Free car valuation: pay the right price for your next car

Before you buy, estimate the real value of the vehicle you are interested in. Then go into the negotiation with solid arguments.

Enter the plate without dashes (e.g., AB123CD)

Free online valuation. No payment, no commitment. Result in a few seconds.

Why check a car's value before buying it used?

Every seller sets their own price. A private seller may overvalue their car out of attachment. A dealer builds in their margin and reconditioning costs. Without a reference point, you are negotiating blind.

The car's market value gives you that reference. It places the asking price against the market. You can see straight away whether the listing is fair, inflated or too good to be true. It is the basis of any serious negotiation.

What is a vehicle's market value and what is it for?

A car's market value is what a used vehicle is worth on the market at a given time. It reflects what buyers actually pay for a comparable vehicle.

There is no single official value set by the state. Each service calculates its own valuation from sales data and observed listings. It is updated regularly, because the market moves. Differences from one service to another are therefore normal.

For a buyer, the market value is a way to check that a price is consistent, spot suspicious listings and set a limit before talking.

How is a car's value calculated?

To calculate a vehicle's value, you start from a common base: the make, the model, the engine and the date of first registration. You then adjust for criteria specific to each car.

Mileage.
It is a major factor. Above-average mileage lowers the value.
Servicing.
A complete service record reassures buyers and justifies a higher price.
Options and trim.
A sunroof or an automatic gearbox weigh in the valuation.
History.
Number of owners, reported claims, use by a private owner or a fleet.
Market trends.
A sought-after model holds its value. An unpopular engine loses value over time.

An accurate valuation takes all of these into account, not just age and make. A small difference in mileage can move the value by several hundred euros.

How to get a free valuation with Autorigin

1
Enter the vehicle's registration plate or VIN. The registration certificate is not needed.
2
Receive a free valuation based on the vehicle's original specifications and prices observed on the market.
3
Compare this valuation with the listing price and prepare your offer.

The valuation service works for a Renault city car, a Peugeot SUV, a BMW saloon or a Mercedes van. It lets you check a vehicle's value from its registration plate, without providing any other information. The result is available immediately.

Example: market value versus asking price

Illustrative example. You are looking at a 2020 Peugeot 3008 with 85,000 km, listed at an asking price of €21,900. The valuation puts its market value at around €19,800. The €2,100 gap becomes your negotiation margin.

Vehicle (example)	Asking price	Estimated value	Gap
Renault Clio 2019, 60,000 km	€12,500	€11,900	€600
Peugeot 3008 2020, 85,000 km	€21,900	€19,800	€2,100
BMW 1 Series 2018, 110,000 km	€17,400	€17,600	fair

A large gap is not always abusive. It may reflect recent reconditioning or rare options. It may also hide a problem. Only the history can settle it.

From valuation to the right price: the Autorigin report

The market value gives an average for a model. It says nothing about the specific car you are looking at. A clocked odometer, a reported claim or an outstanding lien change everything.

The Autorigin report completes the valuation with a consolidated history: recorded and cross-checked mileage, reported claims, number of owners, administrative status, open manufacturer recalls and the Autorigin Score. This information is consolidated from official European sources. The report presents what has been officially recorded.

With this analysis, every anomaly becomes a quantified argument. An inconsistent odometer or an undisclosed claim justifies a lower price, or walking away. The negotiation then rests on facts.

More than 30 million

reports were viewed on Autorigin in 2025.

Which sites can value a car online?

The right tool depends on what you need. Several options exist to estimate a car's value before a sale.

Online car valuation tools: fast and with no commitment, they give a first idea.
Dealers and trade-in centres: a dealer offers a trade-in valuation that is often below the private sale price, because it includes their margin. If the seller mentions a trade-in offer, you have the floor value.
An independent car inspector: an inspection is paid, but an inspector examines the vehicle in person. They carry out an accurate valuation. Useful for a rare or unusual model, or for a pre-purchase check.
Car forums: other owners' reviews tell you about a model's common faults, not about a price.

Our advice: combine an online valuation with a history check. It is the fastest way to save time and gain accuracy.

Frequently asked questions about car valuation

Is the valuation free?

Yes, at Autorigin. The online valuation requires no payment. The full history report is a paid option.

Is a car's market value reliable?

It is reliable as a market reference. But it does not take the vehicle's actual condition into account. For an accurate value, cross-check it with the car's history and, if needed, an independent inspector's assessment.

How much is the car I want to buy worth?

Enter the vehicle's plate to get a valuation in a few seconds. It is the simplest way to estimate what it is really worth. Then compare it with the asking price.

What is the difference between market value and asking price?

The market value is a reference value. The asking price is what the seller asks their customer. The gap between the two is your negotiation margin.

The seller wants a quick sale. Is it a good deal?

Not necessarily. A seller in a hurry may indeed accept a lower offer. They may also want to sell before a fault appears. Check the history before you pay.

Whoever knows the most buys best.

Value your car for free before you buy it. Autorigin can give you both: a valuation to know the right price and a history to negotiate with confidence.

Start the valuation