Understanding Kelley Blue Book: Your Guide to Smart Car Buying and Selling

Kelley Blue Book (KBB) is a trusted vehicle valuation and automotive research company, widely recognized by consumers and the auto industry. Founded in 1926 by Les Kelley, it began as a guide for determining car values and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for car buyers and sellers.

History and Evolution

Les Kelley started the Kelley Kar Company in 1918, and by 1926, he published the first Blue Book to standardize used car values. Over time, KBB expanded its offerings to include new car pricing, mileage-based valuations, and various vehicle types. In 1995, KBB launched its website, providing digital access to its resources. In 2010, it became a subsidiary of Cox Automotive, enhancing its reach and capabilities.

Services and Tools

KBB provides a range of services to assist consumers:

Vehicle Valuations: Offers trade-in, private party, and dealer retail values based on factors like condition, mileage, and market trends.

Price Advisor: Displays Fair Purchase Price and Fair Market Range to guide buyers on what others are paying for similar vehicles in their area.

5-Year Cost to Own: Analyzes total ownership costs, including depreciation, fuel, maintenance, and insurance.

Vehicle History Reports: Provides AutoCheck reports to reveal a vehicle's history, aiding informed purchasing decisions.

Expert Reviews and Awards: Features in-depth reviews, ratings, and annual awards like Best Buy and Best Resale Value.

Accuracy and Reliability

KBB's valuations are based on extensive data from auctions, dealerships, and private sales, updated weekly to reflect market conditions. However, users should be aware that factors like lag time in data updates and subjective assessments of vehicle condition can affect accuracy. It's advisable to consult multiple sources, such as Edmunds and NADA Guides, to obtain a comprehensive view of a vehicle's value.

Accessing KBB

Kelley Blue Book's resources are available online at kbb.com, offering tools and information to help consumers make informed decisions when buying or selling vehicles.

If you need assistance with specific vehicle valuations or navigating KBB's tools, feel free to ask!

The Kelley Blue Book Consumer Guide Used Car Edition: Consumer Edition Oct–Dec 2017 is a comprehensive resource designed to assist consumers in evaluating used vehicle values during the final quarter of 2017. Published by Kelley Blue Book, a trusted authority in automotive valuation since 1926, this guide offers detailed pricing information for over 10,000 models of used cars, trucks, and vans spanning 15 model years.

• Quarterly Updates: Reflecting the dynamic nature of the automotive market, this edition provides current trade-in values, private party values, and suggested retail prices for a wide range of vehicles.

• Comprehensive Coverage: The guide includes vehicle ideKey Featuresntification numbers (VINs), original list prices, and equipment schedules with values for optional equipment, facilitating accurate assessments of individual vehicles.

• Mileage Tables: A table of acceptable mileage ranges by year helps users adjust valuations based on a vehicle's usage, ensuring more precise pricing.

• User-Friendly Format: With 550 pages of organized data, the paperback format is designed for ease of use, making it a practical tool for both buyers and sellers.

• Utility for Consumers

Whether you're purchasing from a dealership or a private seller, this guide serves as a valuable reference to determine fair market values, negotiate prices, and make informed decisions. Its detailed information supports transparency and confidence in used car transactions.

Availability

Originally released on October 7, 2017, the guide was available through various retailers. While new copies may be limited due to its publication date, interested individuals might find used copies through online marketplaces or specialty bookstores.

For those seeking up-to-date vehicle valuations, Kelley Blue Book's official website offers current information and tools to assess car values in today's market.