Used Car Resale Price Books: What They Are and How to Use Them

When it comes to buying or selling a used car, knowing its value is critical. Enter the Used Car Resale Price Book—a reliable resource to estimate a car’s worth based on factors like condition, mileage, and market demand. While modern tools have taken the digital route, traditional and digital resale price books remain essential for making informed decisions in the used car market.

This guide will walk you through the top used car resale price books, how they work, and step-by-step instructions for using them to your advantage.

What Is a Used Car Resale Price Book?

A used car resale price book is a resource that provides estimated market values for vehicles based on:

• Make, model, and year of manufacture.
• Vehicle condition and mileage.
• Local and national market trends.

These guides are trusted by dealerships, individual sellers, and buyers alike to set fair prices and ensure transparency in transactions.

Top Used Car Resale Price Books

Here’s a list of the most popular and trusted resale price books:

1. Kelley Blue Book (KBB)

Overview: One of the oldest and most trusted names in car valuation, KBB offers pricing estimates for trade-ins, private sales, and dealership transactions.
Best For: Sellers and buyers seeking a broad price range.
Unique Feature: Provides a “fair market range” and Instant Cash Offer options.

2. Edmunds True Market Value (TMV)

Overview: Edmunds calculates realistic car values based on recent sales data and regional trends.
Best For: Buyers who want to know what others paid for similar vehicles.
Unique Feature: True Market Value (TMV) reflects actual transaction prices, offering a precise benchmark.

3. NADA Guides (National Automobile Dealers Association)

Overview: Focused primarily on dealer transactions, NADA Guides are highly respected in the automotive industry.
Best For: Sellers and buyers looking for industry-standard valuations.
Unique Feature: Includes pricing for boats, RVs, and motorcycles in addition to cars.

4. Black Book

Overview: A premium resource primarily used by dealerships and industry professionals. Black Book offers real-time market insights.
Best For: Professionals and serious buyers or sellers needing highly accurate and updated pricing.
Unique Feature: Subscription-based service with advanced analytics tools.

5. Consumer Reports

Overview: Known for unbiased reviews, Consumer Reports offers a pricing guide with insights into reliability, ownership costs, and resale values.
Best For: Buyers prioritizing reliability and long-term ownership value.
Unique Feature: Combines pricing with in-depth car reviews and comparisons.