Selling your car can be a daunting task, but the internet has revolutionized the process, offering numerous platforms to connect with potential buyers. If you’re looking to sell your vehicle quickly, safely, and for the best possible price, navigating the online marketplace is key. This guide dives deep into the best websites to sell your car in 2024, comparing top platforms and providing insights to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re aiming for a quick cash offer or maximizing your profit through a private sale, understanding your options is the first step to a successful car selling experience.
Top Online Car Buyers: Instant Offers and Quick Sales
For those prioritizing speed and convenience, online car buyers offer a streamlined solution. These platforms provide instant offers, handle the paperwork, and often pick up your vehicle directly from your home. While you might not always get the absolute highest price compared to a private sale, the ease and efficiency are significant advantages. Let’s explore some of the leading online car buyers:
#1 Editor’s Choice: Cars.com
Rating: 9.0/10
Cars.com stands out as our top pick for the best website to sell your car due to its comprehensive platform and strong industry reputation. Operating since 1998, Cars.com is a well-established name in the automotive marketplace. What makes Cars.com exceptional is its dual approach to selling:
- Dealer Network: Get instant offer ranges and sell directly to dealerships within the Cars.com network. This option is perfect for those seeking a quick and straightforward sale.
- Private Marketplace: List your vehicle for free on Cars.com and connect with private buyers. This allows for potentially higher returns by selling directly to individuals.
Cars.com boasts an A+ rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), demonstrating their commitment to customer satisfaction and resolving any concerns.
Pros:
- Instant offer ranges provide valuable pricing insights.
- Strong industry reputation and BBB accreditation build trust.
- Offers options for both dealer and private sales to suit different seller needs.
Cons:
- The final selling process can vary depending on the dealership involved.
- Some customers have reported hidden fees added by certain dealerships.
Selling Experience on Cars.com:
The process of getting an offer on Cars.com is remarkably user-friendly. You’ll need to provide your license plate or VIN to begin. Instead of a fixed price, Cars.com presents an offer range, acknowledging that the final price will be determined by the dealership.
For example, when our team tested Cars.com, we received offer ranges for a 2015 Ford F-150 Super Cab ($14,075 to $16,175) and a 2015 Toyota Camry ($9,925 to $12,025). Notably, these ranges exceeded Kelley Blue Book (KBB) values, indicating potentially competitive offers.
Learn More about Cars.com
#2 Most Seamless Process: Carvana
Rating: 8.9/10
Carvana has become synonymous with online car selling, and for good reason. If you prioritize a completely digital and hassle-free experience, Carvana is a top contender for the best website to sell your car. Known for its “car vending machines” and fully online process, Carvana offers unmatched convenience.
While Carvana is not currently rated by the BBB, it holds a strong 4.3-star average rating from over 10,600 reviews on Trustpilot, reflecting positive customer experiences.
Pros:
- Offers the most seamless and fully remote car selling process available.
- Provides generally good offer values, often competitive with market rates.
- Allows for vehicle trade-ins, streamlining the upgrade process.
Cons:
- Currently not rated by the Better Business Bureau.
- Not ideal for selling very low-value or junk cars.
Selling Experience on Carvana:
Carvana excels in its end-to-end digital approach. You can receive a cash offer, accept it, and potentially complete the entire sale from the comfort of your home. A Carvana representative will conduct a vehicle inspection, which may occur at your residence, a Carvana location, or a mutually convenient spot.
Upon acceptance, you can choose to have your car picked up or drop it off at a Carvana site. Payment is issued via certified check or direct deposit, typically within two to five business days. Carvana also operates 38 physical locations across the U.S., offering in-person selling and trade-in options. Trade-ins function similarly to direct sales, and the credit can be applied to a new vehicle purchased on Carvana’s platform.
For a 2016 Chevy Equinox, Carvana offered our team $9,911. While slightly lower than some other offers, it was still a reasonable market-based value. Notably, Carvana offered approximately $3,000 over market value for a 2015 Ford F-150 in our testing.
Learn More about Carvana
#3 Best for Reliable Pick-Up: CarBrain
Rating: 8.7/10
If your vehicle is older, damaged, or in less-than-perfect condition, CarBrain emerges as the best website to sell your car. CarBrain specializes in buying cars with mechanical issues, body damage, or even totaled vehicles. They are transparent with their fees, ensuring you know exactly what to expect.
CarBrain holds an A rating from the BBB and boasts a high customer review score of 4.9 stars on their website, indicating strong customer satisfaction.
Pros:
- Offers a quick and efficient car selling process, particularly for damaged vehicles.
- Accepts cars with mechanical and body damage that other buyers might reject.
- Includes free towing with all offers, simplifying the removal of your vehicle.
Cons:
- Not the optimal choice for vehicles in excellent condition, as offers may be lower than market value for pristine cars.
- Prices can fluctuate based on local demand, potentially impacting offer amounts.
Selling Experience on CarBrain:
CarBrain simplifies the process of selling a damaged or non-running car. After providing basic vehicle details and condition information, you can receive an instant offer or be contacted via email or phone, depending on your vehicle’s specifics.
CarBrain typically picks up vehicles within 24 to 48 hours after you accept an offer. You’ll need to provide the keys and a signed title at pickup. CarBrain may assist with title release in certain situations, but having a clean title is always recommended for a smoother transaction.
For a 2011 Honda Civic LX Sedan with 124,000 miles and front bumper damage, CarBrain offered our team $1,230. While below the KBB private sale value for a perfect condition model, this offer was competitive for a damaged vehicle and included free towing.
Learn More about CarBrain
#4 Great Choice for Older Vehicles: Peddle
Rating: 8.7/10
Peddle is our recommended best website to sell your car if you own an older vehicle, a high-mileage car, or even a non-running vehicle. Peddle specializes in purchasing older and “junk” cars nationwide, regardless of their condition or title status in many cases.
Peddle has garnered positive customer feedback, reflected in its 4.6-star average rating on Trustpilot from over 120,000 reviews and an A+ rating from the BBB.
Pros:
- Consistently positive customer reviews and high ratings.
- Buys cars in any condition, including junk cars and those without titles (in some cases).
- Offers free towing services from your location, adding significant convenience.
Cons:
- Offers are typically non-negotiable, providing less flexibility.
- Not the best option for newer, higher-value vehicles.
- Generally does not purchase cars with outstanding loans.
Selling Experience on Peddle:
Peddle’s selling process is similar to Carvana’s, starting with entering your vehicle’s information – make, model, year, and VIN. Given their focus on older and junk cars, Peddle’s questionnaire includes details about tire inflation and missing parts.
After completing the questionnaire, you’ll receive a cash offer valid for seven days. Upon acceptance, Peddle arranges for a tow truck to pick up your vehicle. The driver performs a quick inspection and pays you via check (or cash in some instances).
While Peddle’s questionnaire is more detailed than some competitors, their online platform is user-friendly, providing helpful information and examples throughout.
For the same 2011 Honda Civic LX Sedan used in other tests, Peddle offered $1,325, slightly higher than CarBrain’s offer. Peddle also provided offers for significantly older vehicles, such as $820 for a 2007 Toyota Camry with 250,000 miles and $400 for a 2004 Nissan Altima with 250,000 miles, demonstrating their willingness to buy older, high-mileage cars.
Learn More about Peddle
#5 Good for Quick, Fixed-Price Offers: TrueCar
Rating: 8.7/10
TrueCar is the best website to sell your car if you prioritize speed and certainty with a fixed-price offer, particularly if you’re considering selling to a local dealership or trading in. TrueCar partners with over 13,000 dealerships nationwide, facilitating both car buying and selling.
TrueCar holds an A+ rating and a 4.2-star customer review score on the BBB, reflecting positively on their customer service and business practices.
Pros:
- Provides fast and transparent price offers, allowing for quick decision-making.
- A+ rating from the BBB and strong online customer reviews enhance trust.
- Offers fixed-price TrueTrade™ offers, ensuring price stability at participating dealerships.
Cons:
- No option for private sales through the TrueCar platform; sales are dealer-focused.
- Requires contact information to access offer, potentially leading to dealer outreach.
- Deals must be finalized with a dealership sales representative, requiring an in-person visit.
Selling Experience on TrueCar:
Selling through TrueCar is similar to Cars.com in that you receive an online offer and complete the sale at a dealership. However, TrueCar’s TrueTrade™ offer is locked in for three days, providing price certainty and removing concerns about price changes at the dealership.
TrueCar’s valuation process is detailed, encompassing questions about aftermarket parts, accident history, optional equipment, mechanical issues, and interior condition. However, accessing the offer requires providing contact information, so expect potential follow-up from local dealerships.
For a 2015 Ford F-150, TrueCar offered our team $14,525, approximately $600 below KBB trade-in value. For a 2015 Toyota Camry, the offer was $11,984, about $200 above KBB trade-in value. While offers may not be the absolute highest, TrueCar provides a reliable and fixed-price selling experience.
Learn More about TrueCar
#6 Quick Payments: Copart
Rating: 8.6/10
Copart is another strong option for the best website to sell your car, particularly if you have an older car, a damaged vehicle, or one that may not be running. Copart operates auctions for the auto industry and also buys cars directly from consumers nationwide, making it a viable choice for scrapping a car for cash. Copart also owns CashForCars.com, another car-buying platform.
Copart holds an A+ rating from the BBB, indicating their commitment to resolving customer issues and maintaining good business practices.
Pros:
- Offers fast payments upon vehicle pickup, typically within 24 to 48 hours.
- Vehicle pickups are usually very prompt, often within the same 24-48 hour timeframe.
- Will purchase cars in virtually any condition, including non-running and damaged vehicles.
Cons:
- Website platform can be less user-friendly compared to competitors, potentially less intuitive to navigate.
- Primarily auction-based, which may result in lower offers compared to direct sale platforms.
Selling Experience on Copart:
Copart provides instant cash offers through their online form. Starting with your VIN or vehicle year, make, and model, their online calculator works for most vehicles. In some unique cases, a representative may need to review your information.
Upon accepting an offer, Copart arranges for a tow truck to pick up your car, typically very quickly. The driver inspects the vehicle to ensure it matches your description. Discrepancies, such as missing parts like catalytic converters or door panels, can reduce the final payment.
While Copart provides free towing, some user reviews mention longer-than-expected wait times for tow truck arrival. Our team received an offer of $847 for a 2007 Toyota Camry with 250,000 miles, slightly higher than Peddle’s offer for the same vehicle.
Learn More about Copart
#7 Great Value: CarMax
Rating: 8.6/10
CarMax consistently provides excellent value and is often cited as the best website to sell your car if maximizing your offer is a top priority. In our comparisons, CarMax frequently provided the highest offers for used vehicles. Operating since 1993, CarMax has a long-standing reputation in the used car market and holds an A+ rating from the BBB.
Pros:
- Offers easy and instant online cash offers, providing quick valuation.
- Pays by check on the day of sale at a CarMax location, ensuring immediate payment.
- Consistently provides high offer values compared to many other online platforms.
Cons:
- Requires an in-person visit to a CarMax location to finalize the sale, as the process is not fully online.
- Not the best option for selling junk cars or vehicles in extremely poor condition.
- CarMax locations are not available in all states (Alaska, Arkansas, Hawaii, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, Wyoming).
Selling Experience on CarMax:
CarMax’s process is slightly different; while you can get an instant online cash offer, you must visit a CarMax location to finalize the sale. Offers are valid for seven days, giving you time to decide.
The offer is contingent on an on-site inspection, which is generally quick and straightforward if your initial vehicle description was accurate. You can sell your car outright to CarMax or trade it in towards another vehicle in their inventory. CarMax can handle sales even if you have an existing auto loan, but you’ll need to provide loan payoff information.
One of our team members sold their car to CarMax and described the process as quick and easy. After a brief inspection, the CarMax salesperson finalized the offer and issued a check. CarMax handled the payoff of the remaining auto loan balance and provided a check for the remaining amount.
In our testing, CarMax consistently provided strong offers. For a 2017 Kia Sportage, CarMax offered $11,400, almost $300 over KBB value. For a 2016 Chevy Equinox, the offer was $12,000, nearly $800 above book value.
Learn More about CarMax
#8 Easy-To-Use Platform: CarGurus
Rating: 8.5/10
CarGurus is a top choice if platform usability and convenience are paramount when choosing the best website to sell your car. CarGurus offers instant offers and, in most states, will pick up your car directly from your home. CarGurus holds an A+ rating from the BBB and a 4.2-star customer review score, indicating positive user experiences and customer service.
Pros:
- Provides an instant Market Value tool for quick pricing insights.
- Offers are valid for seven days or 250 miles, providing flexibility.
- Prequalification for car buying is available, streamlining the vehicle upgrade process.
- User-friendly platform is easy to navigate and use for sellers.
Cons:
- Offers can sometimes be lower than Kelley Blue Book value, depending on the vehicle.
- Instant offers are not available in all states (Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, Wyoming).
Selling Experience on CarGurus:
The CarGurus platform is known for its simplicity and ease of use. Our team obtained an instant offer in approximately five minutes. Unlike some sites that only require make and model, CarGurus requires your VIN or license plate number to generate an accurate offer.
CarGurus offers are valid for seven days or until you drive an additional 250 miles. If you accept, you can schedule a vehicle pickup. While CarGurus partners with a dealer network, the home pickup option enhances convenience.
Instant offers are not available in all states, so check availability in your location. CarGurus also offers a private listing option for a $4.95 fee, allowing you to try and achieve a higher sale price by selling directly to individuals.
In our testing, CarGurus provided mixed offers. For a 2016 Chevy Equinox, the offer was $11,123, matching KBB value. For a 2015 Ford F-150, the offer was approximately $4,000 over market value, but for a Honda Civic, it was $3,500 below market value, highlighting the importance of comparing multiple offers across platforms.
Learn More about CarGurus
Best Sites for Private Party Car Sales: Maximize Your Return
While online car buyers offer convenience, selling your car privately can often yield a higher sale price, allowing you to capture more of the market value. Several platforms facilitate private car sales, each with its own strengths. Here are some top options to consider when looking for the best website to sell your car privately:
Facebook Marketplace: Reach Local Buyers for Free
Facebook Marketplace has become a highly popular and accessible platform for private car sales. Listing a car on Facebook Marketplace is free, and communication with potential buyers is direct and easy through Facebook Messenger. The platform’s integration with Facebook profiles allows for some level of buyer verification, potentially reducing scam risks compared to anonymous platforms.
Selling on Facebook Marketplace:
- Pros: Free listings, large user base, local focus, direct communication, some buyer verification.
- Cons: Scams are still possible, requires managing inquiries and viewings, haggling is common.
Tips for Selling on Facebook Marketplace:
- High-Quality Photos: Upload clear, well-lit photos showcasing your car’s condition from all angles, including the engine and interior.
- Detailed Description: Provide a comprehensive description including make, model, year, mileage, features, and any notable condition details.
- Competitive Pricing: Research fair market value using tools like Kelley Blue Book and price your car competitively, potentially slightly above your target price to allow for negotiation.
- Be Cautious of Scams: Be wary of generic automated messages, requests for payment before viewing, or overly complex scenarios.
Craigslist: Local Classifieds with Broad Reach
Craigslist remains a widely used platform for local classifieds, including car sales. While listing a car on Craigslist now costs $5 (aimed at reducing scams), it still offers a broad reach to local buyers.
Selling on Craigslist:
- Pros: Wide local reach, relatively low listing fee, anonymous communication options.
- Cons: Higher risk of scams and “tire kickers”, requires careful screening of buyers, limited buyer verification.
Tips for Selling on Craigslist:
- Detailed Listing: Create a thorough listing with multiple photos and comprehensive vehicle information.
- Anonymity: Utilize Craigslist’s email relay system for initial communication to protect your personal contact information.
- Cash Only & Safe Transactions: Insist on cash payment or verified funds (like a bank check verified at the issuing bank). Meet in a safe, public location for test drives and transactions.
- Beware of Scams: Be extremely cautious of buyers offering more than your asking price, out-of-area buyers, or complex payment schemes.
eBay Motors: Auctions and Fixed-Price Listings
eBay Motors offers a platform for both auction-style and fixed-price car listings. It can be effective for reaching local buyers, particularly in larger metropolitan areas, and can also be useful for selling enthusiast or specialty vehicles. eBay Motors charges listing fees starting at $19 depending on the listing package.
Selling on eBay Motors:
- Pros: Large platform, auction and fixed-price options, good for enthusiast vehicles, potential to reach a wider audience.
- Cons: Listing fees, can be complex for remote sales, requires managing listings and buyer communication, fees apply to certain listing upgrades.
Tips for Selling on eBay Motors:
- Detailed Listings with Keywords: Create highly detailed listings with relevant keywords to improve visibility in searches.
- High-Quality Photos: Use numerous clear and detailed photos to showcase your vehicle.
- Local Focus (Unless Experienced): For most sellers, focusing on local buyers and in-person transactions is recommended to avoid complexities of shipping and remote payments.
- Understand Fees: Familiarize yourself with eBay Motors listing fees and optional upgrade costs.
Bring a Trailer (BaT): For Classic and Enthusiast Cars
Bring a Trailer (BaT) is a specialized auction platform catering to classic, collectible, and enthusiast vehicles. If you’re selling a unique or desirable classic car, BaT can be an excellent choice to reach a targeted audience of serious buyers. BaT offers auction services starting at $99 for sellers.
Selling on Bring a Trailer:
- Pros: Targeted audience of enthusiasts, auction format can drive up prices, strong community, shipping services available.
- Cons: Fees for listing services, primarily suited for classic/enthusiast vehicles, requires vehicle vetting and BaT’s listing process.
Tips for Selling on Bring a Trailer:
- Professional Presentation: High-quality photography and detailed, accurate descriptions are crucial for success on BaT.
- Utilize BaT’s Services: Consider using BaT’s description writing and photography services to enhance your listing’s appeal.
- Set a Reserve Price Strategically: Understand the auction format and set a reserve price that protects your minimum acceptable sale price while attracting bidders.
- Engage with Bidders: Actively participate in the auction comments and answer bidder questions to build confidence and interest.
Hemmings: Classic Car Auctions and Classifieds
Hemmings is another established platform for classic car enthusiasts, offering both auction and classified listing options. Hemmings caters to a similar market as Bring a Trailer, focusing on classic, muscle, sports, and exotic cars. Hemmings offers auction and classified listings starting at $99.95.
Selling on Hemmings:
- Pros: Established classic car platform, auction and classified options, reaches a targeted audience, magazine advertising included with classifieds.
- Cons: Fees for listings and auctions, primarily for classic/specialty vehicles, buyer fees for auctions.
Tips for Selling on Hemmings:
- Detailed and Accurate Listings: Provide comprehensive and accurate descriptions highlighting the classic or collectible aspects of your vehicle.
- High-Quality Photography: Professional-quality photos are highly recommended to showcase classic vehicles effectively.
- Choose Listing Format Wisely: Consider whether an auction or classified listing is better suited to your vehicle and selling goals.
- Understand Fees: Be aware of Hemmings’ seller and buyer fees for different listing types.
Where Can You Sell Your Car Online? Understanding Your Options
Choosing the best website to sell your car depends on your priorities: speed, convenience, or maximum profit. To help you decide, let’s summarize the main types of online car selling platforms:
Websites That Buy Cars: Convenience and Speed
These platforms (like Carvana, CarMax, Cars.com’s dealer network, CarBrain, Peddle, TrueCar, Copart, CarGurus) offer the most convenient and fastest way to sell your car online.
Benefits:
- Speed and Convenience: Instant offers, minimal effort, often include vehicle pickup.
- Hassle-Free: They handle paperwork and logistics.
- Good for Quick Sales: Ideal if you need to sell your car urgently.
- Better than Junkyards for Junk Cars: Often provide better offers than traditional junkyards for damaged or older vehicles.
Drawbacks:
- Lower Offers: Typically offer less than private sale market value.
- Non-Negotiable Offers: Prices are usually fixed, with limited or no room for negotiation.
What to Look for in Online Car Dealers:
- Customer Reviews: Check ratings on BBB, Trustpilot, and Google Reviews.
- Offer Value: Compare offers from multiple platforms to ensure you’re getting a competitive price.
- Services Offered: Look for free pickup, at-home inspections, and convenient payment methods.
- Industry Reputation: Consider BBB ratings and company history for trustworthiness.
Platforms for Private Party Car Sales: Maximize Value
Private sale platforms (Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay Motors, Bring a Trailer, Hemmings) allow you to sell your car directly to another individual.
Benefits:
- Higher Potential Price: More likely to get closer to full market value.
- Negotiation Possible: You have control over pricing and negotiation.
- Direct Interaction with Buyers: Communicate directly with potential buyers.
Drawbacks:
- More Effort: Requires creating listings, managing inquiries, showing the car, and handling paperwork.
- Time-Consuming: Can take longer to find a buyer and complete the sale.
- Scam Risks: Requires vigilance against potential scams and fraudulent buyers.
- Listing Fees (on some platforms): Some platforms charge listing fees or seller fees.
What to Know About Selling Privately:
- Listing Fees: Expect to pay a small fee on some platforms (except Facebook Marketplace).
- Safety: Meet buyers in public places, bring a friend, and be cautious during test drives.
- Vehicle Preparation: Clean your car and address minor repairs to improve its appeal and value.
- Bill of Sale: Always use a bill of sale to document the transaction.
- Scam Awareness: Be alert for common scams and fraudulent buyer tactics.
- Patience: Finding the right buyer can take time, so be prepared to be patient.
How to Sell a Car Online for the Best Price: Step-by-Step Guide
To maximize your return when selling your car online, follow these steps:
1. Gather Vehicle Details: Be Prepared
Collect all necessary information and documents about your car:
- Make, Model, and Year
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Vehicle Title
- Mileage
- Accident History (if any)
- Current Condition (interior, exterior, mechanical)
- Repair History and Maintenance Records
- Aftermarket Modifications
- Warranty Information (factory or extended)
Get a free vehicle history report from providers like Carfax to have comprehensive information readily available.
2. Fix and Clean Your Car: Enhance Appeal
Improve your car’s appeal and value by:
- Cleaning Thoroughly: Wash, wax, and detail your car’s interior and exterior.
- Minor Repairs: Address minor issues like burnt-out bulbs, worn wiper blades, or loose trim.
- Maintenance: Ensure routine maintenance is up-to-date (oil change, tire rotation).
Research repair costs on sites like RepairPal.com to determine if repairs are worthwhile investments before selling. For major repairs on older or damaged cars, selling to junk car buyers might be more practical.
3. Take Detailed Photos: Show It Off
High-quality photos are crucial for online car sales. Capture your car from all angles:
- Exterior: Front, rear, sides, close-ups of wheels and lights.
- Interior: Front seats, back seats, dashboard, infotainment system, trunk.
- Engine Bay: Clean engine compartment.
- Undercarriage: If possible and safe, capture the undercarriage condition.
Shoot photos in good, even lighting with a plain background to maximize image quality.
4. Get and Compare Online Car Offers: Shop Around
Utilize online car buyer websites to get multiple instant offers. Compare offers from Carvana, CarMax, Cars.com, CarBrain, Peddle, and CarGurus to see which provides the best initial valuation. If pursuing a private sale, research Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds to understand your car’s market value for pricing your listing.
5. Complete the Vehicle Sale: Finalize the Deal
Once you accept an offer or find a private buyer, finalize the sale:
- Online Car Buyer: Follow the platform’s instructions for inspection, pickup, and payment. They will typically guide you through the title transfer process.
- Private Sale:
- Agree on a price and payment method.
- Meet in a safe, public location.
- Complete a bill of sale.
- Transfer the title correctly according to your state’s DMV regulations.
- Handle payment securely (cash, verified bank check).
Can I Sell My Car Online Today? Addressing Common Questions
You might be ready to sell your car immediately, but certain situations can affect the process:
Can You Sell Your Car With a Loan? Yes, but with steps.
Yes, you can sell a car with an outstanding loan, but it requires careful planning:
- Payoff the Loan: Your lender holds the title until the loan is paid off. You’ll need to use the sale proceeds to pay off the loan.
- “Underwater” Loan (Negative Equity): If you owe more than the car is worth, you’ll need to cover the difference out of pocket.
- “Equity” Sale: If the car is worth more than you owe, the excess funds after paying off the loan are yours.
Lender Requirements for Private Sales with Loans:
- Contact your lender to understand their specific procedures for private sales with outstanding loans.
- Often, transactions need to occur at a bank or financial institution to ensure secure payment to the lender and title transfer.
Negative Equity and Trade-Ins: Proceed with Caution:
Avoid rolling negative equity into a new car loan. This can lead to owing more than the new car’s value and long-term financial burden.
Can You Sell a Car Without a Title? It’s Complex.
Selling a car without a title is generally difficult and often depends on state regulations.
- Replacement Title: In most cases, you’ll need to obtain a replacement title from your state’s DMV before selling.
- Bill of Sale (Classic Cars): For some classic or very old cars, a bill of sale might suffice in certain states, but this is less common.
Can I Sell My Car Back to the Dealership? Yes, Trade-in or Direct Sale.
Yes, selling your car back to a dealership is a common option:
- Trade-In: Apply your car’s value as credit towards a new or used car purchase at the dealership.
- Direct Sale: Sell your car to the dealership outright for cash, even if you’re not buying another car from them.
Before Selling to a Dealership:
- Know Your Car’s Value: Use Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds to determine fair market value and trade-in value.
- Negotiate Wisely: Be prepared to negotiate, even when selling to a dealership.
Where Can I Sell Car Parts for Cash? Alternative Options.
If you’re scrapping a junk car, selling parts individually can be an option:
- Junkyards: Quick and easy, but lowest returns.
- Scrap Metal Yards: Focus on metal value, potentially better for scrap metal components.
- Online Platforms (eBay, Amazon): Highest potential returns for valuable parts, but more effort and time-consuming.
- Auto Shops/Stores: Local businesses might buy specific parts if there’s demand.
Best Websites to Sell Your Car: Top Recommendations
For overall ease of use and good cash offers, Cars.com is our top recommendation for the best website to sell your car online.
For private sales and maximizing your price in your local area, Facebook Marketplace is an excellent free option.
For selling classic or enthusiast vehicles to a targeted audience, Bring a Trailer is the premier platform.
Car Selling Websites: FAQ – Common Questions Answered
What is the best website to sell a used car?
Cars.com is our top pick due to its user-friendly platform, options for both dealer and private sales, and strong reputation.
Which online car buyer gives the most money?
CarMax often provides the highest offers in our comparisons, making it the best value option.
How do I avoid scams when selling my car online?
Be cautious of payment methods, meet in safe public places, and be wary of overly complex buyer scenarios.
What is the largest online used car retailer?
CarMax is the largest, followed by Carvana, based on revenue and sales volume.
What is the most accurate car valuation website?
Kelley Blue Book (KBB) is widely considered the industry standard for car valuations.
Can you negotiate with websites like Carvana or CarMax?
Generally no, their offers are typically non-negotiable and presented as “haggle-free.”
What is the Autotrader Private Seller Exchange?
Autotrader Private Seller Exchange is a service that brokers private car sales for a fee, handling communication, offers, and paperwork for a safer transaction.
Our Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Car Selling Websites
Our rankings are based on a comprehensive rating system evaluating platforms across five key factors:
- Pricing and Financing (30%): Secret shopper analysis of offer values compared to market rates, fees, and financing options (where applicable).
- Support (30%): Evaluation of services like free pickup, payment speed, transaction support, and customer service accessibility.
- Platform (15%): Assessment of platform features, ease of use, sales options, and vehicle selection (for buyers).
- Customer Experience (15%): Analysis of customer satisfaction ratings on BBB and Trustpilot, and our team’s direct interactions with each platform.
- Industry Standing (10%): Consideration of BBB ratings, industry expert reviews, and years in business for reputation and trustworthiness.
*Data accurate at time of publication
For feedback or questions about this article, please email our team at [email protected].
