Appraisal
A car appraisal determines how much your vehicle is worth in today’s market. Whether you plan to trade it in, sell it to a dealership, or just want to know its value before making your next move, an appraisal gives you an official estimate of what your car could sell for.
At most dealerships, this process is handled by trained appraisers who evaluate your car based on key factors. The goal? You can either accept it or use it as leverage in your next purchase to give you a fair offer.
Getting an appraisal is essential, especially if you use the value to pay down a new vehicle.
How Does a Car Appraisal Work?
Here’s what typically happens during a dealership appraisal:
1. Condition Check
The appraiser examines the inside and outside of your vehicle, checking for wear and tear, scratches, dents, or signs of accident damage. They’ll also check the tires, brakes, lights, and cleanliness. A clean and well-maintained vehicle usually earns a better offer.
2. Mileage Review
How many miles your car has been driven is a significant factor. Generally, lower mileage means higher value. But even if your vehicle has been on the road for a while, keeping up with regular maintenance can still keep its value strong.
3. Service History
If you’ve kept your service records and stayed up to date with oil changes, inspections, or repairs, that works in your favor. It shows the car has been taken care of, which can help boost your appraisal.
4. Local Market Demand
Dealers will check how your make, model, and trim level perform locally. If it’s a vehicle in high demand or few like it nearby, your appraisal might come back higher.
5. Vehicle History Report
Most dealers will pull a vehicle history report (like Carfax or AutoCheck) to look for red flags, such as previous accidents, title issues, or inconsistent odometer readings.
Can You Get an Appraisal Online?
Yes. Many dealerships offer online trade-in tools where you can enter your vehicle info (make, model, year, mileage, condition, etc.) and get a rough estimate of your car’s value. It’s a great starting point, but this isn’t your final offer. The final value comes after an in-person inspection.
How to Boost Your Appraisal Value
Before bringing your vehicle in, you can take a few simple steps to increase its value:
- Clean Your Car: Wash the exterior, vacuum the interior, and wipe down surfaces. Presentation matters.
- Fix Small Issues: Got a burnt-out headlight or a minor scratch? Taking care of small fixes can make a difference.
- Stay up to Date on Maintenance: An oil change, topped-off fluids, or a fresh inspection sticker show that your car is in solid shape.
- Bring Your Paperwork: Service records, receipts, and even a second set of keys can add value to your offer.
Why Appraisals are Important
- Know Your Vehicle’s Worth: Don’t guess, get a real number you can use in negotiations.
- Trade-In Confidence: Walk into the dealership knowing your car’s actual value.
- Faster Transactions: Appraisals speed up the selling or trade-in process.
Better Deals on Your Next Ride: Use your appraisal value as a down payment on your new vehicle and lower your financing costs.