How the number is calculated

Three signals combine into the estimate you see:

1. Live market listings — currently-advertised prices for the same make, model, fuel, year, and mileage band. This is the most important signal but only available when enough comparable cars are listed. For rare cars the dataset is thin and the range widens.
2. UK depreciation model — calibrated against thousands of UK sales, factoring age, make-level retention rates, and average annual mileage. Provides the anchor when market data is sparse.
3. Recent valuation cache — as more people use the tool, we accumulate same-make/ same-year data points that smooth the estimate further.

When all three signals agree, the range tightens and the confidence rating goes up. When they diverge or one is missing, the range widens to be honest about uncertainty. We'd rather show a wide range that's right than a narrow one that's wrong.

The three different "worth" numbers

When you ask "how much is my car worth", you might mean any of three different prices. The gap between them is often 20–30% on the same car:

Our estimate covers the realistic private-sale to part-ex band. Walk-in offers tend to come in below, which is the price you pay for "sold today, money in your account tomorrow."

What makes your car worth more (or less)

Beyond the basics (age, mileage, make), buyers pay close attention to signals that suggest the car has been well kept:

• Service history — a full main-dealer history can add 5–10% on a premium brand. Stamps from a recognised independent specialist are almost as good for many models. Gaps cost.
• Recent MOT — a fresh pass with no advisories adds confidence. A long list of advisories signals trouble. Check yours on our free MOT history check before listing.
• One careful owner — fewer owners = higher value. The first owner generally treats the car best.
• Mileage trajectory — steady annual mileage suggests regular use. Sudden drops can signal it's been laid up (engine seals, flat batteries) and don't add value.
• Cosmetic presentation — clean bodywork, intact alloys, and a tidy interior can add 5% over identical specs. A £100 professional valet is the highest-ROI thing you can do before selling.

Why your car might be worth less than you expect

Three common mismatches between owner expectations and the market:

• You remember what you paid, not what the dealer paid — the price on the dealer windscreen included their margin. Resale value is closer to what they paid for it.
• Years 3–5 see the steepest depreciation on most brands — especially premium German saloons and medium-spec petrol family cars. A 4-year-old car is often worth 40–50% of its new price.
• Mileage above the UK average compounds — a 5-year-old car with 70,000 miles is worth notably less than one with 40,000, even though both are "well-used." The above-average mileage discount grows with age.

Knowing this in advance lets you set a realistic asking price and avoid the frustration of weeks of low offers.

Frequently asked questions