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KBB or Kelley Blue Book is an online automotive resource that offers up-to-date vehicle information for all makes and models of cars. There are 2 ways you can use the KBB platform to sell your car. For one, you can leverage the KBB Instant Cash Offer, bring your car to the KBB Participating Dealer, and exchange your car for cash within a day. On the other hand, you can use the KBB price estimation tool to understand the fair price for your used car considering its condition and current market conditions. You can then sell your car privately with confidence and get the most out of your used car.
Pros
Provides an Instant Cash Offer and purchases your car within a dayHelps to determine your car’s value if you want to sell it privatelyIt’s free to use the KBB valuation toolNo obligations – you can use the KBB valuation tool and sell your car privately
Cons
You need to bring your car to the KBB Participating Dealer yourselfThe Instant Cash Offer can be lower than you’d get through the private sale
Jump to: Full Review
Compare to Other Car Buying Websites
Peddle
Get a legit offer in minutes – provide VIN, mileage and condition
$0 fees + you don’t have to pay for towing – Peddle will take care of it
Get paid in check during the pick up for any car (damaged, junk, wrecked)
Wheelzy
Quick car evaluation without the hassle – sell your car within 30 min
Choose a convenient date and time for free pick-up, as soon as next day
Get cash in hand the same day the Wheelzy agent picks up your car
CarBrain
Get an offer within 2 minutes and sell your damaged car within 24 hours
Free vehicle towing and no fees to getting rid of your damaged car
The tow truck driver will arrive with your check (nationwide service)
How Does KBB Work?
KBB is an online automotive resource that offers up-to-date vehicle information for all makes and models of cars. The word “Blue Book” refers to the value of a used or new vehicle. Kelley Blue Book standards have been known as the de facto norm in America since 1918.
KBB allows you to;
Register and analyze all the pricing data
Determine your car’s market price
Determine the price of used vehicles
Get an instant offer and sell your car within a day
Various auction houses, car dealers, manufacturers, and others inform KBB about used-car prices regularly. Then, KBB’s website analyzes all the pricing data with past reports to determine your car’s market price.
In addition, the website also studies the current economic condition, industrial growth, your car’s manufacturing date, etc. Therefore, the procedure helps to determine the prices of the used vehicles.
4 Types of KBB Valuations
There are 4 types of valuations KBB provides for different case scenarios. Let’s quickly review each case in detail:
Private-Party Price Value: It helps you determine the amount of money you should pay for a used car from a private seller.
Trade-In Price Value: It helps you determine the amount you’re likely to get from a dealer while trading your car.
Suggested Retail Price Value: The amount of money that a retailer usually asks for a specific used vehicle.
Certified Pre-Owned Price Value: It helps to determine the worth of a CPO-certified used car.
How Much Can You Get for Your Car With KBB?
How much you can get for your car with KBB depends on the model, mileage, and make of the car. For instance, KBB buys The 2022 Acura ILX at $27,300.
Who is KBB Best for?
KBB is designed for users who want to know the current market price of the available vehicles. The website is also meant for those who want to sell their cars by getting an instant offer.
What Types of Vehicles Does KBB Purchase?
KBB purchases new and used vehicles, including Acura, Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, and Bentley.
How Fast Can You Sell Your Car With KBB?
KBB offers an Instant Cash Offer, which allows you to sell your car within one day. Since the offer is valid for seven days, you have seven days to decide whether to accept or reject the offer.
KBB Fees: How Much Does it Cost to Use KBB?
Selling a car through the KBB Instant Cash Offer is entirely free. You won’t be charged any fees.
KBB Payment Options
Once your car is inspected, KBB will pay you cash or trade-in value towards your vehicle.
KBB Reviews: is KBB Legit?
Kelly Blue Book (KBB) has received a 1.6-star rating in Trustpilot and 4.5 on bestcompany and 3.7 on Sitejabber. According to most users, KBB is a great option to sell their cars. They also commented that KBB’s possible appraisal value is legit and extremely helpful.
Unfortunately, some users complained that the instant cash offer that the company provides is a complete scam. In fact, many people claimed that this scam hides the ridiculous offers that dealers apparently present.
Also, customers complained that they often found themselves misguided regarding the pricing value of their car in the market.
What Are the KBB Pros & Cons?
KBB Pros
Provides an Instant Cash Offer and purchases your car within a day
Helps to determine your car’s value if you want to sell it privately
It’s free to use the KBB valuation tool
No obligations – you can use the KBB valuation tool and sell your car privately
KBB Cons
You need to bring your car to the KBB Participating Dealer yourself
The Instant Cash Offer can be lower than you’d get through the private sale
How Good is KBB Support?
KBB offers an Instant Cash Offer, which allows you to sell your car within one day. Since the offer is valid for seven days, you have seven days to decide whether to accept or reject the offer.
KBB Review Verdict: is KBB Worth It?
KBB has operated for many decades and still continues to perform in the current market. For many years, KBB has been a go-to source for potential buyers, individual sellers, and dealers of used cars.
There are 2 ways you can use the KBB platform to sell your car. For one, you can leverage the KBB Instant Cash Offer, bring your car to the KBB Participating Dealer, and exchange your car for cash within a day.
On the other hand, you can use the KBB price estimation tool to understand the fair price for your used car, considering its condition and current market conditions.
Considering all the key points mentioned above, I’d say using KBB is worth it to sell your car.
How to Appraise Your Car With KBB?
For selling or trade-in, you need to know the value of your car in the current market conditions. KBB’s official website can certainly help you to calculate a rough estimate of your car’s value.
So, let’s check out how you can appraise your car with KBB step-by-step:
Go to kbb.com and select car values, then choose my car value from the dropdown options.
Enter all necessary details, including the year of purchase, car brand, model number, mileage, and zip code.
Select the style of your vehicle based on the car’s model that you have previously entered.
Choose the equipment of your car, if it’s all standard or you have modified some parts like engine and transmission. Also, select the color of your vehicle.
You also need to enter the condition of the car. You will get to choose from four options: fair, good, very good, and excellent.
According to the data you have entered, KBB will calculate the possible market value of your car.
KBB Instant Cash Offer: Sell or Trade-in Your Car
The KBB Instant Cash Offer is an excellent way to sell or trade your car in no time. The offer is based on trusted Blue Book Values, and the selling process is hassle-free.
Let’s review the steps you need to take to get cash for your used car:
Step 1: Submit an Online Application
The very first step to selling your car to KBB is to submit an online form providing details of your car. Simply start by entering your VIN or license plate number on the KBB website and follow the questionnaire by providing details about your car.
The car details you’ll need to provide to KBB include:
Make and model of your car
Year of manufacturing
Mileage
Its current condition
Specifications
Be honest about your car details and provide as much information as you can to get the most reliable Instant Cash Offer.
Step 2: Get an Instant Cash Offer
Within just a few minutes after submitting your online application, the KBB agent will contact you with an instant cash offer.
This offer is good for 7 days – you can either accept it or decline. No obligations.
Step 3: Redeem the Offer at a KBB Participating Dealer
If you decide to accept the KBB Instant Offer, you’ll need to bring in your car and the offer to one of KBB’s participating dealers. Make sure to check the KBB participating dealer locator to see where the nearest dealership in your area.
The KBB agent will review your car to see if everything checks to the information you’ve provided through the online form.
If they find any inaccuracies, your price offer can change.
Step 4: Get Cash for Your Car or Trade-in for a New Car
Once the KBB agent confirms the condition of your car, you can immediately get cash or a trade-in value towards your new car and go home.
Documents You’ll Need to Sell Your Car to KBB
To finalize the sale, you’ll need to bring the following documents to a KBB Participating Dealer:
Your Instant Cash Offer certificate
Your vehicle title. In case you don’t have a title because your car is financed, you should bring your lienholder information.
The vehicle registration
A valid driver’s license or any other government photo ID
All keys, keyless remotes, and manuals
Service and repair records
Sites Like KBB
KBB vs. Peddle
Peddle Summary
Sell used, damaged or junk car nationwideGet instant quote on (855) 925 4302Free towing within 48 hours after offerReceive payment upon car collection
Peddle is an online car selling website operating nationwide. Like KBB, Peddle will buy a car directly from you. Compared to KBB, Peddle will visit your place to pick up or tow your car for free. This process elongates the selling process a little bit because you have to wait for the Peddle representative to take your car and give you cash.
Whereas with KBB, you’re dropping off the car at their participating dealers and getting paid on-site. However, Peddle deals take up to 48 hours to complete, which is still quite fast.
Recent Peddle offers
ModelYearMileageOfferToyota (Camry)2011150,000$2,225Volvo (S40)200137,000$430Mercedes-Benz (560)199192,000$1,930BMW (528)2008126,000$1,140Kia (Forte)2010145,000$635Honda (CR-V)201167,000$2,930Ford (Explorer Sport Trac)2004145,000$1,170Oldsmobile (Alero)2004162,000$400Audi (A6)2006106,000$530
KBB vs. Wheelzy
Wheelzy Summary
Wheelzy stores are open 7 days a weekGet offer in minutes – (855) 510-1108Free towing of your car from your locationInstant payment via cash or check
Wheelzy is a car selling platform that allows users to sell or buy cars. Just like KBB, Wheelzy will evaluate your car based on the information you provide and provide you with an offer within minutes. You can either accept it or decline – no obligations.
The main difference between the 2 platforms is the transaction time. Wheelzy transactions usually take place within 48 hours, while you can drop off your car at KBB dealer and get paid within a day.
Recent Wheelzy offers
ModelYearMileageConditionOfferHyundai (Tucson)2006200,000Doesn’t start$400Mercury (Sable Sedan)2003150,000Doesn’t start$225Mercedes-Benz (C)2001150,000Starts$222Ford (Edge)2010200,000Doesn’t start$1,200Ford (Flex)2009150,000Starts$1,000Lexus (RX)2002300,000Doesn’t start$750Chevrolet (Cobalt Sedan)2007200,000Doesn’t start$200Toyota (Corolla)2003250,000Drives$555BMW (528)2008250,000Drives$1,487
KBB vs. CarBrain
CarBrain Summary
Call for a free quote – (844) 407-2200Get cash for your car in under 48 hoursCarBrain buys cars in over 7 conditionsUp to 7 days to accept CarBrain’s offer
As an automotive resource, KBB can help you sell your car for the best price. But if you’re looking to sell conveniently, you might also want to check out CarBrain. This platform buys damaged cars and will either rebuild them or strip them for parts.
It provides an instant offer to individuals and pick-up the car within 24-48 hours. It’s free to use and is a quick and convenient option for individuals looking to sell a damaged car.
Recent CarBrain offers
ModelYearMileageConditionOfferMitsubishi Outlander Sport201150,000Collision damage, starts, doesn’t drive$1,270Jeep Grand201543,000Collision damage, starts, doesn’t drive$8,000Chevrolet201350,000Collision damage, does not start$1,335Dodge Charger2011143,448Collision damage, does not start$1,000Nissan Altima201382,000Collision damage, starts and drives$1,725Chevrolet Silverado2008250,000Engine damage, starts, doesn’t drive$1,750
KBB vs. Carvana
Carvana Summary
Get an online quote within 2 minutesFree pickup wtihin 100 miles of a hubOffer valid for 7 days or 250 more milesHaggle-free process to sell your car
Carvana is one of the most popular online car-buying companies in the USA. Similarly, as KBB the company will evaluate your car and provide you with a cash offer.
Carvana only buys cars in good condition, so your vehicle must meet some requirements, otherwise, Carvana won’t be able to provide you with an offer.
You can sell a used car to Carvana if:
It has a working odometer
The car can be safely driven
Has no major body damage
Has no serious mechanical issues
Is 1991 or newer
To get an offer from Carvana, you should fill out an online form and add your VIN or license plate number.
If you live within 100 miles of one of their hubs, Carvana will pick up your car for free.
KBB vs. CarGurus
CarGurus Summary
Receive payment within 3 working daysFind out the market value of your carList your car for sale in under 5 minutesUp to $75,000 in protection for your sale
CarGurus also offers a quick way to get an offer for your used car, and similarly, KBB will ask you to provide your car’s VIN or license plate number and answer some basic questions about the condition.
If you decide to sell your car to CarGurus they will tow away your vehicle free of charge and will pay you by check or direct deposit within two business days.
KBB vs. Cars.com
Cars.com Summary
Useful resources to help you sell a carExcellent place to research the marketInstant cash offer from a dealerSmooth and easy to use interface
Both KBB and Cars.com have various common features. For example, they both provide detailed information about a used car and suggest accurate pricing according to the current market conditions. In addition, the two platforms offer an Instant Cash Offer, which means they’ll purchase your car directly – no need to wait for the buyer to show interest in your car. Whether you’re selling your car to KBB or Cars.com, you’ll need to bring your car to their outlet to finalize the deal.
KBB vs. eBay Motors
eBay Motors Summary
Sell 20+ types of vehicle and car partsLow listing fees starting from just $19List a car for sale in under 10 minutes2 selling options – fixed price or auction
eBay Motors is a car selling service that allows you to sell your old cars, used cars, parts, and other accessories. While eBay Motors charges a $19 – $79 listings fee + 2.35%, KBB is free to sign up and use.
eBay Motors’ Payment terms and balance payoff are set up when you list your vehicle, compared to KBB, which requires you to get an offer and accept it before proceeding with sales. Otherwise, both websites are legit platforms that allow you to sell both used and new vehicles.
Other Sites Like KBB
KBB FAQs
What is KBB?
Founded in 1918, Kelly Blue Book, i.e., KBB, gathered its name from the name of the founder Les Kelley. Initially, the company was known as Kelley Kar Company. By 1926, the company got its famous name Kelley Blue Book.
KBB collected information from various sources, including banks, dealers, and businesses and published Kelley Blue Book in 1926. The book instantly became an industry standard for determining the used price of a vehicle. During the 1960s, the company left the car dealership and focused on releasing books to determine a used car price.
Currently, KBB specializes in providing the current market price of the vehicles available in the market. It includes both used ones as well as the brand new models. KBB provides trade-in prices and official prices of brand new cars to dealers.
What is the Kelley Blue Book price advisor?
The Kelley Blue Book Price Advisor is a range-based pricing tool to help car buyers and sellers talk about prices realistically.
Is the KBB fair purchase price accurate?
For the most part, KBB is one of the most accurate sources when it comes to prices for buying and selling used vehicles.
Is KBB legit?
KBB is one of the most trusted guides for automobile pricing, used by those who are buying or selling cars.
Do dealers use KBB?
Dealers and other users use KBB to determine the value of trade-ins and compare the numbers to set their prices.
What is KBB fair market range?
The Fair Market Range is the range of prices that Kelley Blue Book estimates most people will pay for a specific car based on the make, model and style.
