Guide Resources

• Many dealers do not use Kelley Blue Book alone to price their vehicles. Dealers may use a variety of guides, although the dealer's actual cost may affect selling price. Kelley Blue Book is simply a guide, one of many. You can use a median of several guide values to determine fair pricing, as each guide differs in value calculations. Dealers commonly determine pricing based on the Black Book, which is available to dealers only, NADA Guides or Galves.
  
  

Dealer Pricing

• Many dealers price their vehicles according to intended profit, consumer demand or market conditions. If a dealer takes a vehicle for trade and the vehicle requires $1,500 in repair cost, the dealer may increase the vehicle's sticker price to make its money back. Dealers may also increase the sticker price for a rare or quick-selling vehicle, simply because it can. For example, a 4X4 jeep might sell quickly if no others are available in the area. If gas prices are high, trade-in value and asking prices may drop substantially for vehicles with poor gas mileage. Various market conditions affect trade and retail values, which Kelley Blue Book may not take into consideration.
  
  

Consumer Error

• Kelley Blue Book offers three types of appraisal values: private sale, trade and retail value. Check the correct sale value to determine differences in selling price and Kelley Blue Book guide. If the values you've come up with are thousands off from a dealer's asking price, it is likely you haven't entered the correct information or value type. Several options and levels exist for different vehicle models. Mileage and location affect the resale price, as well. Ensure you add all proper options for the model you're researching, such as leather, sunroof, engine and transmission type.
  
  

New Cars

• If you're comparing new car sticker prices, do not use Kelley Blue Book alone. While you may be able to choose various options for a new car at the Kelley Blue Book website, adding the features you want may not be possible because of feature requirements. Use the manufacturer's website to determine car options and cost instead. A manufacturer may offer a sunroof in its vehicle, but to add the feature, power windows and leather might be required. The Kelley website might not show necessary add-ons, ultimately causing a discrepancy in price. Also, transportation fees are not negotiable, although you may see the charge missing from the Kelley website. Visit the car manufacturer's website for accuracy before assessing prices at Kelley Blue Book.