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.
Understanding the difference between these three figures is key:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Common questions about car valuations
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.