Our reviewers evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.
Wednesday, September 11th
There are lots of options for selling used cars if your vehicle is in great shape, but CarVIO goes the extra mile (pun intended): even if you're trying to sell something that barely rolls down the driveway or doesn't start at all, they'll make you an offer. There's no fee for using this service, and they'll also arrange for pick-up. Despite an unimpressive "C-" from the BBB, CarVIO has thousands of clients who say they were able to get a great cash offer and a transaction that was seamless from start to finish.
CarGurus provides two ways to sell cars: through an instant cash offer (in 20+ states) and private listings. The site is easy to use either way, and the BBB gives this company its highest rating. Consumer feedback isn't as enthusiastic, though: with both cash offers and DIY listings, some people have had a not-great experience. You may want to check out CarGurus' higher-ranked rivals and then compare with what you can get here.
Gone are the days of newspaper classifieds and putting a "for sale" sign in the dashboard window: most people today sell their cars online. It's usually easy, often fast, and there are lots of tools to help you set a competitive asking price. Generally speaking, you'll choose between two different methods of selling your car: getting a cash offer from a dealership (either online-only or one with a brick-and-mortar location near you) or creating a listing to sell it privately - like those newspaper ads but digital.
Which one is right for you? That depends. Cash offers often eliminate a lot of hassle: you don't have to screen prospective buyers, set up multiple appointments with interested customers, or verify the authenticity of their payment method. Many of the online-only services will pick up the vehicle at no charge, from any address you specify.
Of course, that convenience may cost you. Not every service with cash offers will take cars in any condition, and you may get more money for your car with a private buyer. After all, they're trying to avoid the markup that always happens after a dealership buys a used car and puts it on their lot, so you might be able to meet in the middle and start at a higher asking price. Many people selling cars try both at the same time: shopping around for the best cash offer while testing the waters with a private listing. It's up to you.
What will you need to sell your car? Either route you choose, you'll almost always need current, valid registration papers; any available key fobs/remotes and manuals; valid state-issued photo ID; and, typically, anyone named as an owner on the title needs to be present at the time of sale. Are you required to have a paper title in hand? That depends on the state where you live and the terms of the car-selling service you select.
There are quite a few sites out there for selling cars. Which one is the best for you? Keep these criteria in mind to help you decide:
To help you choose the right platform for selling your car, TopConsumerReviews.com has evaluated and ranked the most popular services currently available online. We hope this information makes it possible for you to sell your car quickly and get the most possible cash out of the deal!
Select any 2 Car Selling Sites to compare them head to head