Question 1

Can I look up the price of any car, truck or SUV for free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Simply enter your VIN or license plate into the Carfax History-Based Value look-up tool to get the Carfax Value on your car, truck or SUV. Our unique VIN-specific value report considers reported accidents or damage, number of owners and the car’s service history. Other factors include how the vehicle was used (for personal, fleet, rental or commercial use). The result is a clear picture of what your car is worth right now. This more detailed information will help you regardless of whether you’re buying a car, trading yours in, selling yours, or getting an appraisal.

Question 2

How does an accident affect a car’s value?

Accepted Answer

The average impact on retail price is just under $500 for a vehicle that has been in an accident, but that impact jumps to an average of $2,100 for a vehicle that’s sustained  severe damage. Only Carfax gives you a VIN-specific price for every used car based on its complete history. Instead of providing you with only a suggested retail value, Carfax can tell you what a specific vehicle with a specific VIN is worth based on its history as reported to Carfax.  See Comparison Chart.

Question 3

What's the difference in value if I trade in my car compared to selling it myself?

Accepted Answer

You can typically get more by selling your car to a private party buyer than trading it in to a dealership. However, private car sales take more time and effort, while a motivated dealer will likely work to make the trade as effortless as possible. Dealers can handle all the necessary paperwork and make any loan payoff.

Question 4

Why do some cars depreciate faster than others?

Accepted Answer

Car prices trend downwards over time. A new car typically loses 20% of its value in the first year, then 15% of its value each year after that. So after 5 years, it may be worth only 40% of its original purchase price. Our History-Based Value considers data that affect depreciation prices, including the car’s brand, accident or damage history, title history, service records, and the number of owners it’s had.

Question 5

Can car valuations change based on where I live?

Accepted Answer

Supply and demand for car sales can differ by region, even down to the ZIP code. Valuations and prices can also track higher where the cost of living is higher. As popular used car models grow scarce in a region, their prices can go up.