Parkers Car Price Checker application for Apple's iPhone is now live.
The unique ‘Deal Checker' application allows you to check up-to-date prices on more than 32,000 cars ranging from 1989 to 2009. What's more, you will receive prices for franchised dealers, independent dealers, private and part-exchange.
The app uses a top trumps format with the user able to add and change cars simply using Apple's clever touch system and the selector drums to choose either the car they own and/or the car they are interested in buying.
There are further options that enable the user to get a bespoke price including the ability to change mileage and select any manufacturer-fitted options that add to the car's value.
Users are also able to individualise the app by taking their own pictures of the car and loading it into the relevant car's details. A user can also select their car by pressing a ‘My Car' button that then enables them to check the part-exchange value of their car against one they are thinking of buying. In effect, it gives the cost of change at a touch of button.
The Parkers app is fully integrated into social networks too. Users can share any bargain cars for sale or their own car with friends and family via Twitter, Facebook or email simply by pressing the relevant button.
The app is updated monthly, there are free upgrades already planned, including the addition of new prices, and the app is now available from the UK Apple store priced at £5.99.
iPhone FAQs
Due to the huge successes of the Parkers iPhone App and our genuine interest in your thoughts and feelings about the App we are now hosting a series of FAQ's based on the questions posed to us via the iTunes App Store reviews:
Can you add a VRM search on the App?
The application is designed to reflect the functionality we have on our website, so selections are made in the same way.
Why are some of the options on my car not listed?
We only list options that genuinely affect the final value of the car in question. It could also be that your car is too old. We can only add value for options on cars from 1998. Or it could be that your car is too new and accurate values for options have not been confirmed yet, but will be in the near future.
Can we have more miles please instead of the 10,000 mile gaps, CO2 and road tax info as well please?
The size of the mileage gap is optimised to a scale that affects the value of a car the most. In-between mileage values have less of an impact on the final value. However, we plan to include this information in the future, but until then the information can be found on our website using your iPhone.
Can you add functionality to compare performances against other cars?
There may be an opportunity to include this information in the future, but until then the information can be found on our website using your iPhone.
Some 09 registered cars are missing, such as the Honda Jazz - where is the 09 data?
As 2009 was such a volatile year for the car market and values, we have deferred adding 2009 values until 2010 when there will be less risk of sudden fluctuation in prices.
Can you add hyperlinks to Parkers cars for sale to buy a car from the App?
It might be possible to include this information in future.
Can you add more specs and performances on each car?
We plan to include this information in future, but until then the information can be found on our website using your iPhone.
Can you include car reviews on the App?
There may be an opportunity to include this information in future, but until then the information can be found on our website using your iPhone.
On my App there is no Isuzu Rodeo Denver or Audi Q5 - why?
The Isuzu is classed as a commercial vehicle and at the moment we only include cars in the application. The Audi Q5 will be added very shortly, but as a 2009 car has not been added yet because car values in 2009 had been volatile. They will be added in 2010.
The Porsche 911 is not distinguished by model numbers 993-996 - why is this?
Parkers is aimed at non-enthusiast car buyers, and it's less confusing to refer to models in terms of the dates the ranges were on sale in the UK rather than manufacturer codenames.
Pick-ups such as the Nissan Navara is not on my App - why is this?
The Navara is classed as a commercial vehicle, and at the moment we only include cars in the application.
An auction price guide would be useful. Can you add this?
Parkers does not provide auction values. However, a typical auction price for a car should be close to - but will not necessarily be the same as - the part-exchange value.
I cannot read the car spec all on one line when scrolling through options - can you fix this please?
The font size would not work very well if we shrunk it enough to squeeze in every character. We are looking into the iPhone technology to help amend this issue and we shall automatically update this feature in the near future.
A dealer told me your prices are inaccurate when pricing cars under the £2K value. Is this true?
This is a criticism dealers often make when you part-exchange a car. If they make a low offer, it is acceptable if they come down on the price of the car you are buying from them. Best advice is to shop around for a better deal elsewhere.
Why can't I find van prices?
The application is only available for cars at the moment hence its name the Parkers Car Deal Checker. We may have a very exciting solution for next year to remedy this.
The models of vehicle I'm looking for are missing and the prices are inaccurate - can you help?
Parkers is able to value most cars sold in new in the UK. These are officially sourced through all official manufacturers in the UK. Our values are based on Parkers expertise in the market since being established in 1972 and are researched thoroughly before published. They are accurate when adjusted for mileage, options, and as an anticipated transaction price rather than an advertised price.