- 1). Check the Kelley Blue Book value of the car that you are interested in by make and model if you are buying a used car. While there are print editions of the Kelley Blue Book widely available in bookstores and public libraries, there is also a free website operated by the publishers of the Kelley Blue Book where you can obtain the approximate value of the car you are interested in buying.
- 2). Take the car to a local mechanic that you trust and have him perform a full inspection. It is important that you take the car to a mechanic who typically works on the type of vehicle you are purchasing, as he will have the most knowledge on the value of the car and what it will cost to make any necessary repairs. If you don't know a mechanic who works on the particular type of car you are looking at buying, consider contacting friends or colleagues for a referral.
- 3). Visit car lots that sell the type of car you are interested in purchasing. If you are buying a new car, you still might be able to find the same car at better prices from other dealers. If you are buying a used car, visiting car lots can help you determine the average going cost for similar cars in your area if you are planning to buy from a dealer. Note that dealer prices are generally higher than private-party prices.
- 4). Search eBay and other car auction sites for closed auctions of similar cars. This is an especially important step if you buying the car online. Like visiting a used car lot, it can help you to determine the average cost of a particular car in your area.
- 5). Look at local classified advertisements in your local newspaper for used cars similar to the one you are interested in purchasing. You may not find the exact make and model of car that you are looking at purchasing, but it may give you a better understanding of current private-party pricing in your area.
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