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Ballpark Your Trade

How does Planet determine your trade’s Current Market Value?


What is “Current Market Value” and how do you determine it?

Current Market Value is the actual wholesale value of the vehicle---what the top bidder at an auction would pay for it. After you select which Planet vehicle you would want to own, we ask you some questions about your vehicle. Then we inspect your vehicle’s mechanical and cosmetic condition, optional equipment, color, service history, resale potential, and other factors.


How do you ensure the Current Market Value is accurate?

  • Depending on the situation, we use a combination of the following: 

  • We consult dealer-only, subscription-based auction databases.

  • We consult with our full-time auction buyer who spends the majority of his time at auctions buying and selling used vehicles. His presence there allows him to monitor short-term fluctuations in vehicle values (when gas prices spiked, for example, large SUVs took an immediate hit in value).

  • We consult the bidding at internet auctions where we can buy vehicles similar to yours.

  • We call other dealers and wholesalers who specialize in certain vehicles and therefore will pay top dollar.


Ballpark Your Trade!


Trade not worth much? Get a big tax deduction by donating your car to the Special Olympics. Click here to learn more.