Question 1

What is a TransUnion Valuation Report?

Accepted Answer

A TransUnion Valuation Report is an official book value report for one specific South African registered vehicle, identified by its registration plate. It returns the live retail price, trade price and original new vehicle price from TransUnion Vehicle Intelligence, VIN and identity verification, full confirmed vehicle specifications, and expert AI buying analysis with a negotiation range in rands.

Question 2

What does retail value vs trade value mean for a car in South Africa?

Accepted Answer

Retail value is what a dealer would sell the car for on their forecourt. Trade value is the lower price a dealer would offer you as a trade-in — it's the wholesale price. When buying privately, a fair price is typically between trade and retail. The TransUnion Valuation Report gives you both numbers so you can negotiate with confidence.

Question 3

How much does a book value check cost in South Africa?

Accepted Answer

A RideReport TransUnion Valuation Report costs R49. The report is valid for 7 days and can be re-viewed for free using the original link — ideal for sharing with a mechanic or family member before purchase.

Question 4

Where does the TransUnion book value come from?

Accepted Answer

Book values are sourced directly from TransUnion Vehicle Intelligence, which processes over 60,000 dealer transactions per month in South Africa. This is the same database used by SA banks, insurers and motor dealers for official vehicle valuations.

Question 5

Do I need the VIN or year to run a book value check?

Accepted Answer

No. The SA registration plate number is all you need. TransUnion automatically resolves the VIN, make, model, year and variant from the plate.

Question 6

How is the TransUnion Valuation Report different from the free AI Valuation Report?

Accepted Answer

The free AI Valuation Report covers a vehicle model in general — AI-estimated prices, common faults, depreciation and owner reviews for any year and mileage. The TransUnion Valuation Report (R49) is specific to one vehicle identified by its registration plate, giving you the official live TransUnion book value, VIN-verified identity, confirmed specs and expert analysis for that exact car.

Question 7

When will accident history and finance checks be available?

Accepted Answer

Accident history, ownership history, finance and encumbrance status, stolen vehicle check and odometer integrity via TransUnion HPI are activating soon. They will be included in the R49 report at no extra cost once live.

Know exactly what it's worth.
Official TransUnion book value.

What's included in your R49 TransUnion Valuation Report

How it works

Enter the registration plate

Pay R49 securely via PayFast

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TransUnion Valuation Report — frequently asked questions

Know exactly what it's worth.Official TransUnion book value.