by Carole Larkin

Created on: November 07, 2008   Last Updated: November 16, 2008

Your car value is primarily determined by one factor: what someone else is willing to pay for it. Now that we got that straight, let's go over some of things to look for and do to determine how much to price your car when you want to sell it.

The information you will have to know to do any research on the resale value of your vehicle is:

1. Know the Year, Make, Model, Body Style, Engine Size, and Optional equipment for your vehicle. Hopefully, you will know at least the first four of these already.

To determine the engine size you will need to pop the hood and look for a tag either on the engine itself or on the inside of the hood. The tag will usually describe the size in liters, i.e. 3.0 liters. You can determine how many cylinders your engine has by counting the spark plug wires. Usually, vehicles will have 4, 6, or 8 cylinders.

Some of the optional equipment is easy to figure out. Does the vehicle have an automatic transmission or a manual one? Do you have a radio, CD player, Multi-disk CD player, M3 player, or DVD player? Do you have all the power options such as power windows and locks, power seats, or adjustable pedals? Is you vehicle equipped with heated seats or a moon roof? Is it two or four wheel drive; is it front or rear wheel drive?
There might be other options available, which will add to the value of your vehicle.

2. Locate the vehicle identification number (VIN #) and make a note of it. The VIN number is located in a few places on the vehicle, but the easiest place to get it is from the driver's side of the outside of the windshield.

3. Write down the mileage of the vehicle. This is a very important determinant of the price your car will bring. The less mileage your car has on it, the more you will get for it. If your vehicle has high mileage, not only will it not add to the value, but also it will take away a lot of the value.

4. Determine the condition of your vehicle. You need to be objective and honest in your appraisal, because any prospective buyer is going to point out anything they find wrong with your vehicle. What you are looking for is the condition of the car overall. Is there any damage to the body in the form of dents? Is the paint job scratched, faded or peeling?
Do your lights have any broken lenses?
What is the condition of your tires?
Is there still good thread left?
Inside the car you will need to check for any tears in the upholstery and cracks in the plastic. Is everything in working order? Are there any missing knobs or latches? Does

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