Are you curious about how much your car or SUV is worth? Because of our central location in Jersey City, we understand the local used car market and can help you find consistent, accurate pricing. Just like you value your car and would like to get as much as you can, we value you as a customer. Let's figure out how much your car is worth in New Jersey.

Ways To Determine How Much Your Car Is Worth

There are a few commonly trusted types of car valuations. These values are usually different from the actual cash value or valuations by an insurance provider. As your car is sold and then possibly sold again, the three different ways it usually gets valued are:

Trade-in Value

When selling your car to a New Jersey dealership, their offer is called the trade-in value. Estimations for trade-in value are partly based on market information, usually Kelley Blue Book, and are generally higher than private sale values. Depending on the dealer, their trade-in value for your car might only apply when buying one of their cars at the same time. Or you might be able to leave with cash and no obligation to buy a car, like at New Jersey State Auto. You can easily calculate your car's trade-in value from a dealer website.

Private Party Resale Value

This value refers to how much you can expect to get when selling your car to a private New Jersey buyer. The average amount you can expect is based on other private sales of the same or similar cars in the area and the current state of the market. Listing your car privately in New Jersey allows you to find a buyer on your terms, but you'll have to depend on the responsibility of the other party and handle everything yourself. A trusted, established dealership like New Jersey State Auto can almost always offer a higher trade-in value.

Dealer Retail Value

A dealer retail value is the price at which a dealer will sell a car. This price is meant to be higher than the typical trade-in value, with enough of a difference to handle their daily operations. It's pretty rare to sell your used car for anything close to the dealer retail value, although above-market-average valuations are certainly possible with the right dealership.

Regarding how much your car is worth in New Jersey right now, the two most common values that you can check are a dealer's trade-in through KBB or similar valuations for private party sales. Overall, though, private car sales pose more risks, and the average private sale does not fairly evaluate the vehicle as well as a top-rated dealership can.

How To Use a Car Value Calculator

Different car value calculators accept different information, but the premise is the same. Often, some questions are optional, but the more questions you answer, the more accurate your appraisal will be. Here's what you'll need to obtain an accurate estimate of your car's sale value:

The make, model, year, and the trim level.
Your honest assessment of the vehicle's condition, such as like-new, great, or fair.
Your Vehicle Identification Number, which is visible from outside at the bottom driver's side of your windshield.
Any key information such as accidents, missing parts, or aftermarket modifications.

From there, you simply state your preferred method of contact and any other optional information about your needs and submit the form. The dealer will usually reply quickly using your preferred method of contact.

How To Sell Your Car for More in New Jersey

Although market demand can't be controlled, you can sell your car in New Jersey for more money if you follow a few common tips. For more cash or a better trade-in discount, here's how to sell your car for a better price.

Clean and Detail the Car

Cleaning a car back into like-new condition takes effort, and that effort can save you money. Cars develop little bits of dust, dirt, pollen, and other things that get cleared out with a car detailing. It might be worthwhile to replace old, faded, or damaged upholstery, dashboard pieces, or other interior parts, and a fresh pair of tires can increase a car's value. Going beyond a wash and wax can revitalize your car's appeal and sale value.

Document Everything

If you go above and beyond with taking care of your vehicle, you shouldn't miss out when it's time to sell. If you can bring full documentation for your car's condition when bought and what features were installed, as well as corroborate a perfect service history and no accidents, you have every chance to get the best possible market value.

Negotiate

It might be possible to negotiate a better price for your vehicle if the initial appraisal missed something. You'll have to be clear about why your car is worth more, how much more you think it's worth, your reasoning, and proof that the vehicle is the way you say it is. There might even be a mistake about condition, service history, or accident history, so it helps to double-check the details that went into the offer.

What You Need When Selling Your Car in New Jersey

As the seller, you must sign the title paperwork and add the date of sale, as well as supply the buyer's full name and contact information and the agreed sale price. You should also have an accurate reading of your odometer. Provided you don't know the exact value, you might have to sign an odometer disclosure statement. In New Jersey, you'll have to visit the MVC to transfer the title and complete any required registration forms within 10 business days of the transaction.

At New Jersey State Auto, you can bring your car to us, get a valuation, and get paid in cash on the same day. Sell us your car from anywhere around Jersey City and surrounding neighborhoods. Save time and avoid the unpredictable private car market; our experts can offer you more for your car, truck, or SUV. We also offer the best selection in the local area, including quality used vehicles under $15,000 from Lexus, Hyundai, Nissan, and more.