How to Prove a Used Car Is Overpriced (2025 Guide)

Quick Answer

Telling a seller "You're high" makes them defensive. Showing them data makes them rational.

1. Print 3 comparable listings from within 50 miles.

2. Calculate "Reconditioning Costs" (tires, brakes, scratches) and deduct them immediately.

3. Check "Days on Market"—if it looks like it's been sitting for >60 days using MotorMigo's guide, the price is likely too high.

4. Blame the Bank: "My loan officer says the book value is only $X."

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The "Facts Over Feelings" Approach

Sellers (especially private ones) overprice cars because of Endowment Effect—they value what they own more than it's worth. They remember the tax they paid, the new battery they bought, and the detail job. The market doesn't care.

Your job isn't to be mean; it's to be the messenger of market reality.

Evidence #1: The "Comp" Sheet (The Hammer)

Dealers use software to price cars. You should too.

* The Tactic: Find 3 listings for the exact same car (Trim/Year/Mileage) within 50 miles.

* The Script: "I love your car, but I'm torn. There are three other 2020 Civics with similar miles listed for $1,500 less at dealerships. Since you're a private seller without a warranty, I needs to be below those dealer prices."

> Pro Tip: MotorMigo helps you structure this comparison. Show the seller your research. It's hard to argue with hard data.

Evidence #2: The Reconditioning Deduction

Every used car needs something. Sellers tend to ignore "consumables" like tires and brakes. You can't.

* Tires: < 5/32 tread? Deduct $800.

* Brakes: Lip on the rotor? Deduct $400.

* Detailing: Smells like dog/smoke? Deduct $300.

The Script: "The market value for a perfect condition one is $20k. But this needs tires ($800) and a brake flush ($200). So the actual value of this specific car right now is $19,000."

Evidence #3: "The Bank Says No"

This is the ultimate polite shutdown. It separates "You vs. Seller" and turns it into "Us vs. The Bank."

* The Script: "I want to buy it for $22k, honestly. But my credit union will only loan 110% of 'clean retail value,' which they say is $20k. I can't pay the difference in cash. Can you match the bank's valuation?"

* Why it works: It forces the seller to realize any buyer getting a loan will have the exact same problem.

Evidence #4: Days on Market (The Silent Killer)

A car listed for 5 days might get full price. A car listed for 65 days is a financial liability.

* Dealers: Pay floorplan interest every day.

* Private Sellers: Pay insurance and registration on a car they aren't driving.

Strategic Tie-In: MotorMigo teaches you how to estimate "Days on Market" from listing metadata.

The Script: "I see this has been listed for 72 days. The market for these is dropping. I can take it off your hands today for $X so you don't have to keep paying insurance on it."

Summary

You don't need to be aggressive to prove a car is overpriced. You just need to be prepared. Bring the comps, bring the repair math, and bring the Days on Market data.