Vehicle Valuation Guidance
Knowing what a vehicle is really worth makes every next step simpler.
This hub explains how valuations are calculated, what influences pricing up or down, and how to arrive at a fair, realistic figure you can trust — regardless of vehicle type.
Ready to check a current valuation?
How valuations work
If you want to see how these principles apply to your own vehicle, you can start with a free car valuation to understand what your car or van may be worth in today’s market.
A valuation is an estimate based on what similar vehicles are selling for in the current market, adjusted for the details that influence demand.
This applies across cars, vans, and end-of-life vehicles, and typically takes into account factors such as age, mileage, condition, specification, history, and current market behaviour.
Why online prices vary
Different services use different data sources and assumptions. Some focus on trade buying prices, some reflect private sale listings, and some blend both — that’s why two “valuations” can look miles apart.
Different valuation perspectives
Trade / dealer value: what a business may pay, factoring in prep costs, warranty risk and resale margin.
Private sale value: what a private buyer might pay, often higher — but usually takes longer and needs more effort.
- If you’re comparing valuation types to decide on next steps, our selling guidance explains how timing, buyer type, and market conditions affect outcomes.
Helpful reads:
What are your vehicle’s valuation factors?
These are the biggest levers that move your valuation — and where you should focus if you want the fairest price.
Mileage
Mileage is the clearest indicator of wear and expected future repairs. Lower mileage helps, but strong maintenance records and proof of servicing and repairs can offset higher mileage.
Service history & maintenance records
A consistent service record makes buyers more confident in your car or van’s reliability and upkeep. Missing stamps don’t always kill a valuation — but increase perceived risk.
Ownership, finance & documentation
Outstanding finance, missing paperwork, or lots of previous owners can influence buyer confidence and the final offer.
Condition (interior, exterior, tyres, warning lights)
Condition affects desirability and the cost to get your vehicle retail-ready. Chips, dents, cracked lights, worn tyres and dashboard warnings usually reduce offers because they increase prep risk.
Spec, trim & optional extras
Trim level, factory options and “desirable” features can make a noticeable difference — but only when buyers actually want them. The key is market demand, not what the option cost new.
Age & depreciation
Most cars lose value as they age — but depreciation isn’t linear. Some models stabilise later, while others continue to fall if demand drops.
Modifications
Mods can help with the right buyer but most modifications will shrink the size of the buying audience — and thus reduce value, They can also narrow demand through raising insurance/legality concerns.
Accident / damage history
Category history, structural repairs and paintwork quality can affect value. Being upfront protects trust and speeds the sale.
Regular upkeep plays a big role in valuation, and our maintenance guidance explains what actually affects a vehicle’s value.
Market timing & realism
Car, Van and Scrap prices move with supply and demand. The same vehicle can value differently across regions, seasons and even week-to-week depending on what buyers are searching for.
Two useful rules
-
Treat valuations as a range, not a single “perfect” number.
-
Focus on what you can control: presentation, records, honest description, and timing
Valuation myths & misconceptions
Myth 1 :
“My car is worth what I paid.”
Markets change over time. Age, mileage, running costs, fuel type, and buyer demand all have a bigger impact on value than the original purchase price.
Myth 2 :
“Dealers always undercut.”
A trade offer reflects preparation costs, warranty risk, and resale margin. You’re paying for speed, convenience, and certainty — not just the car or van itself.
Myth 3 :
“Online valuations are fake.”
Online valuations are estimates based on live market data. The most accurate ones explain their assumptions and adjust for your vehicle’s real condition and history.
Myth 4 :
“If I fix everything, I’ll get it all back.”
Some repairs protect value, while others cost more than they return. A “must-fix versus nice-to-fix” approach usually makes the most sense — especially when selling.
Ready to check it’s valuation?
If you want a quick, realistic view of what your vehicle could be worth today, you can check in seconds using your registration number.
No obligation. You’ll see a valuation based on today’s market. You can decide what to do next
Prefer not to enter details yet? Read our guide on valuing your car, van or scrap accurately online.
If you already know you want to sell, you can also get a free valuation here.
Once you understand how valuations work, the next step is choosing how to sell.
You can sell my car directly to trusted UK buyers or explore other options based on your needs.
You’ll learn how mileage, condition, service history, modifications, and market demand influence valuation, plus how to compare offers and avoid common valuation mistakes.
If repairs no longer make sense, our guide to scrapping your vehicle explains when that’s the better option.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Sitemap
- Buying and Selling
- Car Buying Tips
- Car Insurance
- Car Maintenance
- Car Tax
- Car Valuation
- Concept Cars
- Design
- Driving Laws
- Driving Licence
- Driving Test
- DVLA
- Electric Vehicles
- Gadgets
- General Automotive
- Highway Code
- Hydrogen Vehicles
- Industry News
- Lifestyle
- MOT
- Motoring Tips
- News
- Official
- Recalls
- Rumours
- Safety
- Scrapping a vehicle
- Selling a Car
- Selling a Van
- Supercars
- Technology
- Van Guidance
- Vehicle Ownership
Valuation Guidance
Vehicle Valuation Guidance Knowing what a vehicle is really worth makes every next step simpler. This hub explains how valuations are calculated, what influences pricing
The new 2022 VW Polo has been revealed
The new Volkswagen Polo is on its way for 2022. Find out more and what you can expect here.
Can I change the colour of my car – everything you need to know
Thinking of changing the colour of your car? Before diving straight in, find out everything you need to know here and whether or not it’s worth changing it.
Tips for Driving on the Motorway for the First Time
The rules of motorway driving can be boring and complex at the best of times, never mind if its your first time. Discover our top tips for a first timer on the motorway here.
The Kia Telluride three-row-crossover has been revised for 2023
Kia has refreshed its popular SUV, the Telluride ready for next year. Its pricing has been refreshed along with its styling too. Find out more here.
How do turbochargers work?
How do turbochargers work? We’ve all heard of turbo engines, given that the word ‘turbo’ is a common one surrounding cars and is exciting for
Thatcham approved alarms – what are they and do I have one?
Does your car have Thatcham approved security? Find out how you can protect your possessions and your car with an approved alarm system here.
Car Buying:
A Guide To Buying Your First Car
Buying your first car can be an exciting but also a daunting
Your Rights When Buying A Used Car From A Dealer, Private Seller, Or Auction
Buying a used car can be a tricky process, especially if you’re
Pre-registered cars – how you can save money
Pre-registered cars – how you can save money Did you know that
Popular:
Car depreciation explained: future residual values and how they’re calculated
Car depreciation explained: future residual
EV:
Electric Vehicle Drivers willing to pay more to reserve a public chargepoint
It turns out that electric vehicle drivers are willing to pay more
V4 Tesla Supercharger
The Tesla Supercharger network is expanding fast, providing reliable rapid charging throughout
Best electric cars for families 2023
Are you and your family ready to go electric? Well there’s no
How fast do Electric cars charge?
How fast do Electric cars charge? How quickly your electric car charges
Car Selling:
Car Scrapping:
Car Valuation:
Van Selling:
Car Guidance:
How to negotiate a car price
Purchasing a new or used car is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make and you should never be afraid to negotiate for a better car price.
Is it worth buying a second hand electric vehicle
Thinking of buying a second-hand electric vehicle but can’t make your mind up? Find out here whether or not you should give them a wide birth.
Car Warranty Guide
What is a car warranty? To help you answer this question and much more on car warranties, check out our handy guide all about car warranties.
What is a depreciating asset and is my car one?
Depreciation and assets can muddy the waters for you, so we’ve made it simple. Find out what a depreciating asset is and if your car is considered one here.
How Often Should You Service Your Car or Van? A Complete UK Guide
How Often Should You Service Your Car or Van? A Complete UK Guide Knowing how often to service your car or van helps keep it
How Much Does Poor Service History Reduce Car Value?
How Much Does Poor Service History Reduce Car Value? Service history plays an important role in how buyers assess a car’s condition and value. While
More information
To get the most accurate valuation, you’ll need your registration, mileage and a few honest details about your car’s condition and history. That includes any modifications, number of previous owners and service history.
For a full breakdown, see our guide on “what information you need for a car valuation” – that walks you through everything step-by-step.
Your car’s value is based on several key factors: age, mileage, condition, service history, spec/trim, and current market demand. Even things like colour and optional extras can make a difference.
For a deeper dive, read our “factors that impact the value of my car” guide – it explains each factor in detail so you know what’s helping or hurting your price.
Small tweaks can add up: fix cheap cosmetic issues, get a basic valet, sort any warning lights, and gather your paperwork (MOT, service book, invoices). Presenting a clean, well-looked-after car with a solid history can nudge your offers up.
Check out our guide on “the best ways to get the most money for your car” for a checklist of quick wins before you list or accept an offer.
The trick is combining a realistic price with great presentation and an easy selling route. Start by getting a fair valuation, tidy the car, sort the photos and be upfront about condition so buyers trust you.
We’ve put all of this into our guide on “how to make your car sell quickly”, which shows you how to speed up the sale without just slashing the price.
The only section of the V5C you’ll need to keep is a slip from section 6 of the V5C form. This is for you, as the previous owner, to complete and send to the DVLA to inform them that ownership of the vehicle has changed. This will also trigger any due refund from the DVLA for the excess road fund licence previously paid.
Read more about informing the DVLA.
Most Popular Articles
Vehicle Maintenance Checklist: Monthly, Annual and Long-Term Tasks Explained
Vehicle Maintenance Checklist: Monthly, Annual and Long-Term Tasks Explained Staying on top of vehicle maintenance doesn’t need to be complicated, but it does need to
Does Regular Maintenance Increase Your Car’s Value? What Buyers Really Care About
Does Regular Maintenance Increase Your Car’s Value? What Buyers Really Care About Regular maintenance helps keep a vehicle reliable and safe, but many owners also
What Vehicle Maintenance Is Legally Required in the UK? MOTs, Tyres and Safety Checks
What Vehicle Maintenance Is Legally Required in the UK? MOTs, Tyres and Safety Checks Keeping a vehicle roadworthy in the UK isn’t just good practice
Car Dashboard Warning Lights Explained: What You Can Ignore and What You Can’t
Car Dashboard Warning Lights Explained: What You Can Ignore and What You Can’t Dashboard warning lights are designed to alert you when something needs attention,
Coolant and Anti-freeze: What is the correct type for your car?
Coolant and Anti-freeze: What is the correct type for your car? Did you know that different cars require different coolants? You might be thinking it’s
Which car battery do I need?
Which car battery do I need? Let’s face it, there’s nothing worse than waking up in the morning to find out your car’s battery is
How to remove scratches from your car
How to remove scratches from your car Let’s face it, there’s nothing worse than discovering that your car has a scratch on it. It has
Blowing exhaust
Blowing exhaust Is your car’s exhaust not sounding too healthy? Does it sound like it’s blowing a gale? Your exhaust does several jobs in your
Car Warranty Guide
What is a car warranty? To help you answer this question and much more on car warranties, check out our handy guide all about car warranties.
Benefits of keeping your car in a garage
If you’re thinking about investing in a garage to store your car, this list of benefits will help you make up your mind.