How much is my car worth? A UK guide to accurate valuations
Why valuation tools disagree, what trade and retail value mean, and how to get a figure you can actually sell for.
Written by the SellMyPremiumCar valuation team · Reviewed against live UK market data · Updated October 2026
Your car is worth what a buyer will pay for it today, which usually falls between its trade value and its retail value. Online tools give a starting range from age and mileage. For premium cars, specification, history and colour can move the true figure by 10–20%, so a spec-led valuation is more accurate.
- 10–20%
- Typical value swing from spec and history on premium cars
- 3
- Main value types: trade, private, retail
- 60 sec
- Time to get a free valuation
- £20k–£200k+
- Cars we specialise in
Trade, private and retail value explained
Trade value is what a dealer pays at auction-level pricing. Retail value is the forecourt price after preparation and warranty. Private value sits between the two. Sellers selling to specialist buyers can often get close to private value without the hassle of selling privately.
Why valuation sites give different numbers
Each tool uses different data and a different business model. Instant-offer sites quote what they can buy at. Classified sites show asking prices, not achieved prices.
What moves the number most
Factory options, full main-dealer history, number of owners, colour, MOT advisories and mileage compared with similar cars all affect value. Premium buyers pay for the specification, so it needs to be counted.
Step by step
- 1
Enter your reg and mileage
Start with an instant valuation.
- 2
Confirm options and history
Add the spec details that generic tools leave out.
- 3
Compare real offers
Specialist buyers send private offers.
Glossary
- Trade value:
- What a dealer would pay to buy the car.
- Retail value:
- What a dealer would sell the car for on the forecourt.
- Spec-led valuation:
- A valuation that counts the car's exact factory options, history and condition.
What's your car worth?
Get a free, spec-led valuation in about 60 seconds.
Sources & methodology
Figures are indicative and based on UK market data and official guidance, reviewed by our valuation team. Prices vary with specification, condition and market conditions.