Value My Car
Enter your reg for a free, instant car valuation
Find out what your car is worth right now without handing over your email address or phone number. Type in your registration and mileage, and we'll show you a market-based value in seconds.
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- No email or sign-up
- All UK makes & models
- Result in seconds
Value my car with no email or sign-up
Plenty of valuation sites ask for your contact details before they show you a number. We don't. Your valuation is free, private and instant.
Every make and model
From a first hatchback to a family SUV, an electric car or a van, you can value any vehicle registered in the UK using just its number plate.
Any age or condition
Nearly new, high mileage, missing an MOT or carrying a few scrapes – every car has a value. Check yours before you decide whether to sell, part-exchange or keep it.
No personal details
No account to create, no inbox full of follow-ups and no calls from dealers. Just enter your reg and see the result on screen straight away.
How much is my car worth?
Your car is worth what buyers are willing to pay for it today – and that figure changes every week. A good valuation looks at real market data rather than a fixed price list, then adjusts for the details that make your car different from the next one.
The starting point is always the vehicle itself: make, model, engine, trim level and year of registration. From there, mileage is the biggest single adjustment. A car that has covered fewer miles than is typical for its age will usually be worth more, while one with high mileage will be priced lower to reflect extra wear.
After that, the market takes over. Supply and demand for your particular model, fuel type and body style all push the price up or down. Depreciation also plays a large part – most cars lose the biggest share of their value in their first few years, after which the drop tends to slow down.
Remember that there is rarely just one "right" number. The price a dealer offers, the amount a private buyer pays and the figure an online car-buying service quotes can all be different. Checking your car's value first means you know which offers are fair. For a deeper look, read our guide: how much is my car worth?
Value your car in three quick steps
Type in your registration
Your number plate tells us the make, model, engine and age of the car, so you don't have to pick anything from a long list of options.
Add the current mileage
Use the reading on your dashboard. An accurate mileage figure keeps the valuation realistic and closer to what buyers will actually offer.
See what your car is worth
Your valuation appears straight away. Use it to set an asking price, judge a part-exchange deal or decide whether now is the right time to sell.
Turn your valuation into the best offer
How you sell has a big effect on how much you get. Here are the three most common routes, and what to expect from each.
Part-exchange value
The amount a dealer takes off the price of your next car. It is usually the lowest figure because the dealer needs room for preparation costs and profit, but it is also the least effort.
Private sale value
Selling to another driver often brings the highest price. In return you handle the photos, advert, viewings, test drives and payment yourself – which can take weeks.
Instant online offer
Online car-buying services put your car in front of a network of dealers who bid on it. You get a firm offer quickly, often with free collection and payment by bank transfer.
Easy ways to add value before you sell
You don't need to spend a lot to get a better price. A few small jobs can make your car more appealing and help you avoid lower offers.
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Give it a thorough clean
A car that looks cared for gets better offers. Wash and polish the bodywork, vacuum the carpets, clean the windows and clear out personal items before you take photos or book a viewing.
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Fix small cosmetic faults
Touch up stone chips, sort a scuffed alloy or replace a cracked mirror cover. These jobs are cheap, but buyers often use them to knock far more off the price.
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Put your paperwork in order
Have the V5C logbook, service book, MOT certificates and repair receipts ready. A complete history, plus both keys, reassures buyers that the car has been looked after.
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Keep the service and MOT up to date
A fresh service stamp and plenty of MOT left make a car easier to sell. If the MOT is due in the next month or two, getting it done first usually pays for itself.
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Check tyres, bulbs and warning lights
Worn tyres, a blown bulb or a dashboard warning light suggest bigger problems, even when they aren't. Fix the simple things so they can't be used to lower your price.
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Pick the right time to sell
Demand changes through the year. Convertibles tend to sell best in spring and summer, while 4x4s are more popular in autumn and winter. Selling before a big mileage milestone can also help.
What affects a car's value?
Two cars of the same make, model and year can be worth very different amounts. These are the details that make the difference.
What pushes the price up
- Low mileage for the car's age, which points to less wear on the engine, gearbox and suspension.
- Full service history with stamps or invoices from a main dealer or a trusted garage.
- Few previous owners, which suggests the car has been used and maintained consistently.
- Popular colours such as black, grey, white and silver, which appeal to the widest range of buyers.
- Desirable options like sat nav, heated seats, parking cameras or a higher trim level.
- Strong demand for the model, fuel type or body style in the current market.
What pulls the price down
- Visible damage such as dents, deep scratches, kerbed wheels or a worn interior.
- Missing history – gaps in the service record or a lost V5C logbook make buyers cautious.
- Faults and warning lights, or features that no longer work, like air conditioning or electric windows.
- Short or expired MOT, as buyers will factor in the cost and risk of getting it through a test.
- Heavy modifications that narrow the pool of buyers and can push up insurance costs.
- A problem history such as an insurance write-off category or outstanding finance.
Buying rather than selling? Run a car history check and look up the MOT history before you agree a price.
Value my car: frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the questions drivers ask most before valuing or selling a car
Can I value my car without giving my email address?
Yes. Enter your registration and mileage and the valuation is shown on screen. We don't ask for your name, email address or phone number.
How accurate is an online car valuation?
An online valuation is a strong guide because it is based on current market data for cars like yours. The final price you're offered can still move up or down once a buyer inspects the car's condition, service history and specification.
How much does mileage affect my car's value?
Mileage is one of the biggest factors. Buyers compare it with what is typical for the car's age, so a car with below-average mileage is usually worth more, while one with high mileage is priced lower because of the extra wear. Crossing round numbers such as 60,000 or 100,000 miles can also make a noticeable difference.
Which cars hold their value best?
Cars that are in steady demand and cheap to run tend to depreciate more slowly. That often includes popular small SUVs and hatchbacks, reliable brands with a good reputation and models that are in short supply on the used market.
When is the best time to sell my car?
Generally, sooner is better, as most cars lose value every month. It also helps to sell before the MOT runs out and before a big mileage milestone. Seasonal demand matters too: convertibles do well in spring and summer, and 4x4s in autumn and winter.
Will I get the same price if I part-exchange my car?
Usually not. A part-exchange offer tends to be lower than a private sale because the dealer has to prepare and resell the car at a profit. It can still be worth it for the convenience, especially if the dealer also offers a discount on your next car.
Can I sell a car that has no tax or MOT?
Yes. Vehicle tax doesn't pass to the new keeper, so the buyer has to tax the car anyway. You can also sell a car without a valid MOT, but it can't be driven on the road except to a pre-booked MOT test, and buyers will expect a lower price. Always be honest about the car's status.
How do I get paid safely when I sell my car?
Bank transfer is the safest option. Check that the money has cleared in your account before you hand over the keys and V5C – don't rely on a screenshot or a banking app notification shown by the buyer. Be wary of cheques and of large amounts of cash.
What do I need to do after selling my car?
Tell the DVLA that you've sold the car – you can do this online using your V5C – and give the new keeper the green slip. Any full months of vehicle tax left are refunded automatically. Then cancel or transfer your insurance. Our guide on how to legally transfer car ownership covers each step.
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