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What do the ranges displayed on
the Kelley Blue Book Suggested Retail Values page represent?
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The ranges shown on the Blue Book Suggested Retail Values
page represent a range of vehicles from least-expensive "base" vehicles (with no
optional equipment) to the most-expensive "fully loaded" vehicles — vehicles
featuring top-of-the-line engine and transmission packages, as well as every available
option.
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What do the Blue Book
condition ratings mean?
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Kelley rates the condition of used vehicles using the
following terms:
Excellent
“Excellent” condition means that the vehicle looks new, is in excellent mechanical
condition and needs no reconditioning. This vehicle has never had any paint or body
work and is free of rust. The vehicle has a clean
Title History and will pass a smog and safety inspection. The engine compartment
is clean, with no fluid leaks and is free of any wear or visible defects. The vehicle
also has complete and verifiable service records. Less than 5% of all used vehicles
fall into this category.
Good
“Good” condition means that the vehicle is free of any major defects. This vehicle
has a clean
Title History, the paint, body and interior have only minor (if any) blemishes,
and there are no major mechanical problems. There should be little or no rust on
this vehicle. The tires match and have substantial tread wear left. A “good” vehicle
will need some reconditioning to be sold at retail. Most consumer owned vehicles
fall into this category.
Fair
“Fair” condition means that the vehicle has some mechanical or cosmetic defects
and needs servicing but is still in reasonable running condition. This vehicle has
a clean
Title History, the paint, body and/or interior need work performed by a
professional. The tires may need to be replaced. There may be some repairable rust
damage.
Poor
“Poor” condition means that the vehicle has severe mechanical and/or cosmetic defects
and is in poor running condition. The vehicle may have problems that cannot be readily
fixed such as a damaged frame or a rusted-through body. A vehicle with a branded
title (salvage, flood, etc.) or unsubstantiated mileage is considered “poor.” A
vehicle in poor condition may require an independent appraisal to determine its
value.
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What if my car is part Good condition and part Fair
condition?
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How you rate the overall condition is a judgment call,
and only you can make that determination. Try to look at your car like you would
if you were interested in buying it. The categories Excellent, Good and Fair are
intended as a guide.
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The car I plan to sell has air conditioning, but it's
broken; do I still check the box indicating the car has it?
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Yes. But if a piece of equipment is not working you should
take that into consideration when rating the vehicle's condition. Subtract the cost
to repair or replace the equipment from its value. There are some exceptions: Any
time the probable cost of repair exceeds the value of the option (anti-lock brakes
are one example) you might not want to check the box.
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Why do you show a luggage rack as optional equipment
on my van, but not the ski rack I had installed on my car?
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Kelley only values items that are either factory-installed
or "factory quality." Kelley does not identify or value the vast variety of aftermarket
items.
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What about equipment on my car for which there is no
check box?
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The only equipment options Kelley shows are those that
affect a Blue Book value.
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How come my car year is not listed by Kelley Blue Book?
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All models from 1986-2005 are part of Kelley Blue Book
values.
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How come my particular car model is not listed?
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Depending on the year, a particular vehicle is either
categorized as a model or as a trim. Sometimes automakers reorganize their models
and trims from year to year. For example, Kelley classifies the 1987 BMW 325is as
a 325is model; however, Kelley classifies the 1992 BMW 325is as a trim of the 3-Series
model line. Sometimes choosing a similar model or trim name will help locate your
vehicle within an automaker's model line.
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What's the difference between the Trade-in value and
the Blue Book wholesale value?
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The trade-in values you see on this site are not the same
as those published in Kelley Blue Book's trade editions. The trade editions
are intended for use by the wholesale industry and represent vehicles that have
been thoroughly reconditioned to manufacturer specifications, completely safety
checked and warranted by the dealer. The value contained in the trade publications
is widely used by dealers as a starting point to estimate a vehicle's value, depending
on its condition.
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