how the blue book determines car prices
the fair purchase price listed in the blue book is established to show the price other consumers typically pay for the same vehicle these prices are adjusted based on the region where the transactions take place from new vehicle purchases that occur across the country the prices are adjusted on a recurring basis to account for changes in market conditions the blue book does not show the lowest prices paid in the market for vehicles but rather the going price that a vehicle currently sells for the prices in the blue book are set by gathering data on thousands of consumer vehicle purchase prices this is coupled with data taken from national vehicle registration databases kelley blue book reviews the aggregate information each week 2 the company uses a proprietary algorithm to analyze pricing data historical trends location time of year and economic conditions to come up with the value ranges it compiles in the blue book special considerationsoriginated by the kelley blue book company which was acquired by autotrader com and cox automotive the guidebook is not to be confused with other titles referred to as blue books such as the social security blue book that lists disabling impairments in addition to the blue book there are several other resources car buyers and sellers can consult to research car pricing j d power and consumer reports both offer consumers a variety of resources including data on new car prices used car book value and vehicle history reports for those planning to rely on a loan for financing a vehicle purchase an auto loan calculator is another tool worth adding to their arsenal 