Guide

Is this car a good deal?

A quick, honest way to tell if a used car is priced right: compare it with the same car, not just the same model. Here's how to do it in two minutes.

Updated November 1, 2026

Same car. Same week. Same region.2024 Tesla Model Y Long Range

One dealer asks$39,59433,377 mi · Aberdeen, WA

$11,599 less

Another asks$27,99527,314 mi · Everett, WA

A real example from our Seattle snapshot.See them side by side →

More Tesla Model Y deals →

Price guides give you a range. A range doesn't tell you whether this car, at this dealer, is a good deal. The only real test is simple: is the same car for sale nearby for less?

The two-minute check

Write down exactly what it is. Year, make, model, trim, drivetrain (FWD, AWD or 4x4) and miles. The trim matters most; it's often the difference of thousands.
Find the same car nearby. Search listing sites within 100 miles for the same year, trim and drivetrain, with similar or fewer miles.
Compare the asking prices. If the same car is listed for $1,000 or more less, the one you found isn't the deal.
Add shipping if it's far. A car 300 miles away might cost a few hundred dollars to ship. It's still a better deal if the gap is bigger than that.
Ask for the out-the-door price. Fees can erase a lower price. Compare total prices, not sticker prices.

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Paste the listing. We'll look for the same car nearby for at least $1,000 less, after shipping.

Signs a price is good

It's below most of the same year and trim nearby, without more miles.
It has a clean history report (no accidents or branded title).
The out-the-door price doesn't add surprise fees.

Signs to slow down

It's far cheaper than everything else. A price 25% or more under similar cars often means damage, a salvage title or a scam.
The trim is vague. "Fully loaded" isn't a trim. Check the VIN.
Pressure to decide today. A good deal is still good tomorrow.

Why price guides aren't enough

Guides like KBB and Edmunds estimate a typical value, which is useful. But dealers in the same city routinely ask very different prices for the same car. In our latest look at 3,645 listings, the median gap between the cheapest and priciest car of the same year and trim in one area was $6,194. Some of that is miles and condition, but not all of it. See Same car, different price.

Questions

How do I know if a used car price is fair?

Compare it with the same year, trim and drivetrain nearby, with similar miles. If it's in the lower part of that group and has a clean history, it's fair.