How to Determine the Fair Market Value of Your Auto Donation
- 1). Visit the Kelley Blue Book or NADA Guides website to get an online valuation of your vehicle. Enter your zip code to get the most accurate fair market value for your area. Use the "private party" value amount.
- 2). Use the Cars.com website to check sales prices for vehicles similar to the one you are donating. Stick to vehicles in your local area because the fair market value can vary by location.
- 3). Look in your local newspaper's classified ads section or on Craigslist for your local area to see what price other people are asking for a similar vehicle. You might not find your exact vehicle, so you should look for vehicles that are the most similar to yours.
- 4). Pay for a professional appraisal if you are donating a high value car or a classic collector's vehicle. You need the written appraisal in this instance.
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