| Buying a car is a big decision. The price is a very | | | | variety of transactions: trading in the automobile to a |
| important aspect since it is a big investment that has | | | | dealer, buying a used car from a dealer, buying a used |
| to last for some years. The car should also have a | | | | car from a private party, or selling a used car to a |
| good value when resold after a few years. | | | | private party. The information is unbiased and generally |
| There are many sources for buying used cars: directly | | | | used as a guideline for the entire automobile industry |
| from the owner, from dealers, from used car | | | | since it is obtained from a gamut of sources |
| superstores, or from auctions. Prices also vary | | | | comprised of wholesale auctions, independent dealers, |
| depending on this factor. Car prices depend upon the | | | | franchised dealers, original equipment manufacturers, |
| distance the car has traveled and other factors such | | | | rental and fleet agencies, and private-party |
| as the condition of the car, place of purchase, the | | | | transactions. All this data, along with other factors like |
| model, the make, and the year of manufacture. | | | | historical trends, current economic conditions, industry |
| The Blue Book is an information database containing | | | | developments, seasonality, and location are combined |
| exhaustive information from the automobile industry. It | | | | and analyzed to arrive at the final figures. Trade- |
| is a very reliable source of information for both buyers | | | | in-value, suggested retail value, and private party |
| as well as sellers. Blue Book prices are used for a | | | | values are determined by the Blue Book. |