What do they look at when they appraise your car?

Asked by: Elfrieda Kuphal Sr.  |  Last update: November 5, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (68 votes)

The appraised value is based on factors such as the car's year, make, model, trim, mileage, depreciation and features.

What does a car appraiser look for?

The appraiser will look at a variety of factors such as make, model, year, condition, and mileage. They will also take into account additional features, modifications, options, and any recent repairs or replacements that may have been made to the car.

How do I prepare my car for an appraisal?

How to Prepare for a Car Appraisal
  1. Clean the Vehicle: Before your vehicle is appraised, it's best to clean, wash and wax the vehicle. ...
  2. Perform Basic Maintenance: Be sure that all basic maintenance has been completed (oil changes, fill all fluids, new filters).

Do I need to clean my car for an appraisal?

Clean it out, wipe the dash, sure. Maybe toss it through a car wash if the exterior is noticeably dirty. More than that and you're just wasting time and money, in my opinion. You're almost certainly not going to get the cost of that detail back in the appraisal.

What affects the resale value of a car?

Several factors can affect the resale value of your car. These include mileage, age, condition, location, color, make and model. You can retain your car's value by regularly maintaining it and avoiding modifications that could decrease its appeal to buyers.

Car Appraisal Process

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What devalues your car?

Age: The older your vehicle is, the lower its value — with certain exceptions, such as classic car values. Mileage: Vehicles have a practical upper limit on the number of miles they can accumulate without major, expensive repairs. The more miles on a vehicle, the lower its value is likely to be.

What do dealerships use to value your car?

As stated above, the Black Book is what dealers usually refer to when trying to figure out how much a used vehicle or trade in is worth. Consumers will typically use Kelley Blue Book values when estimating new and use vehicle costs.

What not to say to appraisal?

As a realtor or a homeowner, you should avoid saying things like: – Is it going to come in at this “value”? – I'll be happy as long as it appraises for at least the sales price. – Do your best to get the value as high as possible.

How does a dealership appraise a car?

A dealership takes many factors into consideration when appraising a car such as condition, wear and tear, market value, market days supply (how long it takes to sell at local dealerships in the area), trim level, car color, etc.

Should you pay for appraisal before inspection?

Having the inspection done first can save you money on an appraisal, which can get pricey. If you were to get the appraisal done first only to find out during the inspection you don't want the home, you might be out $500 or more.

How long should a car appraisal take?

This process typically allows for a more accurate valuation and highest offer in as little as 30 minutes. Our offer to purchase is valid for 30 days and comes with a complimentary Carfax vehicle history report.

Do dealerships clean cars before selling?

Car dealers often deep clean or detail used cars before selling them on their lot. Their efforts cost money, and some dealers disclose additional reconditioning fees ranging from several hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars in some cases. However, this is one of the common dealer fees you don't need to pay.

How do you pass an appraisal?

By
  1. Be sure to have any safety equipment installed and working properly. ...
  2. Walk around your home before the appraisal with a critical eye. ...
  3. Inform your home appraiser of any home improvements you have done on your home. ...
  4. Do some sprucing up. ...
  5. Do some research on other homes in the neighborhood. ...
  6. Clean your heart out.

What to bring when getting a car appraised?

Clean the Vehicle: A clean car will present better to the appraiser, showing off the condition of the paint, bodywork, and interior. Gather Documentation: Compile all available documentation, including original sales receipts, restoration history, and any certificates of authenticity.

How much does it cost to get a vehicle appraised?

In general, a good vehicle appraisal will cost somewhere between $250 and $750, although the cost can be higher for custom and modified automobiles. In such cases, higher prices reflect the time and attention to detail required to properly research and document a custom-built vehicle.

Can you negotiate a car appraisal?

Dealership appraisal

With a dealership valuation, someone at the dealership will look over your car and tell you what they'll pay for it. And yes, you can negotiate.

What does a car appraisal look like?

Appraisers will look at the overall condition of your vehicle's interior, engine, and mechanical components. Things like stained seats, torn upholstery, or cracks in the dashboard can reduce the value, as will signs of neglect under the hood. Your car's maintenance history also plays a big role here.

Should I clean my car before an appraisal?

There are a few things you can do to boost its value: Clean Your Car: Both the inside and outside should look their best. A clean car gives a better first impression and can help get a higher appraisal.

What scores do car dealerships look at?

The two big credit scoring models used by auto lenders are FICO® Auto Score and Vantage. We're going to take at look at FICO® since it has long been the auto industry standard.

What lowers appraisal value?

Local Market And Location

Consider factors such as the neighborhood's quality, the nearby schools and the area's crime rate. If any of these are unfavorable, your home's value may be lower than expected. The state of the local real estate market can also vary greatly.

What not to say during appraisal?

Never discuss personality traits—especially negative ones. You can say, “You have a fabulous attitude.” But saying, “Your attitude isn't great” focuses on personality, not performance. Maybe your employee does have a bad attitude.

What is unfair appraisal?

Some of the factors that make a performance appraisal unfair are personal biases, comparing employees, changing standards, limited feedback, and a lack of training. Performance appraisals can have a detrimental effect on employees if unfairly conducted.

What brings down car value?

Vehicle History

Bumps, dents, accidents, repairs and even minor fender benders can all add up to bring your car's total worth down. “Accidents not only cause physical damage,” Goronga said, “but they can also reduce a car's worth when it comes time to trade in or sell.

Who gives the most value for your car?

Sell your car to an individual or private party

Selling your car to an individual, also called a private-party sale, is typically where you can get the most money. However, it can also be more time-consuming and come with added risk.

What adds the most value to a car?

6 Auto Mods To Increase Your Car's Value
  • Horse Power of The Engine. Increasing the horsepower of the engine is one of the most popular modifications. ...
  • New Paint Job. ...
  • Improved Suspension. ...
  • New Wheels and Tires. ...
  • Car Audio System. ...
  • Performance Upgrades.