An Overview of Kelley Blue Book
Kelley Blue Book is a comprehensive tool that provides a wealth of information about cars, including their current market value, expert reviews, and detailed buyer-seller insights. First established in 1926 by Les Kelley, it has evolved from a printed guide for automotive trade-ins to an expansive online platform and mobile app. With a strong focus on accuracy and transparency, Kelley Blue Book has become the go-to resource for car buyers and sellers all over the United States.
One of the key features of Kelley Blue Book is its ability to present accurate car prices based on an extensive database of vehicle data. This information is gathered from a wide range of sources, such as wholesale auctions, independent and franchised dealers, and rental companies, to ensure the values provided are as reliable and up-to-date as possible. Moreover, these values are presented in various formats, including retail pricing, private party pricing, and trade-in values, making it easy for users to determine the best course of action for their unique situation.
Using the Kelley Blue Book App
The Kelley Blue Book mobile app is available for both iOS and Android devices and provides users with an easy-to-navigate platform to access all the information needed for their car buying or selling journey. To make the most of this app, follow these simple steps:
- Download the app from your device’s app store and log in or create an account.
- Enter the necessary information about the vehicle in question, such as its make, model, year, and trim level.
- Select the type of value you’re interested in, for example, retail price, trade-in value, or private party price.
- Review the provided results, which may include expert ratings, consumer reviews, and pricing information.
- Use these insights to make informed decisions about buying or selling a vehicle.
Additionally, the app offers a range of other useful tools, such as a price-check feature that allows users to scan VINs at dealerships to verify the vehicle’s pricing, and a car search option that lets potential buyers discover local listings for their desired make and model.
Alternatives to Kelley Blue Book
While Kelley Blue Book is an invaluable resource, it’s always good practice to consult additional sources before making any big decisions. Some notable alternatives to Kelley Blue Book include:
- Edmunds: A well-regarded automotive information provider offering expert reviews, pricing data, and buyer-seller insights.
- NADA Guides: A platform providing authoritative vehicle pricing and information, including trade-in values and retail prices.
- TrueCar: A database of real-time car pricing based on actual sales transactions from both private party sellers and dealerships.
It’s important to remember that each platform may have slightly different methodologies when calculating vehicle values, so using several resources can offer a more balanced perspective.
The History and Curiosities of Kelley Blue Book
The origins of Kelley Blue Book can be traced back to 1918 when Les Kelley opened the Kelley Kar Company in Los Angeles. Utilizing his experience with cars and his attention to detail, Les began compiling a list of car prices and evaluations, which he eventually published as the first-ever Kelley Blue Book in 1926.
Since then, the Kelley Blue Book has grown and evolved with the changing automotive landscape, adapting to market trends and incorporating technological advancements. One interesting tidbit is that the name “Kelley Blue Book” is derived from the practice of grading products by color, with blue being the color of choice for fairly priced cars.
In conclusion, Kelley Blue Book stands as a trusted and reliable resource for anyone looking to buy or sell a vehicle. With its rich history and commitment to transparency, the Kelley Blue Book app is a must-have tool to secure the best deals and most accurate information available in today’s automotive market.
ForoKD editor, programmer, game designer and blog review lover
