Are you thinking of selling your vehicle or simply knowing the market value ? You are not alone. Every month, thousands of homeowners in Quebec ask themselves the same question: “How much is my used car worth? ” Whether it is to prepare a sale, negotiate an exchange at a dealership or evaluate a purchase, know the Fair value of your car is essential for making an informed decision.
Valuing a used vehicle is not based on intuition or a simple quick comparison. It depends on several key factors which directly influence the resale price.
The older a car is, the more it loses value. In general, a vehicle loses between 15% and 25% of its value each year. However, some brands maintain their value better thanks to their reputation for reliability.
Low mileage increases the value of a vehicle. Conversely, high mileage can significantly lower the price, especially if it exceeds 200,000 km. Vehicle use (highway vs. urban) is also taken into account in the analysis.
A well-maintained car, with no strange noises, no rust, with tires in good condition and a clean body, will sell much more easily. THEgeneral condition plays a decisive role in the perception of quality.
Some models are more sought after than others on the Quebec market. Economical, reliable and fuel-efficient cars often get more attention from buyers. Conversely, rare or highly specialized models may take longer to sell.
A complete maintenance history and the absence of major accidents add value to the vehicle. The use of a CARFAX report is highly recommended to prove the transparency of your file.
La car depreciation is an inevitable phenomenon: as soon as a vehicle leaves the dealership, its value starts to decrease. But how do you know if your car has lost a lot — or a little — of its value? Here are the things to watch out for in order to understand the evolution of your rating.
On average, a new car loses about 20% of its value in the first year, then between 10% and 15% per year over the following years. This loss is influenced by several factors: make, model, engine type, reliability, and driving conditions.
Here are some clear signs that your car has lost value:
Mileage exceeds key thresholds : for example 100,000 km, 150,000 km or 200,000 km.
The model is at the end of its life or has been replaced by a new, more efficient version.
The vehicle has undergone major repairs, in particular on the transmission, the engine or the structure.
Strong internal or external wear (stained seats, damaged plastics, deep scratches) detracts from the attractiveness of the car.
To find out if your car is still in the right price range, compare it with similar models for sale in your area. Platforms like Kijiji Cars, AutoHebdo Or Facebook Marketplace are useful for checking average prices by mileage, year, and options.
💡 Tip: If your vehicle is selling for much less than equivalent models, this may indicate accelerated depreciation due to its condition or history.
Tools like those offered by CARFAX, CAA, or aukcio.ca allow you to obtain a fast and objective estimation of the current value of your vehicle. These calculators take into account the year, mileage, version, options, and local market.
Are you wondering How much is your used car worth right now? Good news: today there are several free and reliable assessment tools that allow you to get an accurate estimate in a few clicks. Here are the most popular and the most used in Quebec.
The CARFAX estimate report provides a value based on the Canadian market, taking into account mileage, model year, province and current trends. It is one of the most famous tools for used car sale.
AutoHebdo offers a market value assessment tool based on the prices of similar vehicles currently on sale. You can also compare local ads to adjust your pricing strategy.
The CAA Automobile Club offers a simple valuation tool, as well as advice on how to sell your vehicle well. A reliable option, especially if you are a member.
It is a tool used by professionals to obtain a Trade-in value or market. It can be useful if you are planning a trade with a merchant.
Even if they are not calculators per se, ad platforms are very useful for compare your car to similar models. Here's where to look:
By looking at the prices displayed for vehicles similar to yours, you can refine your own estimate.
aukcio.ca also offers a free used car valuation service. Thanks to an enriched database and partners in the sector, you can quickly obtain a takeover offer or a realistic estimate according to the current Quebec market.
💡 Tip: Combine at least two or three of these tools to get a fairer and more balanced estimate. If the results converge, you have a good indicator of the true value of your car.
Get a reliable estimate of the value of your used car does not happen by chance. There are a few key steps you need to take to avoid undervaluing (or overpricing) your vehicle, which could hurt your sale. Here's how to do it effectively.
Before using a car evaluation tool, make sure you have the following information ready:
These details will make it possible to obtain a accurate assessment and credible.
Once you have the data in hand, consult the classified ad sites like Kijiji Autos, Facebook Marketplace, or AutoHebdo to find cars similar to yours:
This gives you a real market reference, to be compared with the estimates generated by tools such as CARFAX or CAA.
If you want to go further, you can have your vehicle inspected by a independent mechanic or an authorized automotive appraiser. These experts can give you a value based on the actual mechanical condition of the vehicle, which is often useful if you expect to sell at a higher price than the market.
Some businesses or dealerships that are partners of aukcio.ca can also offer this type of evaluation, sometimes free or reimbursed in the event of a sale.
The price of a used car may vary depending on supply and demand in your region. For example, an SUV will sell better in winter in Quebec, while an electric car can be valued according to current government subsidies. Stay on the lookout for:
💡 By following these steps, you increase your chances of fixing a fair price, to attract serious buyers and to close a sale more quickly.
The used car market in Quebec is constantly evolving. Knowing current trends not only allows you to better estimate the value of your car, but also to choose the right time to sell it. Here is an overview of the factors that influence supply, demand, and prices.
As in many markets, the season plays an important role in vehicle sales:
When the Interest rates are rising, access to finance is becoming more expensive, which is pushing many consumers to turn to more affordable used cars.
On the other hand, during periods of promotions on new cars (liquidation, financing at a reduced rate), the demand for used vehicles may temporarily slow down.
Another factor: the delivery times for new vehicles have contributed to increasing the value of used cars in recent years. Some models even sold for more used cars than new ones.
Some types of vehicles retain their value better because demand is strong and constant:
Compact SUVs : Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5
Economical small cars : Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra
Hybrid and electric cars : Toyota Prius, Hyundai Ioniq, Chevrolet Bolt
Trucks and vans : Ford F-150, RAM 1500, Toyota Tacoma
💡 Tip: If you have one of these models that are highly rated and in good condition, you have a good chance of selling it quickly and at a good price.
When You put your car up for sale, it is common to receive a variety of offers: some seem reasonable, others much too low. But how do you know if a Is the purchase offer fair ? Here's how to assess it objectively, without falling into the pitfalls of blind negotiation.
Before accepting or rejecting a proposal, rely on your research:
Compare the offer with estimated values obtained using tools such as CARFAX, AutoHebdo or the aukcio.ca estimator.
Check the local market prices for similar vehicles (year, model, mileage, condition).
Analyze if the buyer justified his offer (e.g.: tires to replace, maintenance to do, small visual defects).
💡 An offer under 15% or 20% of your list price is not uncommon, but only accept it if you are in a hurry or if your starting price was already a bit high.
Always have a Top floor price — the minimum amount you are ready to accept.
Prepare your arguments: good maintenance history, low mileage, options included, impeccable condition, etc.
Be open to discussion, but don't give in to pressure. A serious buyer will understand the value of your vehicle if you are transparent and prepared.
Some offers are deliberately very low or accompanied by suspicious behavior. Here are the signs to look out for:
If you feel that the offer is too good (or too strange) to be true, Trust your instincts and follow up with more serious buyers.
The Mileage is one of the most decisive criteria in assessing the value of a used vehicle. In general, the higher the mileage, the greater the depreciation.
A vehicle with less than 120,000 km will often be considered to have a “good remaining life”, which increases its value. Conversely, mileage in excess of 200,000 km may result in marked drop in price, regardless of the maintenance performed.
Among the free estimating tools the most reliable in Quebec, we find:
CARFAX Canada — for a value based on the real market and the history of the vehicle.
AutoHebdo — allows you to compare with similar ads.
CAA Quebec — useful for members who want a quick estimate.
aukcio.ca — offers you a realistic estimate based on local demand and can also put you in touch with qualified buyers.
💡 Tip: Use two or three of these tools to get a more accurate average.
Not necessarily. It all depends on the type of modification. Les functional improvements (e.g.: rearview camera added, new tires, high-end sound system) can have a positive impact.
On the other hand, the non-professional aesthetic or mechanical modifications (suspension lowered, custom paint) can reduce resale value, as they do not appeal to all buyers and may cause concern about reliability.
Yes, but it is important to do so transparently. One Crashed car repaired may sell for a lower price, but it is not unsellable.
One CARFAX report or repair invoices allow you to justify the solidity of the work carried out. Clearly mention the history in your listing and adjust the price accordingly.
Several options are available to you:
💡 Remember that a realistic price attracts more visitors, speeds up sales, and avoids lengthy negotiations.
Determine The value of your used car is a crucial step in selling quickly, at the right price, and with confidence. As we have seen, several factors influence this value: the age of the vehicle, its mileage, its condition, its popularity on the market and of course, its maintenance history.
Thanks to the numerous free and reliable estimating tools available online, you can now get an accurate assessment in a few minutes.
To go further, it is always recommended to compare local market prices, to use several sources of information (CARFAX, AutoHebdo, aukcio.ca) and, if necessary, to consult a professional to validate your estimate.
By combining transparency, preparation and strategy, you increase your chances of Maximize the resale value of your car, while reassuring potential buyers.
