How much is my car worth? The three numbers that matter
Published · Updated · 4 min read · PaperValue.sg
To price your car, start with three different numbers: its paper value, what a dealer will pay, and what a private buyer might pay.
They answer different questions. A dealer’s offer is a price you can accept; an online listing is an asking price; paper value is a calculation of eligible government rebates.
1. Paper value: your deregistration benchmark
Paper value = PARF rebate + unused COE rebate.
PARF depends on the car’s age, net ARF and applicable scheme. COE rebate depends on the eligible premium and unused tenure, including partial months under LTA’s calculation. Get the figure for your intended deregistration date from OneMotoring’s rebate enquiry.
Treat this as a gross rebate benchmark, not guaranteed cash in your pocket. Outstanding finance, disposal charges and any body or export proceeds change the net amount you receive. Eligibility and disposal requirements must also be met.
Do not identify a PARF scheme solely from “before or after February 2026”. For cars requiring a COE, the relevant cutoff is the bidding exercise. See the PARF schedule and cohort guide.
2. Dealer or trade-in value: a firm offer after checks
A dealer considers likely resale or export proceeds, condition, stock demand, costs and margin. Those factors vary, so there is no fixed gap that every dealer deducts.
Ask several buyers to inspect the same car and quote:
- The final purchase price.
- Every service or handling fee.
- Any loan settlement deduction.
- The payment and handover dates.
- How long the offer remains valid.
For a showroom trade-in, also get the replacement car’s price without a trade-in. Compare the total deal in our trade-in guide.
3. Private-sale value: an estimate until a buyer commits
Comparable listings help you choose an asking range. Match the variant, registration year, remaining COE, mileage, ownership history and condition.
Browse our model price guides to find relevant listings. Asking prices are not completed sale prices, and there is no universal percentage discount that turns one into the other.
A higher COE premium can support used-car demand, but it does not raise every car’s price by the same amount. Supply, condition and competing models still matter.
Compare net proceeds, not labels
Here is a hypothetical comparison for the same car. It is not a quotation or a typical market spread.
| Route | Gross amount | Selling or disposal costs | Loan settlement | Net proceeds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deregister | $40,000 rebates + $1,000 body proceeds | $300 | $20,000 | $20,700 |
| Dealer sale | $45,000 offer | $200 | $20,000 | $24,800 |
| Private sale | $48,000 agreed price | $500 | $20,000 | $27,500 |
The private sale produces $2,700 more than the dealer offer if a buyer agrees to that price. Decide whether the extra time and work are worthwhile using actual offers.
When selling, do not add PARF and COE rebates on top of the agreed sale price. Their remaining entitlement passes with the car. LTA’s transfer rules.
Check timing before setting a handover date
PARF can step down when a car crosses an age band. A five-percentage-point change on $30,000 net ARF is $1,500 before considering any cap.
The actual rebate change can be smaller or zero when a cap applies. A private sale also does not trigger a rebate payout, so a band change does not guarantee an equal change in your selling price. Check the official figures for the dates you are considering.
A PaperValue report helps organise the rebate estimate, comparable listings and selling ranges. The full report is $15.99; see the Accuracy Guarantee for its terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check my car’s value for free?
Use OneMotoring for eligible rebates and compare asking prices for similar cars. PaperValue also offers an instant estimate.
Is paper value the same as scrap proceeds?
No. Scrap or export proceeds can include body value and deduct disposal costs. Your loan settlement affects the cash you retain.
Is a private sale always worth more?
It may produce a higher gross price, but only an agreed sale establishes that. Subtract selling costs and consider how long you may need to wait.
When should I sell?
Compare offers, your next transport arrangements and any approaching rebate or COE dates. There is no single best age that applies to every car.