function calculateCarValue() {
var originalMSRP = parseFloat(document.getElementById("originalMSRP").value);
var carAge = parseFloat(document.getElementById("carAge").value);
var currentMileage = parseFloat(document.getElementById("currentMileage").value);
var carCondition = document.getElementById("carCondition").value;
var accidentHistory = document.querySelector('input[name="accidentHistory"]:checked').value;
var maintenanceHistory = document.querySelector('input[name="maintenanceHistory"]:checked').value;
if (isNaN(originalMSRP) || isNaN(carAge) || isNaN(currentMileage) || originalMSRP <= 0 || carAge < 0 || currentMileage 0) {
estimatedValue *= (1 – 0.15); // First year depreciation
if (carAge > 1) {
estimatedValue *= Math.pow((1 – 0.10), (carAge – 1)); // Subsequent years
}
}
// Ensure value doesn't drop below a certain floor due to age (e.g., 10% of MSRP)
estimatedValue = Math.max(estimatedValue, originalMSRP * 0.10);
// 2. Mileage Adjustment
var averageMileagePerYear = 12000;
var expectedMileage = carAge * averageMileagePerYear;
var mileageDifference = currentMileage – expectedMileage;
var mileageAdjustmentFactor = 1;
if (mileageDifference > 0) {
// Penalty for higher mileage: 0.5% per 10,000 miles over expected
mileageAdjustmentFactor -= (mileageDifference / 10000) * 0.005;
} else if (mileageDifference < 0) {
// Bonus for lower mileage: 0.2% per 10,000 miles under expected, capped
mileageAdjustmentFactor += (Math.abs(mileageDifference) / 10000) * 0.002;
mileageAdjustmentFactor = Math.min(mileageAdjustmentFactor, 1.05); // Cap bonus at 5%
}
estimatedValue *= mileageAdjustmentFactor;
// 3. Condition Adjustment
var conditionMultiplier = 1;
if (carCondition === "excellent") {
conditionMultiplier = 1.05; // 5% bonus
} else if (carCondition === "good") {
conditionMultiplier = 1.00; // Base
} else if (carCondition === "fair") {
conditionMultiplier = 0.90; // 10% penalty
} else if (carCondition === "poor") {
conditionMultiplier = 0.70; // 30% penalty
}
estimatedValue *= conditionMultiplier;
// 4. Accident History Adjustment
if (accidentHistory === "yes") {
estimatedValue *= 0.80; // 20% penalty for accident history
}
// 5. Maintenance History Adjustment
if (maintenanceHistory === "regular") {
estimatedValue *= 1.03; // 3% bonus for regular maintenance
} else if (maintenanceHistory === "irregular") {
estimatedValue *= 0.95; // 5% penalty for irregular maintenance
}
// Final check to ensure value doesn't go below a very low threshold
estimatedValue = Math.max(estimatedValue, originalMSRP * 0.05); // Minimum 5% of MSRP
document.getElementById("result").innerHTML = "$" + estimatedValue.toFixed(2);
}
.calculator-container {
font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Geneva, Verdana, sans-serif;
background-color: #f9f9f9;
border: 1px solid #ddd;
border-radius: 8px;
padding: 25px;
max-width: 600px;
margin: 20px auto;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.08);
}
.calculator-container h2 {
text-align: center;
color: #333;
margin-bottom: 25px;
font-size: 1.8em;
}
.calculator-content {
display: flex;
flex-direction: column;
gap: 15px;
}
.input-group {
display: flex;
flex-direction: column;
margin-bottom: 10px;
}
.input-group label {
margin-bottom: 7px;
color: #555;
font-size: 1em;
font-weight: 600;
}
.input-group input[type="number"],
.input-group select {
padding: 10px 12px;
border: 1px solid #ccc;
border-radius: 5px;
font-size: 1em;
width: 100%;
box-sizing: border-box;
}
.input-group input[type="radio"] {
margin-right: 5px;
}
.input-group input[type="radio"] + label {
display: inline-block;
margin-right: 15px;
font-weight: normal;
}
.calculate-button {
background-color: #007bff;
color: white;
padding: 12px 20px;
border: none;
border-radius: 5px;
font-size: 1.1em;
cursor: pointer;
transition: background-color 0.3s ease;
margin-top: 20px;
width: 100%;
}
.calculate-button:hover {
background-color: #0056b3;
}
.result-area {
margin-top: 25px;
padding: 15px;
background-color: #e9f7ef;
border: 1px solid #d4edda;
border-radius: 8px;
text-align: center;
}
.result-area h3 {
color: #28a745;
margin-top: 0;
margin-bottom: 10px;
font-size: 1.3em;
}
.calculator-result {
font-size: 2em;
color: #007bff;
font-weight: bold;
}
@media (max-width: 480px) {
.calculator-container {
padding: 15px;
}
.calculator-container h2 {
font-size: 1.5em;
}
.calculate-button {
font-size: 1em;
padding: 10px 15px;
}
.calculator-result {
font-size: 1.8em;
}
}
Understanding Your Used Car's Value
Determining the fair market value of a used car can be a complex task, influenced by a myriad of factors. Whether you're looking to sell your vehicle, trade it in, or simply understand its worth, having a reliable estimate is crucial. Our Used Car Value Estimator provides a data-driven approximation based on key characteristics of your vehicle.
How Our Calculator Works
This calculator takes into account several critical elements that significantly impact a car's resale value. By inputting accurate information, you can get a more precise estimate:
Original MSRP ($): The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is the starting point for any car's value. While it depreciates over time, it sets the initial benchmark.
Car Age (Years): Age is one of the most significant depreciation factors. Cars typically lose a substantial portion of their value in the first few years, with depreciation slowing down but continuing over time. Our calculator applies a higher depreciation rate for the first year, followed by a steady rate for subsequent years.
Current Mileage (Miles): Mileage directly correlates with wear and tear. Higher mileage generally means more components have been used, leading to a lower value. Conversely, exceptionally low mileage for a car's age can sometimes command a premium. We compare your car's mileage to an average expected mileage for its age to apply adjustments.
Car Condition: The physical and mechanical state of your car plays a huge role. A car in "Excellent" condition with no dents, scratches, or mechanical issues will naturally be worth more than one in "Poor" condition requiring significant repairs. This input allows for a subjective but impactful adjustment.
Accident History: A car with a documented accident history, especially major ones, will almost always have a lower resale value. Even minor accidents can raise concerns for potential buyers. Our calculator applies a penalty if an accident history is reported.
Maintenance History: A well-maintained car with a complete service record indicates responsible ownership and can reassure buyers about the vehicle's reliability. Regular, documented maintenance can add a small premium, while irregular or undocumented maintenance can lead to a slight reduction in value.
Factors Not Included (But Still Important)
While our calculator covers the primary drivers of car value, it's important to remember that real-world market values can also be influenced by:
Make and Model Popularity: Some brands and models hold their value better due to demand, reliability reputation, or desirability.
Location: Car values can vary by region due to local demand, climate, and availability.
Optional Features/Trim Level: Premium trim levels or desirable optional features (e.g., sunroof, navigation, advanced safety tech) can increase value.
Color: Popular car colors tend to sell faster and sometimes for a slightly higher price.
Market Conditions: Economic factors, fuel prices, and new car inventory levels can all affect used car prices.
Example Calculation
Let's consider a 3-year-old car with an original MSRP of $30,000, 36,000 miles, in "Good" condition, no accident history, and regular maintenance.
This example demonstrates how each factor contributes to the final estimated value. Remember, this calculator provides an estimate, and for a precise valuation, consider professional appraisals or checking multiple market sources like Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, or NADA Guides.