Yeah, I’ve noticed that too—KBB and the rest always seem a bit off compared to what’s actually out there. Makes me wonder, are those sites just slow to update, or is it more about local demand messing with prices? Has anyone actually managed to buy a car for what those calculators say it’s worth, or is it always a negotiation game?
Right? I tried using KBB when I was shopping for my last car, and the dealership just laughed at me (not even kidding). It’s like those calculators live in a fantasy world where everyone pays sticker price. I think local demand totally messes with it—like, try buying a used hybrid right now for “book value.” Not happening. Is there anyone who’s actually walked into a dealer and had them say, “Sure, we’ll take your KBB offer”? Feels like a unicorn situation.
Honestly, I’ve always wondered the same thing. KBB and those price-checkers make it sound like you can just walk in, show your phone, and get a deal, but that’s never been my experience. Last time I tried, the dealer looked at me like I was quoting prices from Mars. I get that these sites use a lot of data, but they don’t seem to factor in stuff like a sudden spike in gas prices or how everyone suddenly wants a hybrid.
I think they’re more like a starting point than an actual offer. Maybe if you’re selling private party, it helps set expectations, but dealers have their own math (and probably way more leverage). The only time I’ve heard of someone getting close to KBB was when the car was super rare or the market was dead slow.
It’s kind of wild how much local demand changes things. Like, my friend in another state got a way better deal on the same model just because there were more of them on the lot. Makes me wonder if those calculators should even bother with “national averages” when everything is so regional now.
You nailed it—those price sites are more like a ballpark than a promise. I’ve had similar run-ins at dealerships, and it’s always a negotiation. Local demand is huge. Once, I tried selling an old Mustang and the KBB value was way off because everyone in my area wanted trucks, not classics. It’s frustrating, but using those numbers as a baseline and then adjusting for your local market seems to work best. Don’t get discouraged if the dealer scoffs—sometimes you just have to stand your ground or walk away.
I hear you on the Mustang thing—sometimes those price sites just don’t “get” what’s actually desirable in a specific area. I’ve always wondered, do they even factor in stuff like local car culture or is it all just national averages? I mean, a ‘68 Mustang might be gold in one zip code and just another old car in another.
Ever notice how those sites never ask if your car has, say, a killer paint job or a rebuilt engine? They just want to know if it’s “good” or “excellent,” but what does that even mean when you’re talking about a 50-year-old ride? I’ve had dealers try to lowball me using those numbers, but then a private buyer will show up and pay way more because they’re actually looking for that exact model.
Maybe the trick is treating those sites as a rough draft, not the final word. Anyone else ever get a price that was wildly off—either way? Sometimes I think they just spin a wheel and pick a number...
