How to set your lowest price
August 31, 2026 6 min read
The lowest price you accept is the only number that really commits you. It deserves more thought than an asking price.
Separate value from need
What you owe on a loan does not change what the car is worth. Plan around both numbers, but do not let the balance set your floor by itself.
Use market data as reference, not instruction
- Compare sold results where you can find them, not just listings
- Adjust for mileage, trim and condition honestly
- Treat any estimate as a range, never a promise
An estimate is an opinion. A bid is a commitment.
See what dealers will pay for your car
Licensed dealers bid against each other. You set the lowest price you will accept.
Get my estimateHow the fee works
Fair Value Auto keeps 10% of any amount above your lowest price. If your floor is $20,000 and the accepted bid is $22,000, the fee is $200 of the $2,000 improvement, leaving $21,800 before any loan payoff. At or below your floor, there is no seller fee.
Set it once, then let the auction run
A floor you would regret accepting is too low. A floor no dealer can reach simply ends the auction without a sale, and you keep the car.
