What is the Market Price section in a vehicle history report?

The Market Price section shows a vehicle’s current estimated price within a specific market. ​​It includes a graph based on available information for the same model and model year, showing price changes over time, typical estimated price ranges for each year, and indications of future price trends.

How to use the Market Price section

The graph in the Market Price section may look simple at first, but it can offer valuable insights when used correctly.

Average price trend over time

By hovering over the interactive points on the graph, you can see the estimated average vehicle price for each year, based on vehicles of the same model and model year.

In addition, a new dotted band around the line shows the predicted high and low price ranges.

Historical data

This part of the graph shows how much similar cars cost in the past, along with the typical highest and lowest price ranges for each year. If the current asking price is much higher than historical prices without a valid reason, it may suggest that the seller is overpricing the car.

Estimated prices

The right side of the Market Price graph focuses on estimated future prices. It uses predictive analytics to show how much a specific vehicle model may cost in the coming years.

Just like with historical data, you can hover over individual points on the graph to see the estimated average market price, along with the predicted highest and lowest price ranges for each year – up to the next 7 years.

Note: Price forecasts are based on historical data and current market trends. Actual resale value may vary depending on factors such as market changes, vehicle condition, location, or other external factors.

Selling price

If available, the Market Price section may also include recorded selling prices. These appear as green markers on the graph and represent asking or selling prices from past listings of the vehicle.

If some of these sales are very old and no longer visible on the graph, they will be shown in a pop-up on the left side of the graph, using similar green markers.

Market price insights

Below the graph, the Market Price section may also include additional insights, depending on data availability. These insights are designed to help you better understand how a vehicle’s value may change over time:

• Price trend forecast – shows the estimated percentage of value the car may lose over the next few years, helping you understand expected depreciation.
• Price drop and buying window – highlights the period when the vehicle’s value is forecasted to decline the most, which may point to better buying opportunities.
• Optimal selling timing – indicates when selling the vehicle may make the most sense, before a major drop in value is expected.

If you’re selling, the Market Price section can help you set a competitive price by showing the typical low and high prices for similar cars. This makes it easier to position your car within that range, while factoring in its condition and features.

If you’re buying, the same information helps you see whether an asking price falls within a reasonable range or stands out as too high or unusually low.

How is market price determined?

The vehicle’s market price in carVertical reports is estimated using information from the same model and model year in the country where the report was generated. This helps reflect local market conditions and recent pricing trends when estimating the vehicle’s value.

To ensure consistency across time, currency conversions are handled as follows:

• Historical sales prices are converted using the exchange rate valid on the original transaction date.
• Historical market values are converted using the exchange rate valid on January 1 of the corresponding year.
• Estimated values are converted using the exchange rate valid on January 1 of the current year.

How accurate is this estimation?

The market price estimations in carVertical reports are generally accurate. However, the final price can still vary depending on factors like the condition of specific cars.

For example, two models manufactured in the same year may have different prices because one was better cared for than the other. Discrepancies can also appear if a vehicle has unique features, modifications, or unreported issues.

Therefore, the market value estimation can be a helpful guideline, but consider different possibilities and don’t base your decisions solely on this information.

Benefits of knowing the car’s market price

The Market Price section helps both buyers and sellers better understand where a vehicle stands in the market.

If you’re buying, it can help you:

• Understand whether a car’s asking price is realistic
• Spot overpriced cars more easily
• See how the car’s price has changed – and may change in the future
• Compare similar cars with more confidence
• Use market-based pricing to support negotiations

If you’re selling, it can help you:

• Set a price that matches the market
• Understand price trends and see whether prices are going up, staying stable, or going down
• Choose a better time to sell before prices drop
• Sell faster by pricing the car in line with the market

Overall, it gives you a clearer reference point when comparing prices and making buying or selling decisions.

What if the Market Price section is not available in the report?

The Market Price section may be missing from the report if we don’t have access to relevant data or if not enough data is available. Additionally, the estimated market price may not be included in the reports for newer models if there isn’t enough historical data to establish a reliable estimate.

Still have questions? If you need more help understanding the Market Price section of your report, feel free to reach out to our support team or check out our blog post on checking the used vehicle’s value.