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Find out your car's worth, track its depreciation, and understand its used, trade-in, and scrap value.

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Buying a car?

Check its value before you buy to ensure you're getting a fair deal.

Selling a car?

Price your car accurately to minimise negotiation and move it quickly.

Scrapping a car?

Learn what you can get for your old car and its parts.

We know what your car is actually worth

A lot goes into valuing a car — vehicle age, mileage, specs, and even the current market. Once you enter your vehicle registration and mileage above, our system automatically pulls info from various sources (including current market dynamics) to give you a fair and realistic valuation.

Whether you're buying a car, selling one, or scrapping it, knowing its true value is key. That's how you make informed decisions and avoid being cheated. And if you're selling it, pricing it according to its worth ensures you get the most money out of the sale without it sitting on the market for too long.

Keep in mind that data cannot account for factors like modifications, damage, and cleanliness and accident history when estimating a car's value. While assessing your vehicle's true value, consider these separately if they apply (and maximise your value by cleaning and fixing what you can).

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Age

Optional Extras

Fuel Type

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Rated 4.7/5 from 186 reviews

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Accurate, real-time valuation

Our smart valuation algorithm uses real-time market data and our own auto sales stats to present you the most accurate, up-to-date value for your car, based on its make, model, year of manufacture, and mileage.

Value history

Save the vehicles you own to your account to track their valuation over the past 24 months. By visualising depreciation rates and value trends, you can pinpoint the best time to sell or trade it in.

Monthly alerts

It pays to be in the know (literally!). We'll send you monthly emails to keep you in the loop about your car's market value and any important changes. No need to constantly check its value — we'll take care of it for you.

What can negatively impact a car's value?

Age

Cars begin to depreciate from the moment they're sold. In the first year alone, it can lose anywhere between 15% and 35% of its initial value. And after three years, you might see as much as half of its value disappear. As cars age, wear and tear, the need for more frequent repairs, and the emergence of newer models can all contribute to their decreasing worth. Newer cars are also equipped with the latest safety and convenience features. The occasional exception to this rule is classic cars, which can sometimes be worth multiple times their initial value due to rarity and desirability.

Mileage

Mileage goes hand-in-hand with age, as a big part of the reason a car depreciates is its wear and tear from everyday use. Generally, the more miles a car has on it, the less alluring it becomes. For example, a 3-year-old car with 70,000 miles on it may be worth significantly less than its 6-year-old equivalent with only 20,000 miles. This is because maintenance and repairs will be significantly less frequent on a car with only 20,000 miles, making it a safer investment for potential buyers.

Service history

Cars with partial or missing service histories typically attract lower prices because they present a higher risk to buyers, who may have to account for potential undisclosed mechanical issues. On the other hand, cars with a full service history (FSH), particularly those serviced within the franchised dealer network, can command resale prices up to 20% higher. This is especially true for premium and luxury vehicles, where maintaining a dealership service record adds thousands of pounds to the vehicle’s value.

Market demand

The second hand market fluctuates, and the value of your car (which is based on how much it can resell for) goes right along with it. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain issues and limited production led to lower new car inventory. This, in turn, drove up the demand for used cars. On the flip side, when there's a higher supply of used cars on the market (such as after rental car companies sell off their vehicles), the demand will likely decrease and bring down your car's worth.

Fuel type

From 2035 onwards, the UK government has announced a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars (only electric and hydrogen-powered cars are allowed). Although 2035 is somewhat far away, the demand for diesel and petrol cars continues to drop. Older models that don't meet Euro 4 (petrol) and Euro 6 (diesel) emissions standards are also taking a huge hit because of the fees they incur inside the UK's many low-emissions zones. Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly favoured for their lower running costs, tax benefits, and exemption from low-emission zone surcharges.

Personalisation and modifications

Modifications that are not professionally done, use third-party aftermarket parts, or that alter the vehicle's original specifications drastically (such as significant changes to the engine or bodywork) make the car less attractive to buyers looking for a well-maintained, stock vehicle. Moreover, modifications that don't comply with legal standards or that affect the vehicle's safety create difficulties when selling the car. They impact insurance premiums, MOT test results, and warranty coverage. In some cases, they can cause legal issues if the new driver is pulled over.

Ownership history

Cars with multiple previous owners are often seen as having potential hidden issues due to varied maintenance approaches and possibly inconsistent care. This lowers buyer confidence, reduces the vehicle's appeal, and ultimately decreases its resale value. On the other hand, a one-owner car with a full service history is an ideal scenario for buyers, making it much easier to resell and potentially increasing its value.

Accident history

Serious structural damage can severely reduce a car's value because it compromises the vehicle's safety and integrity. Even cosmetic damage, although less severe, can still negatively affect the car's aesthetic appeal and hence its market value. The concept of diminished value (the reduction in a vehicle's market value following an accident, despite repairs that restore it to a fully functional state) plays a key role here. Even if the car is fully restored, the perceived risk and higher insurance premiums an accident record carries can devalue it in a buyer's eyes.

What can help you maintain a car's value?

Euro 4 or Euro 6 compliance

Although the UK government is slowly trying to phase out diesel and petrol cars, there's still a demand for them. You can capitalise on this demand if your car meets the Euro 4 or Euro 6 emissions standards (which exempts drivers from low-emissions zone fees). For instance, diesel vehicles still hold value if they meet Euro 6 emissions standards, particularly for high-mileage drivers, despite the upcoming 2035 ban. If your car was manufactured after 1 January 2006, it's likely Euro 4 compliant. Cars built after 1 September 2015 are generally Euro 6 compliant.

Optional add-ons and upgrades

Well-executed, high-quality upgrades using brand-name aftermarket parts can potentially maintain or even increase a vehicle's value, especially when they boost its performance. Performance upgrades like enhanced exhaust systems or suspension improvements, custom stereo systems, and cosmetic enhancements like carbon fibre or racing seats can make a car more desirable to some buyers. If you included these when you bought the new car, its initial value would have been higher. By extension, its current value would also be higher.

Technology and safety features

Modern tech and cutting-edge safety features are always attractive selling points. Many buyers are willing to pay more for cars that come with the latest driver-assistive technologies, like parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning systems. Integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rear-view cameras, and navigation systems are also highly sought after features you'll be able to fetch a higher sale price for.

Colour

Colours play a vital role in the second hand car market. They impact resale value because they are highly subjective, with some colours proving to be more popular than others. In general, black and white cars tend to carry higher price tags compared to bright or unusual colours that might not appeal to everyone's taste. They'll also sell much faster, since there's a greater demand for neutral colours that are easy to maintain. Bright, eye-catching colours like yellow or pink might be a bit more challenging to sell and may fetch a lower resale price.

Above-average condition

Of course, a car that's in pristine condition will always sell for more. Keeping up with regular maintenance and addressing vehicle issues as soon as they arise can go a long way in maintaining your car's value. Regularly washing and waxing the exterior, keeping the interior clean and free of damage, and ensuring it's in good running condition shows buyers that the car has been well taken care of and is worth investing in. Pro tip: make your car spotless and spend a few hundred pounds to get it detailed right before presenting it to potential buyers.

Still under warranty

Warranties are great because they provide peace of mind for a buyer. If your car is still under warranty (and that warranty is transferable to the new owner), that means there's a safety net should certain things happen to it within that time frame. It also indicates the car is relatively new and unlikely to experience major issues in the near future. Having an active warranty is a significant benefit of purchasing a new car, but it's rare for a used car to have warranty coverage. If you have one, make sure to highlight it when you put the vehicle up for sale.

To learn more about the factors affecting depreciation and why your car’s value changes over time, check out our ultimate guide to depreciation.

Track your car’s depreciation

Garage.co.uk's car value estimates are based on real-time market conditions, historical trends, car-specific data, and our own car sales insights. When you make a free account with us, you can add your car to your virtual garage and track its depreciation over time.

Every month, we'll send you an email update with a summary of your car's value. That way, you can see how market dynamics, mileage, and age contribute to its value and make an informed decision about when to sell it or trade it in.

In addition to tracking depreciation, you'll be able to keep tabs on important dates like MOT, car tax, and service intervals. You'll also get reminders to make appointments for maintenance, repairs, and MOT tests, all of which you can book through our platform.

How much is your car worth?

There are dozens of factors (some of which are subjective) that determine your car's true value. The Garage.co.uk Car Value Tracker gives you a glimpse at the big picture, but there are always nuances.

Something small, like a tiny scratch on the door, can significantly reduce the pool of buyers interested in your car. It's also worth mentioning that predicting its future value is complicated. Unforeseen factors like regulations and supply/demand fluctuations affect its worth as it ages.

Use our guides to learn more about how you can expect your car's valuation to change.

How we determine your car's value

Our car valuations are calculated using advanced algorithms and data analysis. Our system compares your car's make, model, age, and mileage against market trends and sales records from our own nationwide network to provide you with a realistic estimate of your car's worth.

The only info you need to give us is your registration number and current mileage. From there, the software handles the complicated stuff.

Why you should know your car's value

Whether you're selling your car this second, planning on it later, or are in the market for one, knowing the approximate worth of the car in question helps you get the best deal. If you're looking to buy, our valuations give you an idea of what's a reasonable price to pay for the car you're after. If you're selling your car, knowing its value helps you sell it for the right price.

FAQs about car valuation's

Learn how to accurately determine your car's value with our expert FAQs.

Can aftermarket modifications increase a car's value?

Aftermarket modifications can either increase or decrease a car's value depending on the type and quality of the modifications. High-quality, tasteful modifications using OEM or reputable aftermarket parts can maintain or increase the resale value. Poor-quality or extreme modifications normally reduce it.

What is the role of vehicle history in car valuation?

Buyers often pay more for vehicles with transparent and favourable histories. A well-documented history of maintenance and lack of significant accidents can enhance a vehicle's resale value. Conversely, a history of accidents, especially those involving structural damage or poor maintenance, can significantly reduce its value.

How do market trends impact car prices?

Market trends significantly influence car prices through consumer preference shifts, economic conditions, and regulatory changes. For instance, a rise in demand for SUVs and electric vehicles (EVs) has led to higher prices in these categories. Economic trends like inflation and changes in interest rates also play a role by affecting consumer purchasing power and financing costs.

Is there a difference in valuation between electric and petrol cars?

There are notable differences in the valuation between electric and petrol cars. Typically, electric vehicles (EVs) are more expensive upfront due to higher manufacturing costs associated with their batteries and technology. However, they usually carry lower running and maintenance costs compared to petrol vehicles, which can make them more economical over time.

The resale value of EVs has historically been a concern due to the rapid advancement in technology and potential battery degradation, but this gap is narrowing as the technology matures and consumer confidence grows.

How often should I reassess my car's value?

It's best to reassess your car's value annually or whenever significant market or personal circumstances change, such as new model releases, changes in economic conditions, or after completing major repairs or modifications.

Regular reassessment helps you understand how your car's market value is evolving, which is crucial for making informed decisions about insurance, selling, or trading in your vehicle.

Does the car's exterior condition significantly affect its valuation?

A car's exterior condition certainly impacts its valuation. Visible damage like dents, scratches, and rust considerably lower a vehicle's resale value. Maintaining a good exterior condition not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also suggests well-rounded vehicle care, which resale market buyers highly value.

Are there specific models or brands that retain value better?

Certain car brands and models are known to retain their value better than others. Brands like Toyota, Honda, and Subaru often have a reputation for durability and reliability, which contributes to their strong resale value and higher demand on the resale market. Specific models that are known to hold their value include the Toyota Tacoma, Tundra, and Prius.

On the other hand, luxury cars from automakers like Maserati and Aston Martin depreciate much faster due to high maintenance costs and select buyer markets.

How does mileage affect a car's value?

Mileage significantly impacts a car's resale value. Generally, higher mileage indicates more wear and tear, which can decrease the vehicle's value. For every 20,000 miles driven, a car's value might depreciate by about 20%. However, well-maintained high-mileage cars retain considerable value compared to their poorly-maintained counterparts.