation for insurance?
No — this is a market estimate, not a formal valuation. For insurance purposes, you may need an independent assessor. But our estimate is a useful reference point.
How accurate is a free car valuation?
Our valuations are based on real dealer asking prices tracked daily across thousands of UK forecourts. You see the comparable listings used to calculate the estimate, so you can judge accuracy yourself. On popular models we achieve high-confidence estimates within a few percent of market value.
What affects the value of my car?
The main factors are age, mileage, condition, service history, specification (trim level, engine size), fuel type, colour, and number of previous owners. Market demand also plays a role — some models hold value better than others due to reliability reputation or supply constraints.
What is the difference between trade-in value and private sale value?
Trade-in value is what a dealer will offer when you part-exchange your car. This is typically 10-20% below the retail asking price because the dealer needs to recondition and resell at a profit. Private sale value sits between trade-in and dealer retail — you get more than trade-in but the buyer expects to pay less than a dealer.
How often do car values change?
Car values change constantly. New plate releases in March and September typically cause a dip in used prices. Seasonal demand affects convertibles and 4x4s. Fuel price changes can shift demand between petrol, diesel, and electric. Our estimates update daily to reflect these market movements.
Do I need to enter my mileage for a valuation?
Mileage is optional but improves accuracy. Without it, we estimate based on average mileage for the car's age. Entering your actual mileage lets us adjust the estimate — high-mileage cars are worth less, and low-mileage examples command a premium.
Why is my car worth less than I expected?
Common reasons include higher-than-average mileage, a less desirable specification or colour, market oversupply of that model, or depreciation hitting a steep part of the curve. Our estimate shows comparable listings so you can see exactly what similar cars are selling for and understand the pricing.
How Our Free Car Valuation Works
Most valuation tools give you a number and no explanation. Ours is different — we track asking prices across thousands of UK dealerships daily, so your estimate is based on what similar cars are actually listed for right now.
1
Enter your reg
We look up your car's details — make, model, age, engine, fuel type — from the DVLA database.
2
We find comparables
Our system searches for matching cars currently listed at UK dealers, filtered by variant, mileage band, and age.
3
You see the evidence
You get a market estimate with the comparable listings shown alongside it — so you can see exactly where the number comes from.
What Affects Your Car's Value?
Several factors determine how much your car is worth on the UK used car market. Understanding these helps you set realistic expectations whether you're selling privately, trading in at a dealer, or simply curious.
Age and Mileage
The two biggest factors. Cars typically lose 15-35% of their value in the first year and 50-60% over three years. High mileage accelerates depreciation — the average UK car covers around 7,500 miles per year, and anything significantly above this reduces value.
Service History
A full service history — especially from franchised dealers — adds significant value. Gaps in the service record raise concerns about maintenance and can reduce a car's worth by 10-20% compared to a fully stamped example.
Specification and Trim
Higher trim levels (SE, S-Line, GT-Line, M Sport) hold value better than base models. Desirable options like sat-nav, leather seats, and parking sensors also help. The engine choice matters too — some engine variants are significantly more sought after.
Fuel Type
Petrol and hybrid cars are currently in strongest demand. Diesel values have softened since 2017 due to emissions concerns and clean air zone charges. Electric cars are growing but depreciation varies widely by model and battery condition.
Colour
Neutral colours (black, grey, white, silver) sell fastest and hold value best. Bold colours like green, yellow, or orange can limit your buyer pool and reduce value by 5-10%, though some performance cars are worth more in distinctive colours.
Previous Owners
Fewer owners generally means higher value. One-owner cars with full history command a premium. Cars with four or more owners may raise questions about why the car keeps changing hands, even if nothing is mechanically wrong.
Trade-In vs Private Sale vs Dealer Retail
When you look up your car's value, it's important to understand which price you're looking at. There are three main price points in the UK used car market, and they can differ by thousands of pounds.
Trade-in value is the lowest — this is what a dealer offers when you part-exchange your car. It's typically 10-20% below retail because the dealer needs margin for reconditioning, warranty, and profit. It's the easiest way to sell but you'll get the least.
Private sale value sits in the middle. Selling privately through sites like Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, or Auto Trader usually gets you more than trade-in. But you handle viewings, test drives, payment, and paperwork yourself.
Dealer retail value is the highest — what dealers advertise cars for on their forecourts. Our valuation tool shows you this price, based on real listings. Knowing the retail value gives you the strongest negotiating position whether you're buying or selling.
When Is the Best Time to Sell a Car in the UK?
Timing affects how much you'll get for your car. The UK new car market runs on two plate changes per year — March (spring) and September (autumn). Each new plate release pushes a wave of nearly-new cars into the used market, softening prices for recent models.
Seasonal demand also matters. Convertibles sell best in spring and summer when buyers can picture using the roof down. 4x4s and SUVs see stronger demand in autumn and winter. Small city cars hold steady year-round thanks to consistent demand from new drivers and urban buyers.
If you're planning to sell, aim for just before the plate change months — January-February or July-August — when supply is lower and your car hasn't yet been undercut by newer stock entering the market.