Guide
Car valuation in Australia: what is my car worth?
Whether you're thinking about selling or just curious, it helps to know how used car values are actually worked out. This guide explains what moves the price, how the common valuation methods compare, and the fastest way to get a real offer on your car.
The fundamentals
What determines your car's value
Every valuation — from a price guide to a dealer's offer — comes down to the same core factors.
Age and model year
Newer cars generally hold more value, but the rate of depreciation varies by make and model. Some models settle into a stable value band after the first few years, while others keep dropping.
Kilometres on the odometer
Lower kilometres usually means a higher price, because buyers read the odometer as a shortcut for wear. A well-maintained car with higher kilometres can still be worth more than a neglected low-kilometre one.
Condition, inside and out
Panel damage, paint fade, interior wear, warning lights and tyre condition all feed into what a buyer will pay. Small cosmetic fixes can be worth doing; major mechanical repairs often aren't, because buyers discount for uncertainty.
Service history and records
A complete logbook service history — especially with the dealer or a known mechanic — reduces the buyer's risk and supports a stronger price. Missing records usually mean a lower offer.
Market demand right now
Values move with supply and demand. Utes, 4WDs and fuel-efficient cars can command premiums when demand is strong, while unpopular body styles or colours sit longer and sell for less.
Location
The same car can be worth different amounts in different states. Demand for particular vehicle types varies regionally, and transport costs affect what a buyer interstate will pay.
Your options
The common ways to value a car, compared
Online price guides
Services like RedBook publish estimated values based on make, model, year and kilometres. They're a useful starting point, but they describe a typical car — not your car — and can't see condition, history or today's demand.
Private sale listings
Checking what similar cars are listed for gives you a feel for the market. Remember that asking prices aren't selling prices — most private sales settle below the advertised figure, and selling privately takes time and effort.
Dealer trade-in
Convenient if you're buying another car, but the trade-in figure is usually wholesale or below, because the dealer needs margin to resell it. You're paying for convenience.
Wholesale offer
A wholesale buyer prices your car based on what dealers will actually pay for it today. With BuyOne, Max sends your car across our dealer network and comes back with the highest genuine offer — no listing, no strangers, no waiting.
Why every estimate is different
A price guide works from averages. A private buyer prices in their own risk. A dealer prices in their margin. None of them are telling you what your specific car would actually sell for today — they're telling you a number that works for them.
The only number that really matters is a genuine offer from someone ready to buy. That's why BuyOne works backwards from the market: your car is shown to licensed dealers across our network, and you see the highest price they're actually prepared to pay.
Find out what your car is worth — by text
Text Max a few details about your car and he'll send it across our dealer network to get you the highest offer. Free, no obligation, and no listings to manage.
- Highest offer from our dealer network
- No listing, no strangers
- Free and no obligation
A licensed dealer? See how BuyOne works for dealers