Track Car Pricing With the Kelley Blue Book

Get the Best Deal with Kelley Blue Book

Finding dealer invoice pricing and MSRP for a new car can be tricky, but with the Kelley Blue Book (KBB), it’s a breeze. Dealerships like to keep invoice pricing under wraps, but KBB spills the beans. They gather data from thousands of transactions across the country, analyzing it to show you what you’ll actually pay at car dealerships.

What About Used Cars?

The KBB doesn’t offer the same level of detail for used cars, and you might not get the same accuracy. Tracking used car sales is harder because many sales happen between individuals. Each used car is unique in condition and mileage. That’s where KBB’s 90 years of experience comes in. They estimate prices by starting with the car’s original new price and then backtracking.

Hot Cars on the Market

Right now, cars with excellent fuel economy are in high demand. Smaller cars might be going up in price or dropping less in value if they’re used. It’s all about supply and demand.

Understanding Depreciation

Used car depreciation is based on factors like previous model years, the number available in the market, and the car’s quality. Cars bought by rental companies tend to be cheaper because they flood the market. High-quality or limited-edition cars are pricier. Cars with long-term mechanical issues drop in price fast. Mileage, overall condition, and optional equipment also play a big role.

Retail vs. Private Sale

KBB’s used car retail price includes the cost for the dealer to refurbish and repair the car, plus overhead costs like salespeople, advertising, and maintaining the inventory. Private sale prices are lower because you handle refurbishing yourself and there’s no dealer overhead. The same applies to trade-in values.