There’s no exact science to setting a used car value. While objective data can determine a car’s value, even websites have some subjective tuning in their prices, which explains why they suggest different values.
A clean 2002 Dodge Neon with a five-speed manual transmission and a four-cylinder engine with 50,000 miles on the odometer has a trade-in value of $3942, according to Edmunds.com. At kbb.com, which is the online arm of Kelley Blue Book, the value is $4195. Split the difference and you arrive at a trade-in value of $4068.
Under this example, see what number the dealer offers. Settle for anything between $4068 and $4195. Make the dealer prove any number below $4000 -- or any number approximately 105% of the lowest two numbers you arrive at.
