If you’re interested in buying or selling a new or used car or truck, you need to know about Kelley Blue Book. Also known as the KBB, it has been a trusted resource for vehicle trading since the company started in 1918. To ensure you get the correct valuation on a vehicle you’re buying or selling, here is a breakdown of how to use this powerful service.

What is Kelley Blue Book?

Kelley Blue Book is a resource tool for vehicle buyers and sellers. The term “blue book” has become a shorthand for Kelley Blue Book because the original book cover was printed in blue. If someone mentions the “blue book” value of a vehicle, they are referring to Kelley Blue Book. Today, the printed version with the classic blue cover is still available on newsstands. However, with the advances of the internet, users can access How to Use Kelly Blue Book online for the most up to date information.

Accessing Kelley Blue Book Online

Most vehicle buyers and sellers now access the data from Kelley Blue Book via their website. Once you visit the site, you can do several things. The first thing you should do is create an account. The account will enable you to see a history of your searches, and will help you keep track of vehicles you’re interested in. It will also enable you to compare different vehicles so you can make the best purchasing and selling decisions for you.

Searching for a New Car

If you are in the market for a new car, Kelley Blue Book should be your first stop. On the site, you can either search for your car’s specific make, model and year, or you can browse through a selection of current new vehicles for sale. The results will show you what the price of the vehicle is, so that you can ensure that any price you’re being offered from a dealer is fair and reasonable.

It’s important to note that the price you’ll pay to a dealer for a new car won’t necessarily be the same exact number you find on Kelley Blue Book. Dealers have costs and overhead expenses that vary from dealer to dealer and from state to state. But you can use Kelley Blue Book to get an average of the price you can be expected to find that specific vehicle.

Searching for a Used Car

Now, if you’re shopping for a used car, you can begin your search at Kelley Blue Book, too. Begin by choosing the style of vehicle you want. For example, you might want a sedan or a mini SUV. Then you can start to narrow down your options, until finally you’ll be presented with a selection of used vehicles for sale that match your wants. The prices given will show what that vehicle might cost if you buy it from a dealer, versus what it might cost if you buy it from a private owner. Remember that if you buy it from a dealer, you might pay a bit more, but you’ll also have benefits like a warranty and a final vehicle inspection. Also remember to take traffic school or a defensive driving course to update your driving record before you actually buy your car.

Selling Your Used Car

If you’re selling your own car, Kelley Blue Book can help you to decide on a fair price to sell your car. You’ll be able to input specifics like how many miles your car has on it, if it has air conditioning, and similar things. Once you’re finished inputting these details, you’ll have a general idea of how much you should price your car for, whether you’re selling to an individual, or looking to get a trade in from a dealer.

Kelley Blue Book allows vehicle buyers and sellers to look up their vehicle’s make, model and year to determine its monetary value in different circumstances. This is a valuable resource that will help you, whether you’re buying or selling a new or used vehicle.