1. What determines the value
There is no single fixed price for a car. Its value results from many factors working together. The most important are:
- Make, model and engine: some models are in demand and lose value slowly, others less so.
- First registration and age: depreciation is usually greatest in the first few years.
- Mileage: the higher the mileage, the more the value usually drops, because wear parts are closer to needing replacement.
- Equipment: an automatic gearbox, satnav, driver assistance systems or a tow bar can raise the price. Rare optional extras, on the other hand, are often not paid for in full.
- Drive and fuel: petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric, each type of drive has its own groups of buyers.
- Number of previous owners: few keepers seem more trustworthy to many buyers.
2. Condition and care
Two cars of the same model, year and mileage can be worth very different amounts. Condition makes the difference:
- accident-free or with previous damage, and if so, how well was it repaired?
- paintwork, rust, wheels, tyres and interior,
- mechanics: engine, gearbox, clutch, brakes, air conditioning,
- a complete service book and invoices for major work,
- the time remaining until the next general inspection (HU).
Honest information pays off. A known defect that you mention openly makes the valuation reliable. Anything that only comes to light at the viewing, by contrast, leads to renegotiation.
3. Market and demand
Besides the vehicle itself, the market plays a role. A convertible is often more in demand in spring than in November, a four-wheel-drive vehicle rather before winter. The general situation on the used car market, fuel prices and debates about driving bans can also change demand for certain vehicles.
4. Online valuations: a good guide, not a fixed price
Valuation services such as those of DAT or Schwacke, as well as the price calculators of large vehicle marketplaces, give you an initial orientation. They work with market data and your details on model, year, mileage and equipment.
The result is usually a range, not a fixed sum. Such calculators cannot see the actual condition: whether the brakes will soon be due, whether there is repaired accident damage or whether the interior is well kept, they only know as well as you enter it. Ideally, compare several sources and also check the prices at which similar vehicles are offered in your area. Note: asking prices in listings are wish prices, not prices actually achieved.
5. Buying price and selling price
Customers often ask us why a dealer pays less than the same car later costs at the dealer. The difference is no secret: between buying and reselling come valeting, checks and any repairs, the time the car stands on the forecourt and, when selling to consumers, the dealer's statutory liability for defects. In return, when you sell to a dealer you save yourself the listing, viewings with strangers and price negotiations.
6. Why the inspection counts
A reliable statement on value is only possible once someone has seen the vehicle. An on-site inspection checks the bodywork, paint, interior and mechanics, includes a test drive if the vehicle runs, and looks at the documents. The result is a price that matches the real condition.
That is exactly how we work: we inspect your vehicle at your location and make you a free, no-obligation offer. Whether you sell is entirely up to you. Which documents you should have ready is explained under Documents for selling. If your car is still financed, the guide Selling a car with a loan will help.