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What Is My Vehicle Worth?

Get an instant, free valuation of your vehicle. Simply enter your registration number below and we'll provide you with an accurate market valuation based on current listings across Ireland.

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IRL

What Factors Affect My Car's Value?

  • Age & Mileage - The older the vehicle and the more miles on the clock, the lower the value. Low-mileage cars command a premium.
  • Condition - Bodywork, interior condition, service history, and any modifications all play a role.
  • Make & Model - Some brands hold their value better than others. Popular models with high demand retain value well.
  • Fuel Type - Diesel, petrol, hybrid, and electric vehicles are valued differently depending on current market trends.
  • Spec & Features - Higher-spec trims, leather seats, alloy wheels, and tech packages add value.
  • Market Demand - Seasonal trends, economic conditions, and supply levels all influence prices.

Dealer Price vs Private Sale vs Trade-In

Understanding the difference between these three figures is key:

Private Sale Value

This is typically the highest price you can achieve. You sell directly to another private buyer, cutting out the middleman. However, it takes more time and effort - you need to advertise, handle viewings, and manage the paperwork.

Dealer Retail Price

This is what a dealer will sell the car for on their forecourt. It's usually higher than the private sale value because it includes the dealer's warranty, preparation costs, and profit margin.

Trade-In Value

This is typically the lowest value. When you trade your car in at a dealership, they need to make a profit when they resell it. Expect 10-20% less than the private sale value. The trade-off is convenience - it's the quickest and easiest way to sell.

Ready to Sell?

If you're happy with your valuation and ready to sell, you can list your vehicle for free on Cars.ie and reach thousands of potential buyers across Ireland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about car valuations

1 How accurate is this valuation?
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Our valuations are based on real, current listing data from thousands of vehicles for sale across Ireland on Cars.ie. We analyse vehicles of the same make, model, year, and fuel type to give you a realistic market range. However, the final price depends on your vehicle's specific condition, mileage, service history, and local demand.

2 Why is my car worth less than I expected?
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Many owners overvalue their vehicles based on emotional attachment or what they originally paid. Cars depreciate over time, and market conditions change. Factors like high mileage, common mechanical issues for your model, or an oversupplied market can all reduce value. Our valuation reflects what similar cars are actually selling for right now.

3 What's the difference between trade-in and private sale value?
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Trade-in value is what a dealer will offer you when you part-exchange your car. It's typically 10-20% lower than private sale value because the dealer needs to make a profit when reselling. Private sale value is what you could expect selling directly to another person - it's higher but requires more time and effort on your part.

4 Does mileage really matter that much?
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Yes, mileage is one of the biggest factors in a car's value. A car with significantly lower mileage than average for its age will command a premium. Conversely, high-mileage vehicles are worth less because they're closer to needing major mechanical work. The average car in Ireland does about 16,000-20,000 km per year.

5 Should I fix problems before selling?
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Minor cosmetic fixes (dents, scratches, valet) usually offer a good return on investment. However, major mechanical repairs may not - the cost of repair often exceeds the increase in sale price. Get your valuation first, then decide if repairs make financial sense.

6 How often do valuations change?
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Car values fluctuate based on market conditions, seasonal demand, and new model releases. We recommend checking your valuation regularly if you're planning to sell. Generally, values are higher in spring/summer when demand increases.

7 Can I get a valuation for any vehicle?
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We can look up details for any vehicle registered in Ireland using the registration number. Our valuation works best when we have sufficient comparable listings in our database. For very rare or specialist vehicles, the valuation may be less precise.

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