Where to Sell Your Car Online: Top Platforms and Expert Tips

More and more Americans are choosing the internet to buy their vehicles, which naturally makes selling your car online a smart and increasingly popular choice. Whether you’re considering selling to online giants like CarMax and Carvana, or exploring platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, the digital route offers compelling advantages for sellers looking to sell their car outright or understand its trade-in value.

The primary appeal of selling your car online lies in its convenience and flexibility. You gain the freedom to manage much, or even all, of the selling process from the comfort of your home, at a pace that suits your schedule. Many online car-buying platforms now extend their service to include home pickup, where they will come to your location, inspect the vehicle, and provide you with a payment on the spot.

» LEARN MORE: What’s Your Car Really Worth? Find Out Now

Top Online Platforms to Sell Your Car

Navigating the online car selling landscape can be overwhelming, but several platforms stand out for their reliability, ease of use, and competitive offers. Here’s a breakdown of some of the leading options:

CarMax

Best for Selling Cars of Any Age and Condition

CarMax has established itself as a reputable buyer in the used car market, operating in over 40 states. They purchase vehicles of all ages, from nearly new to older models, and cater to a wide range of conditions. To get started with CarMax, you can easily obtain an online appraisal by entering your car’s 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate number on their website. Alongside this, you’ll need to provide registration details, current mileage, vehicle options, and any existing loan information. CarMax also requires your ZIP code and email address, and you’ll complete a brief questionnaire detailing your vehicle’s condition.

CarMax’s business model involves reconditioning purchased cars for retail sale or selling them through wholesale auctions. After receiving your initial online quote, you’ll need to schedule an in-person inspection at a CarMax store within seven days. This step is crucial to verify the condition of your vehicle. Assuming there are no significant discrepancies or undisclosed damage, CarMax will issue a bank draft for the amount quoted, right then and there.

A significant advantage of CarMax is their willingness to purchase vehicles that are not fully paid off and even leased vehicles, provided the leasing company permits sales to independent dealers at the time of sale.

» Discover what customers are saying in this detailed review of CarMax

Peddle

Top Choice for Selling Older or Damaged Vehicles Online

Peddle operates across all 50 states and distinguishes itself by specializing in purchasing older, high-mileage, damaged, and even non-running vehicles. Unlike some platforms, Peddle focuses solely on direct purchases and does not offer trade-in options. However, their niche in accepting cars in less-than-perfect condition makes them a valuable resource for sellers.

To initiate the selling process with Peddle, you’ll need to input your vehicle’s year, make, model, trim, and mileage. You’ll also specify whether you have the title and its type (clean, salvage, or rebuilt). Transparency about your car’s condition is essential, and you’ll be asked to answer questions about any damage history. Peddle states they typically provide an online offer via email within minutes of submission.

Offers from Peddle are valid for seven days. If you decide to accept, Peddle will coordinate a vehicle pickup time. They work with professional tow truck operators who will conduct a brief inspection at the pickup to confirm the vehicle matches your online description. Upon verification, the driver will provide you with a check or cash payment before towing away the vehicle. It’s worth noting that if the condition significantly differs from your description, Peddle may adjust their offer accordingly.

» Read more in this comprehensive review of Peddle’s car selling service

Carvana

Ideal for Both Trade-Ins and Outright Car Sales Online

Carvana stands out as a prominent online car retailer that both buys cars outright and accepts trade-ins, providing sellers with flexible options. Carvana emphasizes a straightforward, no-negotiation approach, stating they offer their best price upfront and do not engage in price matching or haggling.

To receive an offer from Carvana, you’ll need to provide your car’s 17-digit VIN or license plate number, current mileage, vehicle options, and condition details through their website. If your vehicle has an existing loan or lease, you’ll also need to provide relevant information about it. Carvana requires you to upload photos of the odometer reading, driver’s licenses of all titleholders, and, depending on your ownership status, images of your paper title or loan payoff statement.

For sellers within Carvana’s local service areas, you have the option to schedule either home vehicle pickup or drop-off at a Carvana hub or one of their signature vending machines. Be aware that home pickup may incur a fee. If you are located outside a local Carvana market, home pickup is not available, and you will be responsible for transporting your vehicle to a designated Carvana location or vending machine.

» Explore user experiences and service details in this review of Carvana’s car selling process

GivemetheVIN

Great for Selling Motorcycles, RVs, and ATVs Online

GivemetheVIN (GMTV) offers a unique approach as they buy vehicles directly from individuals for resale in the wholesale marketplace. Unlike platforms that also sell directly to consumers, GMTV focuses solely on purchasing, which means trade-ins are not an option. This model allows them to specialize in a broader range of vehicle types, including motorcycles, RVs, and ATVs, in addition to standard cars and trucks.

To sell your vehicle to GMTV, you’ll start by entering your car’s 17-digit VIN or license plate number on their website, along with the mileage, vehicle options, and any loan details. You’ll also provide your ZIP code and email address and answer a brief questionnaire about the vehicle’s condition.

GMTV typically emails an initial offer range within minutes. If you are interested in proceeding, a buyer will contact you to gather more detailed information about your car’s condition. You’ll be asked to upload photos of the vehicle’s exterior, interior, and under the hood, as well as images and descriptions of any damage. The buyer will then provide a precise offer, which is negotiable but only valid for 24 hours.

Once you agree on a price, GMTV will send a sales contract for you to sign. They will arrange vehicle pickup within 10 days, or you can choose to drop it off at a GMTV office or a Manheim auction lot. Payment is typically issued as a check upon vehicle pickup or drop-off.

» Learn more about the process and customer feedback in this review of GivemetheVIN

CarGurus

Excellent for Comparing Offers from Multiple Dealers Online

CarGurus provides a platform that aggregates instant price bids from a nationwide network of car dealers, offering a competitive marketplace to sell your used vehicle. They operate in 36 states and the District of Columbia, directly purchasing vehicles from consumers. Similar to GivemetheVIN, CarGurus does not sell cars directly to consumers, so trade-ins are not part of their service.

To use CarGurus to sell your car, you’ll need to enter your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN or license plate number on their website, along with mileage, vehicle options, and any loan information. You’ll also provide your ZIP code and email address and complete a questionnaire detailing vehicle condition and any damage. CarGurus CarOffer typically sends a cash offer via email within minutes.

If you accept the offer, a CarGurus agent will contact you to finalize the sale details. You will be asked to describe any vehicle damage and upload a photo of your driver’s license, odometer, and title. Once all details are confirmed, you can schedule a vehicle pickup, typically within three to ten days. CarGurus will mail you a sales contract to sign, which you can complete when the car is picked up. At pickup, the driver will conduct a visual inspection to ensure the vehicle matches your online description before handing over a check.

» Discover user reviews and platform specifics in this review of CarGurus

Algo

Best for Straightforward Sales and Selling Small Commercial Vehicles Online

Algo offers a streamlined process for selling your car online, particularly suitable for those who are not interested in trade-ins and may have small commercial vehicles to sell. To begin with Algo, you’ll need to enter your car’s 17-digit VIN or license plate number, mileage, vehicle options, and any loan information on their website. You’ll also need to provide your ZIP code, email address, and phone number and fill out a brief vehicle condition questionnaire to get an estimated value.

After submitting your initial information, an Algo representative will contact you within a few hours to arrange a virtual inspection. This 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. Offers from Algo are valid for 24 hours and are non-negotiable.

If you decide to accept Algo’s offer, you’ll be required to mail your vehicle’s title to Algo for verification. Once they receive and verify the title, a representative will schedule a vehicle pickup from your home or another location of your choice. Payment is provided as a check at the time of pickup.

» Get insights into the selling experience and platform features in this review of Algo

» EXPLORE MORE OPTIONS: Considering selling your car yourself? Here’s a step-by-step guide

Alternative Online Options for Selling Your Car

While dedicated online car buying platforms offer convenience, don’t overlook alternative online marketplaces. Websites like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist can provide platforms to reach individual buyers directly, potentially yielding a higher selling price, though they often require more effort and direct interaction from the seller.

How to Sell Your Car Online: Step-by-Step

Selling your car online involves a structured process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to navigate it effectively:

1. Determine Your Car’s Value Online: The first step is to understand your car’s market value. Most online car-buying platforms require you to input your car’s 17-digit VIN or license plate number, along with details like make, model, mileage, color, and operating condition.

You’ll also typically need to answer detailed questions about the car’s history and condition, such as accident history, flood damage, aftermarket modifications, and any existing scratches or dents. Keep in mind that online offers are reflections of what these specific buyers are willing to pay at that moment and may not always align perfectly with your car’s ideal market value. Factors like vehicle age, high mileage, mechanical issues, or a salvage title can lead to lower offers, as these vehicles can be harder to resell or finance.

2. Decide Between Selling Outright or Trading In: Consider your selling goals. Most online car buyers also operate as retailers and clarify that their trade-in prices are generally consistent with their purchase prices. This transparency means you’re unlikely to be offered significantly less if you’re trading in versus selling outright.

3. Disclose Any Existing Loans or Leases: Transparency about any current financial obligations is crucial. Many online car-buying companies are equipped to handle vehicles with outstanding loans, and some may even facilitate lease buyouts if permitted by the leasing company. Use an auto lease buyout calculator to assess the fairness of a lease buyout offer. If your loan balance exceeds the offer, you will need to cover the difference.

4. Provide Vehicle Photos if Requested: Some platforms may request photos of your vehicle to assess its condition. Alternatively, some companies might schedule an in-person inspection or conduct one upon vehicle pickup. It’s important to provide accurate representations of your car’s condition, as discrepancies can lead to a revised offer. Note that photo requests or inspections may occur after you’ve accepted an initial offer.

What to Expect After You Accept an Online Offer

Once you’ve accepted an offer from an online car buyer, the next steps are generally straightforward. A company representative will contact you, typically via email or phone, to arrange a convenient time for vehicle pickup at your home or to coordinate a drop-off at a designated location. In most cases, associated fees are minimal. Some companies might charge a small administrative fee, which is usually deducted from the final offer price. Sellers may also incur charges if they breach a signed sale agreement.

Regarding paperwork, each company has its specific procedures for handling title and registration. Expect to upload digital copies of your registration, title, and driver’s license to initiate the process. Sales contracts, odometer statements, and power of attorney documents may be sent for electronic signature or via overnight mail.

Payment is usually provided when the vehicle is collected, often in the form of a check or bank draft, which may require a few business days to clear. Some buyers may offer payment via direct deposit or even cash. Before releasing your car, remember to remove your license plates, clear out all personal belongings, and leave only the items that were originally included with the vehicle, such as the owner’s 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 About Selling Cars Online

How can I effectively sell my car online?

Selling your car online can be efficiently done through platforms like Carvana or CarMax. These online retailers require you to enter specifics about your car, such as its license plate number, make, model, mileage, condition, and history. Many online car-buying services also offer the convenience of home pickup and immediate payment upon inspection.

Is CarMax or Carvana a better choice for selling my car?

Both CarMax and Carvana provide user-friendly and efficient online platforms for selling your car and obtaining competitive offers. Both accept vehicles with negative equity, and their offers are typically valid for seven days. However, CarMax requires sellers to bring their vehicles to a physical location for inspection, while Carvana provides options for remote sales finalization and vehicle pickup after the sale, offering added convenience.

What is the best platform to sell my car online through?

The optimal platform for selling your car online often depends on various factors, including the condition of your car, whether you’re considering a trade-in, and the type of vehicle you are selling. Leading platforms include Carvana, CarMax, Peddle, and others, each with unique strengths. For instance, Carvana is well-suited for trade-ins and general car sales, whereas Peddle specializes in older or damaged vehicles. Evaluating your specific needs and vehicle characteristics will guide you to the best choice.

About the Authors

Funto Omojola

Funto Omojola is a former credit cards writer for NerdWallet. Her work has been featured in MarketWatch, Yahoo Finance and Nasdaq, among others. Funto earned a bachelor’s degree in global and international studies from Bard College.