What Is a Vehicle Valuation?
A valuation is an estimate of what a vehicle is worth right now, based on real market data, condition factors and comparable sales.
Market Range
We provide a min/max range rather than a single number — because the same car can be worth £3,000 more at a dealer than at a private auction.
Data Sources
We use comparable listings across major UK classified sites, auction house data, and dealer forecourt pricing — updated continuously.
Adjusted for History
Our valuation is adjusted based on the vehicle's specific history — not just make, model and mileage. A CAT N write-off is worth thousands less than a clean car.
What the Price Depends On
The same car has four different values depending on how it's being sold.
| Channel | Typical Premium | Who Pays This | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dealer Forecourt | Highest (+15–25%) | Retail buyers | Warranty, finance, consumer rights. You pay for the safety net. |
| Private Sale | Mid Market | Private buyers | No warranty. Buyer beware. Price should reflect risk. |
| Part Exchange | Trade (-10–15%) | Dealers only | Dealer needs margin. Good for convenience, bad for value. |
| Quick / Auction Sale | Lowest (-20–30%) | Cash buyers | Speed over price. Used when urgency outweighs return. |
What Adds or Removes Value
These are the variables our system applies to adjust the baseline price for each specific vehicle.
⇧ Value Increases
Under 10,000 miles/year is significantly below average. Adds 5–15% to value depending on the model.
Stamped logbook with receipts adds buyer confidence and £500–£2,000 to desirable models.
Silver, black, and white outsell unusual colours by 3:1. An unusual colour can shave 2–5% off value.
Desirable factory options (sat nav, heated seats, panoramic roof) add £500–£3,000 vs base spec.
⇩ Value Decreases
CAT N typically reduces value by 20–40%. CAT S is worse. Both affect insurance premiums indefinitely.
Even if legitimate (cluster replacement), an unexplained mileage drop kills buyer confidence and sale price.
Intensive stop-start urban driving accelerates clutch, gearbox and brake wear. Often undisclosed.
The finance company has legal claim to the car. You could lose it. Should be cleared by seller before completion.
How Our Valuation Works in Practice
Using our sample report Mercedes E63 AMG as a worked example.
2018 Mercedes E63 AMG Estate — 74,630 miles
Clean comparable: approx £25,000–£27,000
How to Use Valuation Data
Lead With the Report
Print the valuation section. Show the seller the specific adjustments with their justification. It's harder to argue with data than with gut feeling.
Target One Deduction at a Time
Don't throw everything at them at once. Start with the biggest single issue (finance, CAT N, mileage discrepancy) and negotiate that down before moving to the next.
Use Upcoming Costs
If the report shows an overdue service or approaching major maintenance, that's legitimate and quantifiable. Get a quote from a garage before negotiating.
Walk Away Power
If the seller won't budge on a car with documented issues, walk away. A Premium report costs £12.99. A bad car costs thousands. The maths is simple.
Get a full valuation in your report
Our Premium report includes a personalised valuation range, adjusted for that vehicle's specific history, with a full breakdown of every deduction.