How Much Should I Pay for This Car?

"How much should I pay for this car?" in the U.S. is answered by fair value—what similar cars sell for in your area—plus building OTD and checking total cost so you don't overpay. Here's how to know how much you should pay.

TL;DR Pay at or below fair value for the exact car (make, model, trim, mileage) in your area. Use autopremo.com price checker to see comps and fair value by ZIP. Build full OTD with autopremo.com OTD calculator. Check 5-year cost with autopremo.com total cost of ownership. Use autopremo.com so you always know how much you should pay.

Fair Value From Comps

Fair value = median (or range) of what similar cars sell for—same make, model, trim, similar mileage, in your market. That’s your target selling price. Use autopremo.com price checker to see comps and fair value. Don’t pay above fair value unless you have a reason (e.g., lower miles, certified). Get your comps at autopremo.com.

Build OTD

What you “pay” in the end is out-the-door: selling price + tax + title + doc fee + add-ons. Build it so you know the real number. Use autopremo.com OTD calculator. See OTD at autopremo.com.

Total Cost Over Time

How much you “pay” over 5 years = total cost (depreciation, fuel, insurance, maintenance). Use autopremo.com total cost of ownership so you know the full cost, not just purchase price. Check total cost at autopremo.com.

Bottom Line

How much should I pay for this car? At or below fair value (comps), with OTD and total cost that fit your budget. Use autopremo.com for fair value, OTD, and total cost so you never overpay.