Enter Your Registration to See Private-Sale & Trade-In Prices
Get an accurate car valuation in Ireland with MotorCheck. You can purchase a Valuation Report to see your car’s value in Excellent, Average or Poor condition, calculated from Irish market data. Prefer everything in one place? Purchase a Full MotorCheck Report (which includes a free car valuation) to view private-sale and trade-in price ranges alongside comprehensive history checks. It’s the fastest way to understand what your car is worth before you sell or part-exchange.
Is it worth trading in my car?
Yes—trading in can be worth it if you value speed and convenience, but you’ll usually get less than a private sale. Your MotorCheck valuation shows two price ranges (where available) so you can decide:
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Private-sale value: Typically the higher range; expect more time, advertising, viewings and paperwork.
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Trade-in value: Typically lower; faster handover, dealer handles prep, warranty and resale risk.
Two Ways to Get Your Car Valuation
Option 1 — Valuation Report
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Click the “Enter reg” menu above.
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Enter your registration and continue.
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Select “Valuation” to purchase a Valuation Report and see your private-sale and trade-in ranges.
Ideal when you’re asking “how much is my car worth?” or want to price my car for a listing. -
What’s included:
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Car Valuation (private sale & trade-in ranges)
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Finance Check
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Write-Off Check
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Mileage Check
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Stolen Vehicle Check
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Full UK & NI History
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Previous Usage Check (e.g. taxi/commercial)
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Road Tax & NCT History
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Option 2 — Full MotorCheck Report (includes valuation)
- Enter your registration to start your report.
- Choose "Full Check" to purchase history checks plus your free car valuation.
- View trade-in price and car price check insights, plus finance, write-off, imports and mileage checks.
Best if you want both a car valuation and a complete car valuation check with risks flagged.
Get your MotorCheck Car Valuation today.
Car Price Checker: Private-Sale vs Trade-In Value
Your valuation shows two price ranges in EUR:
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Private-Sale Value – typical asking and achieved prices for similar cars.
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Trade-In Value – what dealers commonly offer when you part-exchange.
Because dealers cover preparation, warranty and resale risk, trade-in value is usually lower than private-sale value. Use both to decide whether to sell privately or trade in and to negotiate confidently.
Car Value Calculator – How We Estimate Your Car’s Worth
Valuations are provided exclusively to MotorCheck by Benchmark Automotive, combining Irish market data with your car’s details to produce private-sale and trade-in ranges. Our car value calculator (Ireland) factors in registration, mileage, year/plate, fuel type (including electric and hybrid), trim/options and realistic condition (Excellent / Average / Poor). You’ll see clear ranges and guidance to help you value my car accurately and avoid over- or under-pricing.
Why Trust Our Car Valuation: Powered by Benchmark Automotive
Our used car values are provided exclusively to MotorCheck by Benchmark Automotive, Ireland's foremost authority on valuing used vehicles. Insurance companies, financial institutions and the motor trade industry use Benchmark Automotive Valuation Engine to determine the value of used cars for many years.
This partnership means your car valuation reflects real-world pricing in Ireland and supports better decisions when setting an asking price or discussing a trade-in value with a dealer.
What Affects Car Valuation in Ireland (NCT, Mileage, Service History)
- Roadworthiness & Motor Tax: a valid National Car Test NCT or MOT (for UK registered cars) and current motor tax can increase the car value.
- Mileage & full service history: Verified mileage and a complete service history reassure buyers. A stamped service book—ideally with franchised main-dealer stamps—is viewed more favourably, especially on newer cars (1–5 years old). A recent service and supporting invoices show the car has been well maintained.
- Number of owners & overall condition: Fewer owners and clean bodywork/interior help your car achieve a higher price.
- Specifications & options: Advanced driver-assistance features, parking sensors, leather upholstery, built-in navigation, and upgraded wheels can boost demand.
- Imports & Vehicle Registration Tax: Cars imported from the United Kingdom or Northern Ireland may be affected by Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) and different levels of buyer demand.
- Electric-vehicle battery health: For electric vehicles, the battery’s state of health and ability to fast-charge can significantly influence value.
Tip: Fresh tyres, recent service and a valid NCT can nudge trade-in car prices upward.
What detracts from the value of a car?
- Incomplete service history: Missing stamps/invoices reduces buyer confidence.
- Mileage discrepancies or “car clocking” (odometer tampering): If mileage doesn’t match service records or test certificates, trust and value drop sharply—and some dealers may refuse a trade-in.
- Expired or short NCT/MOT: Little or no test remaining suppresses price; buyers factor in the cost and risk.
- Bodywork/interior damage: Dents, scratches, kerbed wheels, torn trim, or poor paint repairs reduce value.
- Worn tyres or brakes: Imminent maintenance spend is reflected in lower offers.
- Mechanical faults / warning lights: Known issues or dashboard warnings are priced in heavily.
- Accident, write-off or poor repair history: Recorded incidents or visible structural repairs can significantly reduce resale value.
- Outstanding finance or missing paperwork: Finance owed, missing keys/manuals, or mismatched VINs deter buyers.
- Former taxi/commercial use or heavy modifications: Usage history or non-standard modifications narrows demand and lowers price.
- Import considerations: UK/NI imports with unclear history or VRT complications can reduce buyer confidence.
Quick win: Fix minor cosmetics, replace worn tyres, gather service records, ensure a valid NCT, and run a mileage/history check to confirm mileage and rule out clocking—these steps can lift both private-sale and trade-in offers.
FAQs - What's My Car Worth?
How do I get a standalone valuation?
You get a standalone valuation by purchasing a Valuation Report via the “Enter reg” menu and selecting “Valuation.” Enter your registration, continue to the next page, choose Valuation, and complete checkout. The Valuation Report includes your car valuation (private sale & trade-in ranges) and these checks (where available): Finance Check, Write-Off Check, Mileage Check, Stolen Vehicle Check, Full UK & NI History, Previous Usage Check, and Road Tax & NCT History.
How do I get a valuation with a Full Report?
You get a valuation with a Full Report by purchasing the Full MotorCheck Report (valuation included where available). Enter your reg, choose Full MotorCheck Report, and you’ll get valuation ranges plus finance, write-off, import and mileage checks.
Who provides the MotorCheck car valuation?
MotorCheck car valuations are provided exclusively by Benchmark Automotive, Ireland’s foremost authority on used-vehicle values, whose Valuation Engine is used by insurers, finance providers and the motor trade.
How accurate is the car valuation?
The car valuation is an informed market guide for Ireland, calculated from Irish market activity and your car’s details (mileage, condition, spec). Accuracy improves when mileage is correct and condition is realistic.
Why is trade-in value lower than private-sale value?
Trade-in value is lower because dealers cover preparation, warranty and resale risk, so offers typically sit below the private-sale price range.
Can I value a UK or Northern Ireland import?
Yes — you can value UK and Northern Ireland imports, and if you choose Full Check, cross-border history (e.g., import status) is flagged in your report.
Will a valid NCT, tyres or service history change my price?
Yes — a valid NCT, good tyres and a full service history usually increase your achieved price or trade-in offer, while gaps or wear can reduce it.
