Where's the best place to find out how much a vehicle is worth?

[Saltandshake82]

We have found a van we really like. It's from a private seller. How do we know if we are getting a good deal and how much on average can you negotiate off the price?

My dad used to swear by a guide called Parker's if it's still around.

I put the number plate in and it wouldn't come up. We looked at it today and it all seems legit, he showed me service history, recent MOT certificates and servicing etc...

You can check online if a car/van is taxed/has a valid MOT.

If it doesn't come up on there, I'd be very wary.

Parker's.

Another way is to go to Arnold Clark's website and see how much they would offer you to buy the car. They use CAP book price so this is the best market guide you will get. They offer trade price which a private seller should not be going above as they can't offer you the benefits that a retailer can.

Make sure you do a HPI check!

Confused.com have a valuation tool

Another vote for Parker's here. Excellent site. I'm not sure if the valuation works for vans as well as cars though, might explain why the plate isn't recognised

Failing that, look at ten vans for sale on autotrader same make, model, year, miles, spec and base your price around that. Trader's will be asking more than private so take that into account

Thanks everyone. It's also been converted, as in the bulk head removed, carpeted, insulated. It was a builders van. I don't want to offer too low and he thinks I'm taking the mick, but then again don't want to pay too much!

OK, so I've just had all the checks. It's insured, Mot'd, no outstanding finance etc etc.. the only thing that doesn't add up is it names 3 registered owners or change of owners and the last one states 2015. He said he bought it March 2020?? From a garage nearby. He's had a recent MOT and I've seen the papers so surely they can't do an MOT If it's not registered to him?

He's had a recent MOT and I've seen the papers so surely they can't do an MOT If it's not registered to him?

Why on earth would you think that? Have you seen the V5C? Is it in his name and when does it say he became the registered keeper?

@Elai1978

He's had a recent MOT and I've seen the papers so surely they can't do an MOT If it's not registered to him?

Why on earth would you think that? Have you seen the V5C? Is it in his name and when does it say he became the registered keeper?

I don't know, sorry if I sound stupid! I've never bought myself before. I'll ask to see that, thanks

Looked up DVLA check and it was registered March 2020 so that ties in with what he said, will obviously ask to see the documents

I wonder why the msg was deleted above. I wsnt to know now what it said

If it's a conversion it will be really hard to get an accurate valuation. The only thing you could do is look at similar vehicles online and see what they are advertised at. He will likely expect some money knocked off so pick an amount that you feel is reasonable based on other vehicle prices. Or value the standard vehicle and uplift by a percentage of the conversion costs.

Anyone can get a car MOT'd. You just pop it to the garage and they do it, ownership not an issue.

I'd ask him why it doesn't show ownership change in 2020. It's funny how many people mess up changing over the v5.

We buy any car gives you a good bench mark.

We buy any car gives you the worst price you could ever get and then knocks loads off in charges, particularly if you want to be paid in a reasonable timeframe. They should never used as a view of a cars value.

Also be aware that vans have actually increased in value during the pandemic.
I gather there is huge demand generally and especially from the number of parcel delivery drivers out there.
Also perhaps have a look at Facebook groups for the specific van type?
(Van driver here)