More Americans are increasingly turning to the internet to buy their cars, making selling your car online a viable and attractive option. Whether you’re considering online retailers like CarMax and Carvana or platforms such as Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, selling your car online offers convenience and flexibility. You can manage the entire process, or parts of it, from your home, at your own pace. Many online car-buying sites even offer the perk of home pickup and instant payment.
» MORE: Wondering about your car’s worth? Discover its value here.
Top Online Car-Selling Platforms
Navigating the landscape of online car-selling platforms can be overwhelming. To simplify your decision, we’ve reviewed some of the top contenders, highlighting their strengths and ideal use cases.
CarMax
Ideal for Selling Cars of Any Age and Condition
CarMax stands out by purchasing cars directly from consumers across more than 40 states, regardless of age or condition. To get started, simply enter your car’s 17-digit VIN or license plate number, along with registration details, mileage, vehicle options, and any existing loan information on their website. You’ll also need to provide your ZIP code and email address and complete a brief questionnaire about your car’s condition.
CarMax’s business model involves reconditioning purchased cars for retail sale or auctioning them to wholesalers. After receiving an online appraisal, you have seven days to bring your car to a CarMax store for a physical inspection. Assuming no significant undisclosed damage is found, you’ll receive a bank draft for the quoted amount immediately. Notably, CarMax accommodates vehicles that are not fully paid off and leased vehicles (subject to leasing company policies).
» Explore our detailed review of CarMax
| Key Facts about CarMax Car Selling Platform – Offers are valid for 7 days and are non-negotiable. – Acceptance of cars with existing loans or negative equity. – Purchase of salvage title or damaged cars considered. – Mandatory vehicle inspections at CarMax store locations. Get Your CarMax Offer through NerdWallet’s Sell Your Car platform |
Peddle
Best for Selling Older, Used, or Damaged Cars Quickly
Peddle operates in all 50 states, offering a streamlined online car selling experience with free vehicle pickup. Unlike some platforms, Peddle focuses solely on direct purchases and does not facilitate trade-ins. Peddle distinguishes itself by specializing in buying older, damaged, and non-running vehicles, making it a go-to option for cars that might not be suitable for other platforms.
To sell your car to Peddle, you’ll need to provide details such as the year, make, model, trim, and mileage, along with title information (clean, salvage, or rebuilt). You’ll also answer questions about the vehicle’s condition and any damage history. Peddle typically provides an email offer within minutes.
Offers are valid for seven days. Upon acceptance, Peddle schedules a vehicle pickup at your convenience. Peddle uses professional tow truck drivers who will inspect the vehicle at pickup to verify it matches your online description. If everything checks out, the driver will issue a check or cash payment before towing the car. (Note: If the condition differs significantly from your description, Peddle may adjust the offer.)
» Read our comprehensive review of Peddle
| Key Facts about Peddle Car Selling Platform – Specializes in purchasing older, used, or damaged vehicles efficiently. – Offers are valid for 7 days and are non-negotiable for simplicity. – Free vehicle pickup service included. – Accepts salvage title and scrap cars. – Does not purchase vehicles with active loans. Find your Peddle Offer through NerdWallet’s Sell Your Car platform |
Carvana
Top Choice for Trade-Ins and Outright Car Sales
Carvana offers the flexibility to both sell your car outright and trade it in towards a new purchase. Carvana emphasizes offering its best price upfront, with a no-negotiation policy.
To receive an offer from Carvana, you’ll need to input your car’s 17-digit VIN or license plate number, mileage, vehicle options, and condition details on their website. If your car has an existing loan or lease, you’ll need to provide relevant information. You’ll also be required to upload photos of the odometer reading and driver’s licenses of all titleholders. If you own the car outright, a picture of the front and back of the paper title is needed. For leased or financed vehicles, a photo of the registration and a 10-day payoff statement from the lender are necessary.
For sellers within Carvana’s local service areas, you can choose to have your vehicle picked up or drop it off at a Carvana hub or vending machine. Home pickup might incur a fee. If you reside outside of a local Carvana market, you’ll need to transport the vehicle to a Carvana location yourself.
» Explore our in-depth review of Carvana
| Key Facts about Carvana Car Selling Platform – Offers are valid for 7 days. – Accepts leased cars and vehicles with negative equity. – Sales and trade-in prices are non-negotiable. – Free vehicle pickup is limited to local Carvana markets. |
GivemetheVIN
Excellent for Selling Motorcycles, RVs, ATVs, and More
GivemetheVIN (GMTV) specializes in purchasing vehicles directly from individuals for resale within the wholesale marketplace. Unlike some online buyers, GMTV doesn’t sell directly to consumers, so trade-ins are not an option. GMTV sets itself apart by handling a wider range of vehicle types, including motorcycles, RVs, and ATVs, expanding beyond typical passenger cars.
To sell your vehicle through GMTV, you’ll need to enter your car’s 17-digit VIN or license plate number, mileage, vehicle options, and any loan details online. You’ll also provide your ZIP code and email address and complete a short vehicle condition questionnaire.
GMTV will initially email an estimated offer range within minutes. If you’re interested in proceeding, a buyer will contact you for more detailed information about your car’s condition. You’ll be asked to upload photos of the vehicle’s exterior, interior, and engine compartment, along with photos and descriptions of any damage. The buyer will then provide a precise offer, which is negotiable but only valid for 24 hours.
Once a price is agreed upon, GMTV will send a sales contract for you to sign. GMTV will arrange vehicle pickup within 10 days, or you can opt to drop it off at a GMTV office or a Manheim auction lot. Payment is issued via check on the spot.
» Read our detailed review of GivemetheVIN
| Key Facts about GivemetheVIN Car Selling Platform – Offers are valid for 24 hours and are open to negotiation. – Free vehicle pickup service provided. – Accepts cars with existing loans or negative equity. – Purchase of salvage title or damaged cars is possible. Learn More at GivemetheVIN directly |
CarGurus
Great for Comparing Offers from Multiple Dealers Simultaneously
CarGurus facilitates direct purchases of used vehicles from consumers in 36 states and the District of Columbia through instant price bids from a network of dealerships nationwide. CarGurus is distinct because it doesn’t sell cars directly to consumers, focusing solely on connecting sellers with buyers, so trade-ins are not directly negotiated through CarGurus itself.
To sell your car, you’ll need to enter your car’s 17-digit VIN or license plate number online, along with mileage, vehicle options, and loan information. You’ll also provide your ZIP code and email address and complete a questionnaire detailing vehicle damage and overall condition. CarGurus CarOffer typically delivers a cash offer via email within minutes.
If you accept the offer, a CarGurus agent will contact you to finalize the sale details. You’ll be asked to describe any vehicle damage and upload a photo of your driver’s license, odometer, and title. Once everything is confirmed, you can schedule vehicle pickup, usually within three to ten days. CarGurus will mail you the sales contract, which you sign upon vehicle pickup. The driver will perform a visual inspection to confirm the car matches your description and then issue a check.
» Read our comprehensive review of CarGurus
| Key Facts about CarGurus Car Selling Platform – Offers are valid for 7 days or 250 additional miles driven. – Free vehicle pickup service included. – Accepts cars with existing loans or negative equity. – Does not accept salvage titles or purchase leased vehicles. |
Algo
Suited for Sellers Not Trading In and Those with Small Commercial Vehicles
To sell your car to Algo, you’ll begin by entering your car’s 17-digit VIN or license plate number, mileage, vehicle options, and any loan information. You’ll also need to provide your ZIP code, email address, and phone number and complete a brief vehicle condition questionnaire to receive an estimated value.
An Algo representative will contact you within a few hours to schedule a virtual inspection. This virtual inspection is conducted via video call and typically takes 10 to 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can choose to answer questions over the phone and upload photos. Algo will then email or call you with a decision within a couple of hours. If you receive an offer, it is valid for 24 hours.
Upon accepting an offer, you’ll be required to mail the vehicle’s title to Algo for verification. Once Algo receives the title, a representative will arrange for vehicle pickup from your home or another location of your choice. Payment is provided via check at the time of pickup.
» Read our detailed review of Algo
| Key Facts about Algo Car Selling Platform – Offers are valid for 24 hours and are non-negotiable. – Free vehicle pickup service provided. – Accepts cars with existing loans or negative equity. – Purchase of salvage title or damaged cars is possible. |
» MORE: Learn how to sell your car privately for a potentially higher return.
Alternative Options for Selling Your Car Online
While online retailers provide a streamlined approach, you might also consider platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist for reaching individual buyers directly. These platforms can offer more control over pricing and negotiation but typically require more effort in managing listings and buyer interactions.
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How to Sell Your Car Online: Step-by-Step Guide
Selling your car online involves a few key steps to ensure a smooth and successful transaction. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Determine Your Car’s Market Value. Most online car-buying platforms require you to input your car’s 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate number. You’ll also need to confirm details such as make, model, mileage, color, and operating condition.
Expect to answer detailed questions about your car’s history and condition, including accident history, flood damage, aftermarket modifications, scratches, and dents. Remember that online offers reflect what these specific buyers are willing to pay at that moment and might not always align perfectly with your car’s ideal market value. Factors like age, high mileage, mechanical issues, or a salvage title can lead to lower offers due to resale and financing challenges for these types of vehicles.
2. Decide Between Trading or Selling Outright. Many online car buyers also operate as car retailers and generally maintain that their trade-in values are consistent with their direct purchase prices. This typically means they aim for transparency and don’t significantly inflate prices after acquiring trade-ins.
3. Disclose Any Existing Loans or Leases. Many online car-buying companies, though not all, will purchase vehicles that are still financed. Some may also handle lease buyouts if permitted by the leasing company. Use an auto lease buyout calculator to assess the fairness of a buyout offer. If your outstanding loan balance exceeds the offer, you’ll need to cover the difference.
4. Provide Vehicle Photos. Some companies may request photos of your vehicle as part of the initial offer process. Alternatively, some may schedule an in-person inspection or inspect the vehicle at the time of pickup or drop-off. If the vehicle’s condition is misrepresented, the company may revise its offer. Note that photo requests or inspections might occur after you’ve accepted an initial offer.
What to Expect When Selling Your Car Online
After accepting an online offer, a representative will contact you to arrange vehicle pickup or drop-off. In most cases, associated fees are minimal. Some companies may apply a small administrative fee, which is deducted from the final offer. Sellers might also face charges if they breach a signed sales agreement.
Regarding paperwork, each company has its specific procedures for title and registration. Generally, you’ll need to upload copies of your registration, title, and driver’s license to start the process. Sales contracts, odometer statements, and power of attorney documents may be sent for electronic signature or via mail.
Payment is typically issued when the vehicle is collected, often in the form of a check or bank draft, which may require a few days to clear. Some companies offer direct deposit or even cash payments. Before handing over your car, remember to remove your license plates and all personal belongings, leaving only original vehicle accessories like the car manual, keys, and floor mats. If online offers don’t meet your expectations, consider exploring selling to individual buyers through platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I navigate selling my car online effectively?
Selling your car online can be efficiently done through platforms like Carvana or CarMax. These online platforms require you to input car details such as the license plate number, make, model, mileage, color, condition, and history. Conveniently, some online car buyers will even pick up the vehicle from your home and provide payment on the spot.
Is CarMax or Carvana the superior choice for selling my car online?
Both CarMax and Carvana present user-friendly and flexible solutions for selling your car online, often providing competitive offers. Both platforms accommodate cars with negative equity, and their offers are typically valid for seven days. However, CarMax mandates an in-person inspection at one of their locations, whereas Carvana offers fully remote sales finalization and may provide vehicle pickup services after the sale is complete.
What stands out as the best site to sell my car online given various options?
Identifying the absolute best site to sell your car online depends on your specific situation and vehicle. Platforms like Carvana, CarMax, Peddle, and GivemetheVIN are all strong contenders. The optimal choice depends on factors like your car’s condition, whether you’re considering a trade-in, and the type of vehicle you are selling. For instance, Carvana is well-suited for trade-ins and general car sales, while Peddle may be more advantageous for selling older or damaged vehicles.
About the Authors
Funto Omojola
Funto Omojola is a former credit cards writer for NerdWallet, with contributions featured in MarketWatch, Yahoo Finance, and Nasdaq. She holds a bachelor’s degree in global and international studies from Bard College.
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Karen Aho
Karen Aho is a freelance writer and editor with extensive experience covering diverse topics, including the automotive industry. She brings over 25 years of professional journalism experience.
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