If you’re thinking about selling your car, one of the first things you’ll want to know is what it’s actually worth. That’s where a car valuation comes in. While it might sound like a simple number, a good valuation can help guide your next steps, whether you're selling privately, trading in at a dealership, or just curious about your car’s place in the current market. It also helps you get a feel for how your car fits into the wider market and how market trends might be influencing prices.

In this article, we’ll explain how valuations work, what factors affect them, and how to use that information when selling your car.

What is a Car Valuation?

A car valuation is a tool that helps you understand your vehicle’s worth based on a range of factors, like make and model, year of manufacture, condition, and mileage. It doesn’t tell you what your car will sell for, but it does offer a useful ballpark figure.

If you're selling a used car, getting a valuation is a smart first move. It gives you a reference point for where to start your pricing and helps you understand how your vehicle compares with others on the market. For example, if you’re trading in with a dealership or considering listing it privately, having a clear sense of your car’s resale value can make those conversations much easier.

How Do Valuation Tools Work?

Most online valuation tools work by analysing thousands of listings and sales records for vehicles like yours. You enter your number plate or car details, and the tool searches for recent sales of similar cars to provide an accurate estimate.

This sales data is then combined with information about your specific car. That includes:

  • Make and model
  • Year of manufacture
  • Trim level and features
  • Mileage
  • Fuel type and transmission
  • Vehicle history (e.g. number of owners, reported accidents, WOF history)

Valuation tools also factor in things like market demand, recent pricing shifts, and stock availability to give you an accurate valuation, all of which can affect how desirable your car is to buyers. If demand for your model is high, that may push your estimated value up slightly, but if there are a lot of similar listings sitting unsold, your figure may be lower.

Valuation vs Pricing: What’s the Difference?

Valuation and pricing are closely related, but they serve different purposes.

A valuation is objective: it’s based on data and trends. It tells you what your car will likely be worth in the current market. Pricing, on the other hand, is subjective. It’s where you, as the seller, decide how much to ask for your car based on your own circumstances, timeframe, and goals.

For example, your market price might be $14,000, but if your car is in great condition and comes with extras like new tyres or a full service history, you might feel confident asking a bit more. Just make sure you're not pushing beyond what potential buyers are willing to pay.

If you're not sure how to take that next step, check out our article on How to Price Your Car When Selling It for a full guide on setting the right price.

What Can Affect Your Car’s Value?

While market data sets the baseline, a few things can still influence the number you see:

  • Condition: Clean, well-maintained cars with a solid service history generally get better valuations.
  • Presentation: Even small things like tidy photos or a clean interior can make a difference.
  • Location: Supply and demand can vary across regions, affecting what people are willing to pay.
  • Timing: Some cars are in higher demand during certain times of year. For example, hybrids might see a bump when fuel prices rise.

Keeping up with regular maintenance, completing services on time, and keeping records are all signs of a well-cared-for vehicle. These details can improve your car’s estimated value and push it toward those higher prices every seller is looking for.

On the other hand, things like mechanical issues, high mileage, or a patchy service history will likely lower your figure. The same applies to older cars, particularly if they’re in need of attention or aren’t seen as affordable or reliable options for everyday buyers.

Even your vehicle’s colour, transmission, and fuel type can play a part, depending on current market trends and buyer preferences. Some cars are cheaper to own and run, which impacts how valuation tools weigh their cost to operate over time.

Remember, even two cars of the same year and model can have very different values depending on how they’ve been cared for.

Trade-In vs Private Sale Valuations

If you’re planning to trade your car in, expect a lower figure than if you sell it privately. Dealerships typically offer wholesale value, as they’ll invest time and money to prepare and resell the vehicle. That said, trade-ins offer convenience, and you may be able to negotiate a better deal when bundled with a new car purchase.

Selling privately usually lets you get closer to the retail value, especially if your car is in good shape and well presented. It does take a bit more effort, but that extra time can help you secure the best price for your car.

How to Get a Free Car Valuation

The quickest way to get started is to use a free valuation tool. Here at Only Cars NZ, we have a free car valuation tool where you can enter your number plate or vehicle details and get an instant estimate based on real-time market data. There’s no obligation, and it’s a great way to understand your car’s position before deciding how to sell.

What to Do With Your Valuation

Once you’ve got your estimated value, you can use it as the base for your pricing. Take a few minutes to browse similar listings and adjust for your vehicle’s condition, service history, and standout features. This helps you set the right price and feel more confident about your listing. A good valuation doesn’t lock you in, but it gives you the confidence to make informed decisions.

It’s also worth keeping in mind that your valuation may shift over time as the market changes. If you don’t list your car straight away, it’s a good idea to check in again a few weeks later before finalising your price.

Ready to Find Out What Your Car’s Worth?

A car valuation is more than just a number. It’s a tool that helps you sell smarter, with a clearer picture of your vehicle’s market value. Whether you’re trading in, selling privately, or just weighing your options, getting a free valuation is one of the easiest and most useful steps you can take. Use our free car valuation tool today to get yours, with no strings attached.

While you're here, why not see what your next car might cost you by exploring our selection of cars for sale. With an extensive selection of used cars for sale and new cars for sale, we've got something to suit every buyer's budget and style.

And once you've got your valuation, don't forget to sell your car online with Only Cars NZ! With thousands of buyers on our site and more joining every week, it's never been easier to get the price you deserve for your vehicle.