Vehicle valuation questions
Everything owners, buyers and dealers ask us most often about AI-assisted vehicle valuations in the South African market.
How accurate is an AI vehicle valuation?
Veritas Auto builds every valuation from live South African listing data for the same model, year and mileage band, then trims statistical outliers before applying condition adjustments from your photos and diagnostic answers. On mainstream models with plenty of comparable listings, the resulting market value typically lands within a few percent of what the vehicle transacts for. Rare, modified or heavily damaged vehicles carry a wider confidence band, and the report states that band explicitly rather than hiding it.
How does the AI detect damage from photos?
The guided photo capture asks for a fixed set of exterior, interior, engine bay and document angles. Each image is analysed for panel misalignment, paint defects, scratches, dents, corrosion, tyre wear, cracked glass, interior wear and warning lights on the cluster. Findings are anchored to the specific panel or cabin zone they were detected on, given a severity, and converted into an estimated repair cost that is deducted from the market value.
How long does a vehicle valuation take?
Most reports complete within about ten minutes of the photos being uploaded and the diagnostic questionnaire being answered. The bulk of that time is the live market scan across South African listing sources. You do not need to stay on the page — the report appears in your dashboard when it is ready.
What affects the value of my vehicle?
Model demand in the local market, model year, mileage, service history completeness, number of previous owners, mechanical condition, cosmetic condition, tyre and brake life, accident and repair history, colour, specification and optional extras, outstanding recalls, and the current supply of comparable vehicles for sale. Regional demand also matters — the same car can carry a different price in Gauteng than in the Western Cape.
Can I get a valuation for a damaged vehicle?
Yes. Damaged, non-runner and accident-damaged vehicles can be valued. Photograph the damage clearly and answer the diagnostic questions honestly — the report then shows the undamaged market value, the estimated repair cost, and the adjusted value in its current state, which is what a dealer or buyer will actually work from.
Can I value a financed vehicle?
Yes. A valuation is independent of who holds the finance. If the vehicle is still under a bank agreement, compare the valuation against your settlement letter: when the valuation is below the settlement figure the vehicle is in negative equity, and that difference is what you would need to cover on a sale or trade-in.
What is market value?
Market value is the midpoint of what comparable vehicles are genuinely transacting for in South Africa right now — same model, similar year, similar mileage and condition. It is a neutral reference point, not an asking price: advertised listings sit above it because sellers expect to negotiate down.
What is trade value?
Trade value, or trade-in value, is what a dealer will pay you for the vehicle. It is retail value minus reconditioning, minus days-to-sell risk, minus the dealer's margin — usually 15–25% below retail, and more on a car with high mileage, incomplete service history or cosmetic damage. In exchange you get speed and certainty.
Still have a question?
Read the guide to market, retail and trade-in value, or contact support. Ready to start? Value your car.