What is the difference between KBB, Edmunds, and NADA?

KBB is the most widely used consumer guide and tends to show slightly higher values. Edmunds provides True Market Value based on actual transaction data. NADA is preferred by banks and dealers for loan valuations. Check all three for the most complete picture.

Should I sell my car privately or trade it in?

Private sales typically bring 10–20% more money, but require more effort: advertising, meeting buyers, handling paperwork, and safety concerns. Trade-ins are faster, safer, and the dealer handles all paperwork.

What hidden issues lower my car's value?

According to Omari Grant, ASE-certified mechanic, the biggest hidden value killers are frame damage, transmission slip, oil burning, AC compressor failure, and electrical problems. Many aren't visible but show up on inspection.

How does mileage affect car value?

The average car depreciates about 15–20 cents per mile. Cars under 100,000 miles hold significantly more value. However, a high-mileage car with full service records can be worth more than a low-mileage car with unknown history.

When is the best time to trade in my car?

Trade when repair costs exceed 50% of the car's value annually. Seasonally, SUVs and trucks sell for more in fall/winter, while sedans peak in spring/summer. Trade before a major repair is needed.

How do I find out what my car is worth?

Use Kelley Blue Book (KBB.com), Edmunds.com, or NADA Guides to get free online estimates of your car's value. Enter your make, model, year, mileage, and condition. For the most accurate assessment, visit a dealer like Fort Lauderdale Auto Sales for an in-person evaluation. Call (954) 793-1761 for a free trade-in assessment.

What affects my used car's trade-in value?

The biggest factors are mileage, overall condition, accident history, documented service records, current market demand, and location. According to Omari Grant, ASE-certified mechanic at Fort Lauderdale Auto Sales, hidden mechanical issues like frame damage, transmission problems, and oil burning significantly reduce value.

Can I trade in my car at a buy here pay here dealer?

Yes. Buy here pay here dealers like Fort Lauderdale Auto Sales accept trade-ins and apply the value toward your down payment. A trade-in can cover part or all of the $1,000 minimum down payment. Call (954) 793-1761 for a free trade-in assessment.

Trade-In Guide

What's Your Car
Actually Worth?
A Mechanic's Honest Guide

Q: How do I find out what my car is worth?

Use Kelley Blue Book (KBB), Edmunds, or NADA Guides for free online estimates. Enter your make, model, year, mileage, and condition to get a range. For the most accurate value, get an in-person assessment from a dealer or mechanic.

Q: What affects my used car's trade-in value?

The biggest factors are mileage, overall condition (excellent/good/fair/poor), accident history, service records, current market demand for your model, and regional factors. A car with documented maintenance history is worth more than one without.

Q: Can I trade in my car at a buy here pay here dealer?

Yes. Fort Lauderdale Auto Sales accepts trade-ins and applies the value toward your down payment. In some cases, a trade-in can cover part or all of the $1,000 down payment. Call (954) 793-1761 for a free assessment.

Three free tools, five value factors, and the hidden issues most people miss.

Free Trade-In Assessment Browse Inventory

Family-Owned & Operated

13 Years of Honest Business. Every Car. Every Customer.

Fort Lauderdale Auto Sales isn't a franchise and it isn't a flip lot. It's a family business built on one principle: treat people the way you'd want to be treated when buying a car.

"We Drive Every Car Before You Do"

Omari Grant holds multiple ASE certifications — the national standard for automotive service. He's been diagnosing and repairing vehicles in Broward County since 2005.

"Mechanic-Owned. That Changes Everything."

Every guide on this site comes from hands-on experience. When we say a Honda Civic runs 200,000 miles, it's because Omari's serviced them at that mileage. When we explain BHPH financing, it's because he built the process.

"Customers for Life, Not Just a Sale"

The information here is free. If you want to act on it, we're at 3575 NW 31st Ave in Oakland Park.

Omari Grant, Owner of Fort Lauderdale Auto Sales

13+

Years in Business

4.9★

Google Rating

75+

Customer Reviews

$1,000

Minimum Down

✓

Every Car Inspected

Multi-point inspection by ASE-certified mechanics

✓

No Credit Check

Approval based on income, not credit score

✓

90-Day Warranty

Only Broward BHPH lot with our own mechanic shop

✓

Service After the Sale

Front Line Auto maintains every car we sell

Valuation Tools

3 Ways to Check Your Car's Value

Use all three for the most accurate picture.

Kelley Blue Book (KBB)

The most widely recognized tool. Shows trade-in, private party, and dealer retail values. Tends to show slightly higher values. Free at kbb.com.

Edmunds

Uses True Market Value based on actual recent transactions in your area. Generally the most accurate for real-world pricing.

NADA Guides

The tool banks and dealers use for loan valuations. Values tend to be slightly more conservative. If financing, lenders likely use NADA.

NMVTIS — National Vehicle History Database — verify title history before you buy.

Kelley Blue Book (KBB) — free trade-in and private party value estimates.

NADA Guides — the valuation tool used by banks and dealers for loan assessments.

Value Factors

What Affects Your Car's Value

Mileage

Average depreciation: 15–20 cents/mile. Under 100K holds significantly more value. High-mileage with full records can still command good prices.

Condition Tiers

Excellent: like new. Good: minor cosmetic wear. Fair: some issues. Poor: significant problems. Be honest — dealers find everything on inspection.

Accident History

Clean Carfax is worth money. Even repaired damage reduces value 10–30%. Frame damage can cut value in half.

Service Records

Documented maintenance proves the car was cared for. Oil change receipts, brake work, timing belt records all add value.

Market Demand

SUVs/trucks command premiums. Gas prices shift sedan vs SUV demand. Popular models (Civic, Camry, RAV4) hold value better.

Color & Options

Neutral colors sell faster. Leather, sunroofs, backup cameras add value. Aftermarket mods typically decrease value.

Hidden Issues

The Mechanic's Perspective — Value Killers

According to Omari Grant, ASE-certified mechanic and owner of Fort Lauderdale Auto Sales, these issues destroy trade-in value:

Frame damage — Even if repaired, reduces value 30–50%.
Transmission slip — Replacement costs $2,000–$4,000.
Oil burning — Blue exhaust smoke. Expensive to fix.
AC compressor failure — Deal-breaker in South Florida. $800–$1,500.
Electrical problems — Complex, expensive to diagnose and repair.

Trade-Ins

Trading In at Fort Lauderdale Auto Sales

We accept trade-ins and apply the value toward your down payment.
A trade-in can cover part or all of the $1,000 down.
Omari evaluates every trade-in himself — ASE-certified mechanic assessment, not a salesperson's guess.
Call (954) 793-1761 or bring your car for a free assessment.

Decision Guide