More and more people are turning to the internet when it’s time to buy a new car, and this trend has significantly impacted how we sell our used vehicles too. Selling your car online offers a level of convenience and flexibility that traditional methods simply can’t match. Imagine completing much of the car-selling process from the comfort of your home, setting your own pace, and even having the buyer come to your doorstep to pick up the vehicle and hand you a check. For anyone looking to sell their car outright or understand its trade-in value, exploring the online marketplace is now a smart and efficient option.
» LEARN MORE: Understanding Your Car’s True Value
Discover the Best Platforms to Sell Your Car Online
The digital marketplace is filled with platforms vying for your used vehicle. To help you navigate this landscape, we’ve compiled a list of leading online car-selling platforms, each with its own unique strengths and focus. Whether you have a nearly new car or an older model, understanding these options is the first step to a successful online sale.
CarMax: Sell Cars of Almost Any Age and Condition
CarMax has established itself as a major player in the used car market, known for its straightforward and customer-friendly approach. They purchase vehicles directly from individuals in over 40 states, regardless of age or condition. To get the ball rolling, you can obtain an online appraisal by entering your car’s 17-digit VIN or license plate number, along with essential details like registration information, current mileage, vehicle features, and any existing loan information. You’ll also need to provide your ZIP code and email address and answer a brief questionnaire about your car’s condition.
One of CarMax’s key advantages is its willingness to buy vehicles of almost any age and condition. They recondition many of the cars they purchase for retail sale, while others are sold at auction to wholesalers. After receiving your initial online appraisal, you’ll need to schedule a visit to a CarMax store within a seven-day window for a physical vehicle inspection. Assuming there are no significant undisclosed damages, you’ll receive a bank draft for the initially quoted amount right there and then.
CarMax also simplifies the process for those still paying off their car loan or leasing their vehicle. They handle vehicles with existing loans and even leased vehicles, provided the leasing company permits sales to independent dealers at the time of transaction.
» Explore CarMax Reviews and Selling Options
| CarMax: Key Selling Points – Offers are valid for 7 days and are non-negotiable, providing price certainty. – They accept cars with existing loans or negative equity, simplifying the sale process. – CarMax purchases cars with salvage titles or some damage, broadening eligibility. – Vehicle inspections are conducted at CarMax store locations for final offer confirmation. Get Your CarMax Offer Today through NerdWallet’s Sell Your Car platform |
Peddle: Your Go-To for Selling Older or Damaged Vehicles Online
Peddle specializes in a niche within the online car selling market: older, used, or even damaged cars. Operating across all 50 states, Peddle offers a convenient service where you receive a price quote online and they arrange to pick up your vehicle for free. Unlike some platforms, Peddle focuses solely on direct purchase and does not offer trade-in options.
To initiate the selling process with Peddle, you’ll need to provide details about your vehicle, including the year, make, model, trim, and mileage. You’ll also specify whether you have the title and the type of title (clean, salvage, or rebuilt). Furthermore, you’ll answer questions regarding the vehicle’s condition and any history of damage. Peddle states that they typically provide an offer via email within minutes of submission.
The offer from Peddle remains valid for seven days. If you choose to accept, Peddle will schedule a convenient time to pick up your vehicle. They work with a network of professional tow truck drivers who will inspect your car at the pickup location to ensure it matches the description you provided online. Upon verification, the driver will issue you a check or cash payment before towing the vehicle away. It’s worth noting that if the vehicle’s condition significantly differs from your online description, Peddle may adjust their offer accordingly.
» Read Comprehensive Reviews of Peddle’s Car Selling Service
| Peddle: Key Selling Points – Specializes in purchasing older, high-mileage, or damaged vehicles, opening up options for less-than-perfect cars. – Offers are firm for 7 days and are non-negotiable, ensuring a straightforward transaction. – Vehicle pickup is free of charge, adding to the convenience of selling. – Peddle buys cars with salvage titles or scrap vehicles, catering to a broader range of conditions. – They typically do not purchase vehicles with active loans, so this is a key consideration. Get a Peddle Offer for Your Vehicle on NerdWallet’s Sell Your Car platform |
Carvana: Ideal for Both Outright Sales and Trade-Ins Online
Carvana has revolutionized the online car buying and selling experience with its user-friendly platform and even car vending machines in some locations. Carvana not only buys cars outright but also facilitates trade-ins, providing versatility for sellers. They emphasize offering their best price upfront, with a policy of no price matching or negotiation.
To get an offer from Carvana, you’ll need to enter your car’s 17-digit VIN or license plate number on their website, along with details like mileage, vehicle options, and condition. If you have an existing loan or lease, you’ll also need to provide relevant information. Carvana will also request photos, including the current odometer reading and driver’s licenses of all title and registration holders. For owned vehicles, a picture of the front and back of the paper title is required, while those with loans will need to provide a photo of the registration and a 10-day payoff statement from the lender.
For sellers within Carvana’s local service areas, you have the option of scheduling vehicle pickup or dropping it off at a Carvana hub or one of their unique vending machines. Note that home pickup might incur a fee. If you live outside a local Carvana market, vehicle pickup is not available, and you’ll be responsible for transporting the car to a Carvana location or vending machine.
» Explore Carvana’s Selling and Trade-In Services
| Carvana: Key Selling Points – Offers are valid for 7 days, giving you time to decide. – Carvana accepts leased cars and vehicles with negative equity, broadening accessibility. – They operate on a no-negotiation policy for both sales and trade-ins, ensuring price transparency. – Free vehicle pickup is limited to local Carvana markets; those outside may need to arrange drop-off. |
GivemetheVIN (GMTV): Sell More Than Just Cars Online
GivemetheVIN, often referred to as GMTV, operates as a direct buyer of vehicles from individuals, primarily for resale in the wholesale marketplace. A key differentiator for GMTV is that they focus solely on purchasing vehicles and do not sell directly to consumers, meaning trade-ins are not an option. Interestingly, GMTV expands beyond typical car purchases, also buying motorcycles, RVs, ATVs, and more, making it a versatile platform.
To sell your vehicle through GMTV, you’ll begin by entering your car’s 17-digit VIN or license plate number on their website, along with mileage, vehicle options, and any loan details. You’ll also provide your ZIP code and email address and complete a brief questionnaire about the vehicle’s condition.
GMTV will typically email an initial offer range within minutes. If you’re interested in proceeding, a buyer will contact you to gather more detailed information about your car’s condition. This stage involves uploading photos of the vehicle’s exterior, interior, and under the hood, as well as providing 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 and GMTV agree on a price, they will send a sales contract for you to sign. GMTV will arrange to pick up your vehicle within 10 days, or you can opt 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.
» Explore GivemetheVIN Reviews and Selling Options
| GivemetheVIN: Key Selling Points – Offers are valid for 24 hours and are negotiable, offering some flexibility in pricing. – Vehicle pickup is offered at no charge, adding to seller convenience. – They accept vehicles with existing loans or negative equity, simplifying transactions. – GMTV purchases cars with salvage titles or damage, expanding eligibility. Learn More and Get an Offer from GivemetheVIN |
CarGurus: Compare Offers from a Wide Network of Dealers Online
CarGurus operates differently from some online car buyers by leveraging a network of dealerships to provide competitive offers. They purchase used vehicles directly from consumers in 36 states and the District of Columbia through instant price bids from a nationwide network of car dealers. Similar to GMTV, CarGurus focuses solely on purchasing vehicles and does not sell directly to consumers, so trade-ins are not facilitated through their platform.
To sell your car with CarGurus, 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 provide your ZIP code, email address, and complete a questionnaire detailing vehicle damage and overall condition. CarGurus CarOffer will then email you a cash offer, typically within a minute or two, by leveraging their dealer network.
If you decide to accept the offer, a CarGurus agent will contact you to finalize the sale details. You’ll be asked to describe any vehicle damage in detail and upload a photo of your driver’s license, along with pictures of the car’s odometer and title. Once everything is agreed upon, you can schedule a vehicle pickup, usually within three to ten days. CarGurus will mail you the sales contract in the meantime, which you can sign when the driver arrives to pick up your car. At pickup, the driver will conduct a visual inspection to confirm the vehicle matches your online description before handing you a check.
» Read CarGurus Reviews and Explore Selling Options
| CarGurus: Key Selling Points – Offers are valid for 7 days or within 250 additional miles driven, whichever comes first. – Free vehicle pickup is included, enhancing convenience. – They accept vehicles with existing loans or negative equity, simplifying transactions. – CarGurus does not accept salvage titles or purchase leased vehicles, which is a limitation to consider. |
Algo: Sell Your Car Online, Including Commercial Vehicles
Algo provides a slightly different approach to online car selling with a focus on virtual inspections and a broader range of vehicle types, including small commercial vehicles. To sell your car to Algo, you’ll start by entering 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 complete a brief vehicle condition questionnaire to receive an estimated value.
Following your initial submission, someone from Algo 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 have the option to answer questions over the phone and upload photos instead. Algo will then email or call you with a decision within a couple of hours. If you receive an offer, it’s valid for 24 hours.
Upon accepting an offer from Algo, you’ll be required to mail the vehicle’s title to Algo for verification. Once they receive and verify the title, an Algo representative will schedule a vehicle pickup from your home or another location of your choosing. You will receive a check payment at the time of pickup.
» Read Algo Reviews and Selling Information
| Algo: Key Selling Points – Offers are valid for 24 hours and are non-negotiable, providing a quick decision timeframe. – Free vehicle pickup is included in their service. – Algo accepts vehicles with existing loans or negative equity, simplifying the selling process. – They purchase cars with salvage titles or damage, accommodating a variety of vehicle conditions. |
» EXPLORE MORE OPTIONS: Learn How to Sell Your Car Privately
Alternative Online Avenues for Selling Your Car
Ready to explore your selling options? Get offers now.
Don’t have your license plate or VIN handy? No problem! Most platforms offer alternative ways to start the process.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Sell Your Car Online Effectively
1. Determine Your Car’s Market Value. The first crucial step in selling your car online is to understand its current market value. Most online car-buying platforms will require you to input your car’s 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate number. This allows them to quickly access vehicle details such as make, model, year, and trim. You’ll then need to confirm information like mileage, color, and overall operating condition.
Beyond basic details, you’ll typically be asked to answer specific questions about your car’s history and condition. This may include inquiries about accidents, flood damage, aftermarket modifications, and any existing scratches or dents. It’s important to remember that offers from online retailers are reflections of what they are currently willing to pay, which might not always align perfectly with your car’s perceived market value. Factors like vehicle age, high mileage, mechanical issues, or a salvage title can lead to lower offers, as these vehicles may be harder to resell or finance.
2. Decide Between Selling Outright or Trading In. Consider your objectives. Most online car buyers also operate as online car dealerships, selling vehicles directly to consumers. Many state that their trade-in values are consistent with their purchase offers, meaning they aim for transparent pricing whether you’re just selling or trading in. Understanding this can help you align your selling strategy with your purchasing plans.
3. Be Transparent About Loans and Leases. If you still have an outstanding loan or lease on your vehicle, it’s important to address this upfront. Many, but not all, online car-buying companies are willing to purchase vehicles that are not yet fully paid off. Some may even facilitate lease buyouts if permitted by the manufacturer. Utilize an auto lease buyout calculator to assess the fairness of a lease buyout offer. Keep in mind that if your outstanding loan or lease balance exceeds the offer you receive, you will need to cover the difference.
4. Provide Detailed Vehicle Photos. Visual documentation is a critical part of selling your car online. While some companies may arrange in-person inspections, many rely on photos to assess vehicle condition, at least initially. Some platforms may request photos upfront, while others may wait until you’ve accepted an initial offer. Be prepared to provide clear and comprehensive photos of your vehicle’s interior, exterior, odometer reading, and any areas of damage. Accurate visual representation helps ensure the offer remains consistent throughout the process. If the vehicle’s condition upon physical inspection is significantly worse than represented in your description and photos, the company may revise their offer.
What Happens After You Sell Your Car Online?
Once you accept an online offer, a representative from the car-buying platform will typically reach out via email or phone to coordinate the next steps. This usually involves scheduling a vehicle pickup from your home or arranging for you to drop it off at a designated location. In most cases, associated fees are minimal. Some companies might charge a small administrative fee, which is typically deducted from the final offer price. Be aware that sellers might also incur charges if they back out of a signed sales agreement after accepting an offer.
Regarding paperwork, each company has its own procedures for handling title and registration. Generally, you can expect to upload digital copies of your registration, title, and driver’s license to initiate the process. Sales contracts, odometer disclosure statements, and power of attorney forms may be sent for electronic signature or via overnight mail, depending on the platform’s processes and your location.
Payment is usually provided when the company takes possession of the vehicle. Most commonly, this is in the form of a check or a bank draft, which may require a few business days to clear. Some platforms are beginning to offer payment via direct deposit or even cash in certain situations. Before releasing your car, remember to remove your license plates and clear out all personal belongings, leaving only the items that originally came with the car, such as the owner’s manual, keys, and floor mats. If online offers don’t meet your expectations, consider exploring platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist for direct sales to other consumers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Selling Cars Online
How do I initiate selling my car online?
Selling your car online is straightforward with platforms like Carvana or CarMax. These online retailers require you to enter details about your car, such as the license plate number, make, model, mileage, color, condition, and history. Many online car-buying services also offer home pickup and immediate payment upon vehicle collection.
Comparing CarMax and Carvana: Which is better for selling?
Both CarMax and Carvana provide convenient and flexible online car selling experiences and aim to give competitive offers. Both accept cars with negative equity, and their offers are typically valid for seven days. However, CarMax requires a physical inspection at one of their locations, while Carvana offers a more remote process and may provide vehicle pickup post-sale.
What is the top-rated website for selling my car online?
There isn’t a single “best” site, as the ideal platform depends on individual circumstances, including vehicle condition, trade-in needs, and the type of vehicle being sold. Leading platforms include Carvana, CarMax, Peddle, and others. For example, Carvana might be well-suited for trade-ins and general sales, while Peddle could be a better option for older or damaged vehicles.
About the Authors
Funto Omojola
Funto Omojola is a former credit cards writer for NerdWallet, bringing financial expertise to automotive topics. Her work has appeared in MarketWatch, Yahoo Finance, and Nasdaq, among other reputable publications. Funto holds a bachelor’s degree in global and international studies from Bard College.
Learn More About Funto Omojola’s Expertise
Karen Aho
Karen Aho is a seasoned freelance writer and editor with extensive experience covering diverse topics, including the automotive industry. With over 25 years in professional journalism, Karen provides in-depth and reliable insights.
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