The short answer
A car’s value is driven mainly by its make, model and age, then adjusted for mileage, condition, service history and specification. Market demand also matters — fuel type, clean air zone compliance and the time of year all move prices. A full service history, two keys and a long MOT support a stronger offer; damage, missing history and very high mileage reduce it.
Key points
- Biggest factors: make, model, age and mileage.
- Condition and service history can move the price by hundreds or thousands.
- Specification, colour and optional extras matter more on premium cars.
- Fuel type and clean air zone compliance increasingly affect demand.
- Trade prices differ from retail prices — the dealer’s preparation and margin sit in between.
Age and mileage
Cars depreciate fastest in their first three years. After that, mileage relative to age becomes key — the UK average is broadly in the region of 7,000 to 10,000 miles a year, so a car well above that for its age will usually be worth less.
Condition and history
Scuffs, dents, kerbed alloys, worn tyres and interior damage all cost money to put right, and buyers deduct them. A documented service history reassures buyers the car has been looked after, and is one of the easiest ways to protect value.
Trade vs retail value
The price you see on a dealer forecourt is a retail price. It includes preparation, warranty, overheads and margin. When you sell to the trade, you receive a trade price. The gap between the two is why a private sale can achieve more — at the cost of time, effort and risk.
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