Valuing a used car is one of the most important steps before selling or buying. Many people make mistakes right here—either they undervalue their car and lose money, or they overprice it and can’t sell it for months.
1. Determine the baseline market price
The first step is to find out what the car is worth today on the market—not what you think it was worth two years ago. Look for listings on reliable platforms and compare only cars with:
- the same make, model, and engine,
- the same year of manufacture and fuel/charging type,
- similar mileage (± 20,000 km),
- identical equipment/spec level and maintenance standard,
- a similar overall condition.
Differences in extras/options, transmission, and maintenance level can affect the price by 5–15%. Exclude the extremes—the cheapest and the most expensive offers. They distort reality.
The average value within the range will give you a realistic market starting point.
2. Check the car’s actual condition
Two cars from the same model year can differ by thousands of leva solely because of condition. Get a full inspection by a specialist or a service center that can assess:
- the engine and gearbox,
- the suspension and braking system,
- the electronics,
- the body condition (including repainted panels),
- the interior and wear.
Every identified issue lowers the price, but if you’ve maintained the car regularly and well, its value may even be higher than the market average.
3. Review the service history and documents
The most valuable document for a used car isn’t the registration certificate—it’s the service history. A car with a traceable past, service invoices, and a valid technical inspection shows responsible maintenance and reduces risk for the buyer.
Make sure that:
- the VIN is legible and matches the documents;
- there are no liens, encumbrances, or unpaid fines;
- the annual inspection and insurance are up to date.
The more transparent the car’s history is, the higher its real value.
4. Consider age and mileage, but don’t rely on them alone
Yes, a 5-year-old car with 90,000 km usually costs more than a 10-year-old one with 200,000 km. But real value is influenced more by care than by numbers. Regular servicing, original parts, and the absence of major repairs often offset age.
Don’t value a car by the odometer—value it by maintenance.
5. What increases or decreases value
Factors that increase the price:
- complete service history;
- original parts and no major repairs;
- a well-maintained interior and exterior;
- a popular make and model;
- desirable options (automatic, climate control, navigation, etc.);
- new tires and recently replaced consumables (oil, belts, brake pads).
Factors that decrease the price:
- signs of accidents and repainting;
- non-functioning systems (ABS, A/C, electronics);
- missing documents and service history;
- a worn interior and components;
- an aftermarket (non-OEM) LPG conversion.
6. Trust an expert valuation
Even experienced drivers struggle to determine market value without a professional view. Instead of relying on random listings and guesses, get an official expert valuation.
At Moto-Pfohe Used Cars you can get a free preliminary valuation—in just a few steps online. After that, an expert performs an inspection and prepares an accurate offer based on the car’s real condition.
Valuing a used car isn’t a matter of assumptions—it’s a matter of facts.
