carsguide car value

Chasing a car’s value like the price whisperer? In Australia it comes down to four big hitters: kilometres, condition, service history, and how hot the market’s feeling this week.

Compare like-for-like listings (same year, engine, trim, options) on Tradingpost and focus on real asking prices rather than dreams. Expect private sale to sit roughly 10–20% above dealer trade-in, widening if your car’s a rare spec and shrinking if it’s ex-fleet beige with hubcaps. Documented maintenance, fresh tyres, and two keys can add hundreds to thousands of AUD; accident stories do the opposite. List with a sensible price band and let buyers argue themselves upwards while you sip your flat white.