What is my car worth?
Selling or trading in? Get a free estimate in seconds, then confirm the official trade-in and retail value of your exact car, so you know the number before a dealer names theirs.
Trade-in value, retail value and private sale: what's the difference?
| Value | What it means | Who pays it |
|---|---|---|
| Trade value | What a dealer will pay to buy your car | A dealer, when you sell or trade in |
| Retail value | What a dealer asks once the car is serviced and prepared | A buyer, from a dealer's floor |
| Private sale | Usually between trade and retail | A buyer who deals with you directly |
The gap between trade and retail value is the dealer's cost of reconditioning the car, the risk of holding it and their margin. That is why the first offer you get is usually lower than the prices you see advertised for the same car. If you know both numbers, you know how much room there is to negotiate.
Before you accept an offer
- Get more than one quote. Offers for the same car can differ by thousands of rand between dealers.
- Know your official value. It tells you what a fair trade and retail price looks like for your exact car, not just for the model.
- Gather your paperwork. Registration certificate, licence disc, service book, spare keys and, if you owe money on the car, a settlement letter from your bank.
- Present the car well. A full service history and a clean, tidy car move offers more than most small repairs.
- Check the finance. If the car is financed, ask the bank for a settlement letter first. It states exactly what you owe and for how long that figure is valid.
Thinking about your next car as well? Our free car checker shows known faults, repair costs and prices for any model, and the finance calculator shows what you can afford.
Questions sellers ask
What is my car worth in South Africa?
A car has three different values: the trade-in value a dealer would pay you, the retail value a dealer would sell it for, and a private-sale price that usually sits between the two. Enter your car's year, make, model and mileage for a free estimate of all three, or use your registration plate for the official trade and retail value of your exact car (R79).
What is trade-in value and how is it worked out?
Trade-in (or trade) value is the price a dealer is willing to pay for your car. It starts from the retail value and then subtracts what the dealer needs to recondition the car, the risk of holding it, and their margin, so it is usually noticeably lower than retail. It depends mainly on the model, year, mileage, condition and service history.
Why is a dealer's offer lower than the prices I see advertised?
Advertised prices are retail asking prices, which is what a dealer hopes to sell the car for after servicing and preparing it. A dealer buying from you pays trade value, which leaves room for reconditioning, warranty risk and profit. Knowing your car's official trade and retail value before you talk to a dealer shows you whether an offer is fair.
How do I find the value of my car by registration number?
RideReport's Official valuation (R79) looks up your registration plate and returns the official retail and trade value of your exact vehicle, the same valuation data used by SA banks, insurers and dealers, with the VIN, make, model and year verified. The free estimate on this page works without a plate and covers any make, model, year and mileage band.
Is it better to sell privately or trade in my car?
A private sale usually gets a higher price, because you keep the margin a dealer would take, but it takes longer and you handle viewings, payment safety and paperwork yourself. A trade-in or dealer sale is faster and simpler, typically at a lower price. Many sellers get a dealer offer first, then use the official value to decide whether a private sale is worth the effort.
What do I need to sell my car in South Africa?
Typically: your ID, the vehicle registration certificate, the licence disc, a roadworthy certificate (usually arranged by the seller for the change of ownership), the service book and spare keys. If the car is still financed you also need a settlement letter from the bank, and the bank holds the registration certificate until the loan is settled. Requirements can vary, so confirm the current process with your licensing authority.
Free estimates are modelled from South African market data and are a guide only. The Official valuation (R79) returns the official retail and trade value for a specific registered vehicle. RideReport is independent: we don't buy cars, sell cars or take commission from dealers.