Used vehicle appraisal

The value of the vehicle and therefore the price is the main reason for most buyers to choose a vehicle. You should therefore always make sure that your price is appropriate to the value of your vehicle.

In addition, it should not only match the equipment and condition of your vehicle, but also be in line with the market. This means that the price for a quick sale should not be higher than comparable vehicles for no reason. After all, your used vehicle should be of interest to potential buyers.

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When calculating the value of your used vehicle, different value types, such as the residual value of your vehicle, are usually taken into account.

This includes:

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Time value

The time value that describes the value at a specified point in time.

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Replacement value

The replacement value is the price that would have to be paid if the same vehicle were bought again.

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Purchase price

The purchase price is the price that a retailer would pay and is usually below the selling price.

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List value

The list value describes the price that the vehicle costs according to the list (e.g. new price list, Schwacke list).

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However, when valuing a vehicle, the residual value of your used vehicle is primarily important. Because depending on its condition, a car loses value more or less quickly. During evaluation and review, it is therefore examined for the following criteria:

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• Make, vehicle model and model variant
• Year of first registration and mileage
• engine power
• Design, standard and special equipment
• Paint and painting
• internal and external state
• Checkbook history and validity of HU/AU
• Number of previous owners and keys
• Second set of wheels
• value-maintaining repairs, repaired and current damage
• Modifications to the vehicle
• Functionality of all components

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We have listed below which factors reduce and increase the value of an appraisal. At the end, you determine the car value:

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Depreciation factors

• Age, mileage and number of owners high
• unkempt condition
• Not a valid HU
• unusual color or varnish
• minor special equipment
• damage and defects such as scratches or dents
• worn brakes and tires
  
  

Value-adding factors

• Special equipment and maintenance condition are good
• no or only minor defects
• Not an accident car
• fresh HU
• regular maintenance

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As soon as you need an appraisal of your used car, you can choose from various options: You can rely on list prices, ask a used car calculator or hire a professional vehicle appraiser.

In addition, individual car dealerships offer a vehicle appraisal to determine the car value. The basics are often lists of Schwacke or DAT. Car clubs such as ADAC or official testing institutes such as KÜS, TÜV, DEKRA and GTÜ prepare used car check reports.

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List prices

The classic way to determine the value of a used car is through list prices. The average values for your car are determined from such used car lists. Variations are then calculated using correction tables.

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The Schwacke List

It contains the current used car prices and is the oldest basis. Since 1957, Schwacke has regularly published the so-called Schwacke List, which shows the approximate residual value of used cars based on vehicle type, year of construction, equipment and mileage.

You can enter your vehicle data online and receive a price suggestion based on comparable cars. Until 2020, car valuation was free for private individuals. Since then, however, a service fee of 7.90 euros has been due.

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Online provider

Using used car calculators, you can quickly and cheaply determine the value of your vehicle online. There are now countless providers with whose help you can carry out an approximate car evaluation with just a few clicks.

The current market price is determined based on the basic data of your car. The vehicle review then compares it with similar cars for sale online. Note, however, that the suggested vehicle price is a calculation of the average offer price from the current database inventory — i.e. a purely indicative value.

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If you want to know how much your used car is worth, then you should consider a professional car appraisal. Especially for unusual cars such as classic cars or individualized vehicles with special paints or modifications and attachments, a used car appraisal from an appraiser who evaluates various vehicles is recommended.

The benefits of a used car appraisal

An independent automotive expert is competent and neutral. It checks your car thoroughly and precisely. Any value-increasing as well as depreciating factors are included in his vehicle valuation. As a result, the calculated value is much closer to reality than with an anonymous online review.

A used car appraisal also creates trust among potential buyers. They can then assume that the used car has been put through its paces and that the price is reasonable.

However, a professional car appraisal by an appraiser does not necessarily have to go hand in hand with a sale. Because in addition to the residual value and current market value, an appraiser also estimates the current value of your used car.

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All services provided by automotive experts are calculated according to specified rates — including the used car valuation. As a rule, you can expect a price of up to 150 euros for a car appraisal.

In some cases, your car can be included in the asset calculation, and the current car value can then decide whether you are eligible for training funding.

Even with Hartz IV, the car value can determine the claim and the amount. In a judgment of September 6, 2007, the Federal Social Court ruled that a car of up to an estimated value of 7,500 euros is considered appropriate (AZ: B 14/7b AS 66/06 R).