What the estimate is based on
The estimator starts from a price for the car when new — yours if you enter it, otherwise an average European car — and reduces it year by year. Cars lose value fastest in their first years, so each year removes a share of what is left rather than a fixed amount. Mileage then moves the figure up or down: a car that has covered far more than about 15,000 km a year is worth less than an average one of the same age, and a low-mileage car is worth a little more.
Finally, the country adjusts both the price level and the pace of depreciation. Used-car prices differ across Europe because of taxes, local demand and supply, so the same car can be worth noticeably more in one market than in another.
What it can’t see
The tool doesn’t know the make, trim, colour, condition or service history. Those can move a real price a lot: a popular, reliable model with a complete history sells faster and for more, while visible damage, warning lights or an expensive job coming up pull the price down. Use the estimate as a starting point, then compare real listings for the same model, age and mileage near you.
Using it when buying or selling
- Selling: check the expected loss over the next year to judge whether waiting is costing you money.
- Buying: if an asking price is far above the estimate, ask what justifies it — history, condition or equipment.
- Repairs: compare a big quote with the value to see whether it is proportionate.
Read more in how car depreciation works and negotiating a used-car price.
Want the details? Read how Car Ahead calculates its estimates, or browse the other free tools.