The Best Car Selling Sites

Saturday, March 22nd

2025 Car Selling Site Reviews

We Buy Any Car

• Sell directly to We Buy Any Car
• Buys cars in any condition
• Email estimate
• Final offer after inspection
• Payment as soon as they take your car
• Payment with check or online transfer
• "A+" rated and accredited by the BBB

We Buy Any Car is a family-owned business that has been buying used vehicles from the public since 1951. As a straightforward and transparent service, you won't have to worry about being pressured to trade in your car for one you can't afford or haggling on the amount offered. When you sell your car through We Buy Any Car, you'll receive a fair and accurate evaluation of your vehicle's value, and you'll get paid on the same day.

Sell directly to We Buy Any Car

The process of selling your car with We Buy Any Car starts with an instant online valuation. Simply enter the year, make, and model of your car, and select any applicable trim levels or features from the dropdown boxes. You'll also need to indicate whether your car has ever been in an accident or currently has cosmetic or mechanical issues, provide your mileage and contact information, and then click to see your valuation. Depending on what you entered, you may have additional questions to answer. All of the sales at We Buy Any Car are directly to the company. Private listings aren't an option, but you can still expect fair prices.

Quick inspection before complete offer

You'll need to wait for an email or a text to see your preliminary valuation. If you like the price you see, your next step is to select the branch nearest you and set up an appointment for a visit. In the past, We Buy Any Car allowed walk-ins, but they currently operate by appointment only. When you bring your car in, a representative will perform an on-site inspection - which you're welcome to participate in - and possibly take it for a short test drive. This will be used to make a firm, no-obligation offer on your car. If you choose to accept the offer and your paperwork is in order, you can leave with a check. The entire process typically takes between 30-60 minutes.

You may not have a location in your state

While We Buy Any Car is generally an excellent choice for selling cars, there are a couple of drawbacks to consider. First, they don't offer a vehicle pickup service - you'll need to bring your car to one of their physical locations. However, some customers have mentioned "mobile assessments" in their reviews, which is where the assessor comes to you. Second, We Buy Any Car only has offices in 16 states: Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Before using their service, make sure to check their website for a location near you using the "Find Your Nearest Branch" option.

Paid with check or transfer

When you sell your car through We Buy Any Car, you'll receive a corporate check that can be deposited directly into your bank account or cashed at your local bank branch. The company also provides electronic payment options for an additional fee. If you have any questions about payment, you'll need to talk to your local We Buy Any Car office directly.

Top scores and top prices

At first glance, We Buy Any Car might seem like a fly-by-night operation with cheesy radio ads and a basic-looking website. However, don't let that initial impression deter you from considering this service. After digging deeper into their reputation, we were pleasantly surprised to find that they have an "A+" rating and accreditation with the Better Business Bureau, with only five complaints in the last three years. The company has also earned over 22,000 five-star ratings from satisfied customers who describe their experience as fair, accurate, and honest. Many reviewers even report getting a higher offer for their vehicle through We Buy Any Car than they got from a dealership.

Top pick for best value

If you're lucky enough to live in one of the areas where We Buy Any Car has a presence, we highly recommend giving them a try when selling your used car. They have an excellent reputation and enthusiastic customers who rave about their experience. Selling your car through We Buy Any Car is often the easiest way to get top dollar for your vehicle. With its straightforward process and fair evaluations, We Buy Any Car earns our highest rating.

CarVIO

• Sell directly to CarVIO
• Buys cars in any condition
• Instant offer
• Vehicle drop off
• Payment as soon as they take your car
• "A+" rated and accredited by the BBB

CarVIO is a US-based technology company that strives to make the car-selling process as straightforward as possible. Known for promising to buy any car in any condition, you may find CarVIO one of the easiest places to sell your car whether you have a 1994 Honda Civic with cosmetic damage or a vehicle with only a few thousand miles on it. The best part? CarVIO will pick up your car so you don't have to worry about driving it into a dealership, and you'll get paid right away.

Quick and easy offers

You can easily get started by filling out a short online form that describes your car's condition, and then receive a no-haggle offer within 24 hours. This offer will be sent to you promptly, and you can schedule a pick-up or drop-off at a time that suits you best. The offer will be locked in for 7 days, giving you time to make a decision or field other offers if necessary. The simplicity of this process is unmatched, making it an attractive option for those looking to sell their vehicles quickly and easily. However, keep in mind that there is no private selling on CarVIO; this is a direct offer only.

Pickup within 48 hours

Once you accept CarVIO's offer, it's time to prepare your car for pick-up or drop-off. This involves clearing out your belongings, removing the license plates, and keeping an eye out for contact from the local company driver who will be assigned to pick up your car. You can also drive your car in (if it's drivable) to one of their locations if you want to get rid of your car faster. Otherwise, pickup will be scheduled within 48 hours. If you live in one of the nine states where notarized titles are required (Arizona, Kentucky, Louisiana, Montana, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania), make sure to have everything in order before the pick-up date.

Any car in any condition

What sets CarVIO apart is its willingness to accept vehicles in any condition. Whether your car has a salvage title, high mileage, or has failed an emissions test, CarVIO will still make you an offer. Unlike other services that may require a 150-point inspection or charge fees for certain conditions, CarVIO doesn't discriminate based on your car's condition. This means that you can sell your vehicle without worrying about its imperfections.

Unclear what payment method is used

There is one drawback for CarVIO and that's payment transparency. While the company promises to pay as soon as they take possession of your vehicle, it is unclear from any part of the CarVIO website what method is used to pay you. We would love to see more details regarding whether the payment is through check or bank transfer. To get clear details, make sure you ask about payment during the quote process.

Better prices even for damaged vehicles

CarVIO claims to be an accredited business with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and this is 100% correct. During our research, we found that CarVIO has an "A+" rating with the BBB and an average rating of 4.2 stars from reviewers. Customer feedback is surprisingly positive on other platforms as well. Out of over 7,000 reviews on Trustpilot, 75% of customers gave CarVIO a perfect five-star rating. Many of these satisfied customers praised the service for providing more money than they expected or what they could get from local junkyards or private sales.

Best site to sell older cars

CarVIO is doing a great job of keeping customers happy with its transparent processes and decent cash offers on used cars in all conditions. If you have a car that's not in top shape, CarVIO might be your best bet for getting rid of it quickly and hassle-free. If you're looking to sell a car that's older or may have mechanical or cosmetic issues, CarVIO is the top place to start selling.

Wheelzy

• Sell directly to Wheelzy
• Buys cars in any condition
• Call for price estimate
• Same-day sales
• Payment as soon as they take your car
• Payment with check or cash
• 4.7-star average rating

Wheelzy is a newer company on the block for helping you sell your car. In business since 2020, Wheelzy offers a range of promises of top cash offers and a network of over 200,000 satisfied customers. You won't have to worry about piles of paperwork or trips to the DMV, as Wheelzy's paperwork services are free when you sell your car to them. With a nationwide presence, they buy cars for cash across the country, from coast to coast, and can provide instant cash for your vehicle with just one simple phone call.

No listings - just sell directly to Wheelzy

Like many other sites in our review, Wheelzy is a direct buyer for cars. Instead of offering the opportunity for private listings, you just give Wheelzy the relevant details about your car and they'll send you an offer. The process is quick and easy and there's no dealing with dealerships, who often negotiate prices or unfairly raise trade-in values. You're working directly with Wheelzy, and they'll come pick up the car from you too.

Prices are low but it's easy to use

When selling your vehicle, Wheelzy is a great option to consider, regardless of the condition of your car. You can get an offer regardless of any minor flaws or imperfections, which is perfect for those feeling frustrated with constant repairs. Once you submit your information, a representative from the company will contact you by phone to discuss the cash offer. There isn't currently a way to get an online offer or an email offer, which feels oddly old-fashioned for a brand-new company. While some customers report that the payments may be lower than expected, with some offers around $1,000 less than the Kelley Blue Book value, Wheelzy makes up for this with additional perks, such as free towing.

Cash or cashier check for payment

When you sell your car to Wheelzy, you can expect a hassle-free experience. The company usually provides a cashier's check, which can be cashed immediately. In some cases, they may also offer cash payments, depending on the area you're in. When selling your car to Wheelzy, you'll never have to worry about paying any fees - the company takes care of everything, covering dealer sale fees, title transfer fees, and car removal fees, so you can walk away with a smooth transaction.

A favorite on Trustpilot

Wheelzy has a pretty solid reputation. It shows an almost perfect 4.6 out of 5-star average on the Better Business Bureau along with a decent "B-'' rating overall. Trustpilot also shows Wheelzy as a trustworthy favorite with an average rating of 4.7 stars out of 5 across nearly 50,000 individual seller reviews. There is significant praise for how easy Wheelzy is to sell to. Some transactions were completed in under 2 hours and the car was gone. In general, customers agree prices can be a little low, but most also agree that those lower prices are fair for the condition of the car. Overall, it stands out as a great option if you want to sell your car ASAP.

Top spot for quick sales

Wheelzy comes out as a surprising favorite. Even though you have to wait for a call to get a quote, the company is running a stellar operation. It's 100% hands-off so you can sell your car and Wheelzy handles the rest. Plus, it's the top spot if you want to sell your car and get it off your property right away. Given its large number of benefits, Wheelzy earns an excellent rating in our review.

Car Gurus

• $4.95 to list your car for sale
• Instant Max Cash Offer
• Paperwork assistance
• Vehicle drop-off for dealerships
• Free vehicle history report included in your ad
• Payment via direct deposit or check
• "A+" rated and accredited by the BBB

When you're looking to sell your ride, consider giving CarGurus a try. Founded by the same person as TripAdvisor, this online car marketplace has grown into one of the most popular in the US since its launch in 2006. The site uses advanced analytics to provide buyers with detailed information about a car's value that you can also use to help sell your vehicle. CarGurus is also a valuable resource for all your car-related needs. The Research tab offers valuable tools like Test Drive Reviews, Price Trends, Tips & Advice, and General Information, giving potential buyers a sense of security as they explore your listing on CarGurus.

List privately or get a dealership offer

CarGurus offers two ways to sell your car: Instant Max Cash Offer or private listing. If you live in one of the 22 states (plus Washington DC) where cash offers are available, you'll enter basic information about your car, such as plate or VIN, mileage, condition, and more. CarGurus will then source offers from various dealers and send you the best one; that offer is valid for seven days or an additional 250 miles over what you entered in the questionnaire.

Quicker turnaround with a dealership

If you decide to go with a dealership, you can expect to get paid in just 7 days. You'll also have the advantage of choosing the best offer without having to negotiate with individual buyers. Plus, CarGurus will handle the hassle-free handoff to the dealership, saving you time and effort by coordinating the drop-off and transfer of ownership. If you accept the dealership's offer, you'll need to upload documents proving ownership of the vehicle and schedule a pickup date and time.

Easy to set up your listing

If you prefer to list and sell your car privately, CarGurus charges just $4.95 for the listing. When you sell your car through a private exchange, it can take up to 20 days to find the right buyer and finalize the sale. The service offers pricing guidance, verified buyers, paperwork assistance, and a secure payment method. Conveniently, CarGurus allows you to carry over information from the Instant Max Cash process to the listing section; just click on the area that lets you start where you left off instead of creating a new vehicle entry. All you need to do is set the price and enter a brief description. Unfortunately, there's no option to upload photos here.

Get paid via direct deposit or check

When you sell your car through CarGurus, you have the flexibility to select how you want to receive your payment. You can choose between receiving a check at the time of pickup or opting for a direct deposit, which will be credited to your account on the same day as pickup.

Sellers are mostly happy with the process

User feedback about CarGurus is mixed. On one hand, CarGurus has earned an impressive "A+" accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, with a remarkably low number of complaints in the past year. While some reviewers have left feedback regarding vehicle listings, most buyers have reported a positive experience when shopping through CarGurus. On Trustpilot, the company receives an average rating of 3.9 stars. In general, sellers say that the sale process is quick and honest, though sometimes the UI can be a little "clunky”.

A good option, but could have better ratings

CarGurus has some positive aspects. It's nice to have two options for selling cars - dealership instant offer and private listing - and there's no reason why you can't do both if you live where cash offers are available. We also love that CarGurus will come and take your car from your driveway, eliminating the need for a trip to the dealership. However, the reviews show only slightly higher than average approval (though CarGurus has positive feedback overall). For this reason, it earns a slightly lower ranking than our top competitors. We recommend trying out CarGurus but comparing it with our higher-ranked car-selling services first.

AutoTrader

• $49 to list your car for sale
• KBB Instant Cash Offer
• Include up to 30 photos at no extra charge
• No-cost ad renewals every 30 days for up to a year
• Free vehicle history report included in your ad
• Payment via Stripe in 1-2 business days
• "A+" rated and accredited by the BBB

Whether you're in the market for selling or buying a new set of wheels, Autotrader is a great place to start your search. This popular automotive website brings together vehicles from dealers and private sellers, making it a great platform to sell directly to dealers or create private listings. Every month, millions of people visit Autotrader to research, buy, or sell a car, providing a huge potential customer base if you're looking to get a fair price for your vehicle.

Get instant offers or list privately

Autotrader offers two ways to sell your car: you can get an instant offer from a participating dealer or list your car privately on Autotrader's platform starting at a $49 fee. The instant quote route is the fastest way to sell your car - simply enter your license plate or VIN, provide details about your vehicle's condition, and receive cash or trade-in credit offers from a nearby dealer. These offers are valid for seven days, after which you'll need to bring your car to the dealer for an inspection to verify the information provided during the quote process. You then have one day to redeem the cash offer.

Dealership's prices are guaranteed

If you're worried about getting a quote and then dealers changing the price later, don't be. Any dealership that participates in this program is required to honor the instant cash offer unless they find that you misrepresented your vehicle's condition or drove more than 50 miles after the inspection. This way, you won't face any surprises when trying to sell your car to a dealership through Autotrader.

Lots of listing tools + KBB

While Autotrader is well-known for its private listing service, it does come with a fee of $49. However, you can renew your ad at no charge every 30 days for up to a year if it takes that long to sell your car. Your ad will be listed on both Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book, exposing it to millions of active shoppers. You'll have the ability to include up to 30 photos and receive a free vehicle history report. You'll also have access to the KBB Private Party Value tool, which helps you determine a fair price for your vehicle. When potential buyers contact you through the contact form on your ad, Autotrader will forward their information to the email address you specify, keeping your identity anonymous until you choose to respond.

Autotrader manages secure payments through any method

When you sell your car through Autotrader's Private Seller Exchange, you can rest assured that the transaction will be secure and hassle-free. The company charges a small fee of 0.99% (as little as $99) of the final sale price. The platform offers financing options to buyers. It also handles secure payment through the Stripe platform and title transfer, accepting various payment methods such as wire transfer, ACH electronic payment transfer, debit card, or credit card. The company verifies funds instantly for cash payments via ACH or CC, while wire transfers take 2-48 hours to verify. Once a buyer is approved, the company may request additional information to complete the sale, which typically takes 1-2 business days. Regardless of the buyer's payment method, you'll receive your payment promptly.

Reviewers are happier with instant offers

Although Autotrader has an impressive "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau and accreditation, we found mixed reviews outside of the BBB. Many people who have sold cars through Autotrader reported receiving an overwhelming number of spam and scam emails after posting their listings, making it difficult to find legitimate buyers. This has led many people to describe their experience as a waste of time and money. The positive reviews usually revolve around the speed and fairness of instant cash offers from dealerships, so that may be a more recommended route.

A competitive option for instant cash

We appreciate that Autotrader offers both options - instant quotes and private listings - giving you control over how you want to sell your car. The company has been around for a long time and has a good reputation with the BBB. However, we do have concerns about the self-listing part of the site due to negative user experiences. We recommend exercising caution when using this feature and considering the instant cash offer as an alternative.

CarMax

• Sell directly to CarMax
• Payment at time of drop off
• Free KBB price comparison
• Payment via bank draft
• "A+" rated and accredited by the BBB

You're likely familiar with CarMax, a prominent used car retailer in the United States. The company operates in two main areas: Sales Operations and Auto Finance. Founded in Richmond, Virginia as a spin-off of Circuit City, CarMax is renowned for its "no-haggle" pricing policy, making car buying and selling a straightforward and stress-free process. While they might not give you a great offer for a car in poor condition, they are a good option for many sellers.

You may need to go in person for an estimate

When you enter your car's details on CarMax's website, you'll get an instant quote for most cars. This is because CarMax uses the vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate to retrieve the necessary information. Remember, you're selling directly to CarMax, so private listings won't be an option. CarMax is like a near-relative to a regular dealership. However, our experience showed that some cars may require a visit to a CarMax location for a more accurate assessment. On the other hand, other car-selling websites were able to provide an estimate without needing to see the car ever, which raised some questions about CarMax's process.

Get paid as soon as you drop off the car

If you like the offer you receive, you can schedule an appointment at a CarMax location that's convenient for you. The offer page on their website will show you the Kelley Blue Book Trade-in Value for comparison purposes. If you're satisfied with the offer, you can click to save it or use the "Continue" button to book an appointment. When you arrive at the location, a representative will conduct a brief inspection so your car matches the information entered during the online appraisal process. If everything checks out, they'll pay you on the spot and you're done.

You have 7 days to decide

Not ready to let go of your car just yet? That's okay. You have seven days to redeem your offer. CarMax even provides a countdown timer on their website to remind you how much time is left (but no pressure!). Just remember that you'll need a valid state ID for anyone listed on the title, current vehicle registration, all key fobs and remotes, and either the car title or payoff information. This may vary slightly if you live in a state with electronic titling (like Florida).

Bank drafts for payment

When you sell your car to CarMax, you'll receive payment in hand on the same day. When you take your car into a local CarMax location, the company pays with a bank draft, a type of check that guarantees payment is available by the issuing bank. A bank draft must be deposited and cannot be cashed.

Low scores and some low-ball offers

When it comes to reputation, CarMax holds a high rating from the Better Business Bureau with an "A+" score. However, there's more to the story. The company's BBB page reveals over 2,000 complaints filed in the past three years. Online review sites like Trustpilot and Consumer Affairs show mixed reviews, with average ratings of 1.8 and 1.7 stars out of 5, respectively. A major downside for sellers is that CarMax's offers tend to be lower than what you'd get from other sources, especially if your vehicle isn't in top condition or if you're considering a trade-in. Many dealerships will offer more money on a trade-in because they hope to profit off of selling you a new or pre-owned car.

A good starting point for price comparisons

CarMax has many loyal customers who appreciate their no-nonsense approach and the ability to walk away with a check in hand. However, considering the mixed feedback in reviews, there are some questions about CarMax's current level of customer service. Plus, with the possibility of lower-than-average offers, you may want to shop around once you get a CarMax offer and see if you can get a better deal.

Carvana

• Sell directly to Carvana
• Payment at time of drop off
• Offers determined by data points and market value
• Payment via check or direct deposit

When looking for a hassle-free car-selling experience, Carvana is a well-known name in the industry. As one of the pioneers of online car sales, the company allows you to sell your car from the comfort of your own home.

Car vending machines

Founded in 2012, Carvana is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, and has introduced a unique concept of "car vending machines" at 28 locations nationwide. CarFax reports are included in all vehicle listings, so you can be sure that Carvana offers competitive selling tools. Plus, Carvana has relatively lenient requirements for selling them a car. As long as your vehicle is newer than 1992, its odometer is functioning, and they can safely take it for a test drive, it's eligible. This relaxed approach makes it easier to sell your car to Carvana compared to other services.

Sell directly to Carvana

The entire process of selling your car to Carvana is entirely online. You'll start by answering questions about your car, such as entering your plate or VIN. Within a few minutes, you'll receive your Carvana offer. If you're satisfied with the offer, you'll need to upload your ownership documents, select your preferred payment method, and schedule an appointment for the pickup. Carvana can collect your car from any address you choose, meet you halfway, or receive it at one of their physical locations. Like with a few other sites in our review, you'll sell your car directly to Carvana. Listing your car yourself as a private seller isn't an option with this service.

Offers determined from data

Carvana determines the amount of the offer with a range of information. When you provide details about your vehicle, such as options, accident history, and mileage, Carvana combines this information with data from service records, trusted pricing guides, and market analysis. You'll receive the strongest offer it can provide based on its analysis of your vehicle's value and current auto market conditions. You can also choose to use the price of your sold vehicle as a trade-in to buy a different car from Carvana.

Paid by check or direct deposit

When you sell your car to Carvana, you'll receive payment promptly, either when they collect the vehicle from your home or at one of their physical locations. This is a distinct advantage compared to other car-selling services that may require waiting for a bank transfer or check. Carvana will provide payment through either a printed check at the time of pickup or a direct deposit into your checking or savings account via ACH, which typically takes 2-5 business days. The process is streamlined, with just a few quick steps to confirm vehicle details and complete final sale documents, allowing you to receive payment as quickly as possible.

Mixed reviews and some legal concerns

When it comes to reviews of Carvana, opinions are mixed. On sites like Trustpilot, the average rating is 4.3 out of 5 stars, with many customers who've both bought and sold cars through Carvana reporting positive experiences. However, the Better Business Bureau's assessment is starkly different, having dropped from an "A-" rating to an "F" in recent years due to concerns about business practices. Class-action lawsuits are pending in at least three US states over alleged misconduct. Though these issues are mostly related to buying cars rather than selling, it may be worth it to use caution. The few reviews we found that focused on selling cars praise Carvana for fair pricing and a hassle-free process, while others express frustration with slow paperwork, unresponsive customer service, and lowball offers.

Worth it to get an offer

We do have concerns about Carvana's overall customer service, mainly with regards to their car-buying experience. However, there's relatively low risk involved with selling your car to them: you either accept their offer and get paid or you don't. At most, you'll waste some time if they show up for your vehicle and you change your mind. Carvana needs to make significant improvements to their customer service overall (as evident in their numerous negative reviews), pending lawsuits, and "F” BBB rating, but there's no reason why you can't explore what kind of offer they'll give you for your car and then decide what to do next.

Driveway

• Sell directly to Driveway
• Buys cars after inspection
• Vehicle drop-off or pickup
• Payment via check or direct deposit

As you explore the world of selling cars with Driveway, you'll find a convenient option that lets you get an instant quote on your vehicle from the comfort of your own home. Primarily focused on used cars, Driveway takes your car and turns it around to sell on its platform. With Driveway, you can get an online offer and have your vehicle picked up at your home or a location of your choice.

Sell directly to Driveway

This service allows you to get an online offer right away, making it a quick and easy way to sell your car. However, if you're hoping to sell privately on Driveway's platform, you may be disappointed, as this site only allows you to sell directly to them. To sell your car to Driveway, you'll begin by entering your VIN or license plate number to provide some basic information, such as the make and model of your vehicle, trim details, and mileage. Next, you'll answer questions about the condition of your vehicle. Finally, you'll provide your contact information so that a Driveway team member can reach out to you with an offer.

Wait for your quote

One drawback to the Driveway process is that you'll need to wait for a team member to contact you with an offer. Unlike some of its competitors, Driveway doesn't provide instant quotes on its website, which can be frustrating. This means you'll need to be patient and wait for a call from a Driveway representative. However, the offer will be good for 7 days once you receive it, so you will be able to think it over and compare it to other offers if you need to.

A rep will need to inspect your car

Once you've received an offer from Driveway and decided to accept it, you'll schedule an appointment for their "valet" team to visit your location. The inspection process typically takes 30 minutes or less and involves verifying the condition details you entered online and taking the vehicle for a test drive. The representative will then confirm the final offer to buy your car.

Payment via bank transfer or check

If you accept the offer from Driveway, you can choose between a bank transfer within 24-48 hours or a physical check in the mail. Be sure to have all necessary documents, including the keys, photo ID, title, and registration, ready at the time of the appointment.

A decent option for sellers

When you take a look at Driveway's reputation, you might be impressed, but it's worth digging deeper. The company's parent, Lithia Motors Inc., has a long history, but the Better Business Bureau gives it a "D-" rating due to numerous complaints. In contrast, customers on Trustpilot have given Driveway an average rating of 3.8 stars, with sellers generally pleased with the service. However, buyers have reported issues with license tags and undisclosed car problems or damages, revealing a more mixed picture.

No stand-out features

We hope that Driveway will improve its reputation by providing more feedback from satisfied customers and addressing customer concerns. However, at the moment, Driveway doesn't stand out from the pack. Other similar sites make direct offers and provide more features or faster service. Without a solid review presence at the BBB, we are more wary of recommending Driveway for selling cars.

True Car

• Sell to dealerships through True Car
• Prices are estimated only
• Drop off vehicle at dealership
• Payment determined by dealerships
• "A+” rating and accreditation from the BBB

True Car is a long-standing favorite in the car market: it's been around since 2005, initially launched as an online automotive marketplace. The site is a platform where both new and used cars are available for purchase, and it also partners with prominent brands like American Express, Navy Federal Credit Union, and Sam's Club to provide various purchasing services. When selling your vehicle through True Car, you'll receive direct offers from certified dealerships near you, skipping the hassle of working with private buyers.

Sell or trade to True Car

True Car offers one way to sell your car through its platform: the True Cash Offer. To start selling your used vehicle, you'll enter the license plate, VIN, or make/model. You'll then confirm details like color, options, mileage, and ZIP code. As you input this information, the estimate will populate in real time, giving you an idea of what your car might be worth. During the process, you can choose "Sell your car,” "Trade your car,” or "Value your car” depending on your interests.

Estimate valid for 3 days

Once you've entered all the necessary details, you'll see your True Cash Estimate. This estimate breaks down how each detail affected the dollar amount, from mileage to condition. Keep in mind that this offer is just an estimate and is subject to an in-person inspection. The estimate is valid for three days, giving you time to decide whether to sell your car. You can enter your email address to save your progress if you're not ready to sell or want to wait for market fluctuations. Alternatively, click "Get Your True Cash Offer" to connect with local dealerships. You can choose how you'd like to be contacted - via email only or phone and email - and specify whether you'd prefer to receive emails or phone calls.

Get paid by the dealership you choose

Keep in mind that selling your car with True Car is using the platform rather than selling your car directly to the company. True Car connects you with dealerships willing to offer the estimated value of your vehicle. The final sale occurs when you pick an offer and take your car to the dealership for a final inspection and sale. The method of payment will depend on the individual dealership you decide to sell to. In our review, we found that True Car's estimates were often lower than those offered by other services. This is not uncommon when working with dealership offers.

Issues with dealerships honoring prices

True Car has a complicated reputation. The company has an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau and accreditation, but there have been a decent number of complaints filed in the past year. Many users have expressed disappointment with the service, citing lowball offers and dealerships not honoring promised prices. Dealerships are not obligated to honor the estimated purchase price. However, the frequency of mismatched estimates from the final dealership price left many reviewers and sellers feeling like using True Car was a waste of time or even a scam.

Not useful even for research

While True Car can be used to sell your vehicle, it may not be the best choice. The service is not necessarily untrustworthy or bad, but it could be a waste of time if partner dealerships don't make an offer close to the estimated price. The fact that True Car's estimates can be so far off the mark means this site isn't even ideal for getting an idea of your car's value for research purposes. Before you consider True Car, you may want to try a higher-ranked option first.

Facebook Marketplace

• Sell via private listings
• You're in charge of timeline, payment, and research
• Payment in any style you want

Facebook Marketplace is one of the most accessible places to sell on the internet. The only requirement? You have a Facebook account. As a Facebook user, you can freely list or purchase items without any hidden fees. The platform allows you to buy and sell items locally with other users in your area and, in some cases, across the country.

Private selling through Facebook

When buying or selling, you can communicate with others through Facebook Messenger. In 2016, Facebook, which had just been a social media platform previously, expanded into e-commerce with the launch of Facebook Marketplace. Today, Facebook Marketplace is a great opportunity for private sellers. While it may not make you think of cars right away, selling cars is one of the most popular uses for Facebook Marketplace, especially since it's free to use.

Private sale managed by you

All listings on Facebook Marketplace are private sales. So, you won't get instant quotes from dealerships. Instead, you upload photos and details about your vehicle (in any condition) and you wait for someone local who wants to buy your car. When preparing to list your car on Facebook Marketplace, it's essential to make a great first impression. Start by gathering all the necessary details about your vehicle, including the make, model, year, mileage, and VIN. You may also want to collect any maintenance records or supporting documents you may have and prepare them as PDF or physical copies to showcase the car's history to a potential buyer.

Research value to set a fair price

When creating your listing on Facebook Marketplace, select the "Vehicles" category and enter your car's details, including the make, model, year, mileage, and VIN. Provide information about the title, price, location, and a detailed description of the car. If you're open to test drives, mention that in the listing. To set a fair and competitive price, research the market value of similar cars on the platform and consider factors like condition, mileage, and features to help your listing stand out. This is one of the only places where Facebook Marketplace isn't as competitive. There aren't many built-in selling tools, and you do have to do your market research. On the other hand, buyers don't usually expect anything overly fancy. You'll just need to do enough to be clear you're a trustworthy seller.

Set up each step of the process

The theme of Facebook Marketplace is DIY. For things like test drives, which are still expected by many buyers, you're going to have to set up the test drive yourself. This allows potential buyers to get a feel for the vehicle, giving them the confidence to make a purchase. Facebook and other sources recommend that you'll want to prioritize safety during this step. Good approaches to the test drive include choosing a public and safe location for the test drive, such as a busy parking lot, police station, or a public park. This helps both parties involved feel safe. You will also want to make sure to verify the potential buyer's driver's license before the test drive. Some sellers might find this is too much hassle, and it is unique to Facebook Marketplace.

You can get paid any way you like

If you're wondering about payment, you've probably already got a hunch about what we're going to say. The method and amount you get paid for your car is 100% up to you and your buyer. Do you want cash, bank transfer, or mobile pay? All of those are on the table. So are checks, trades, and anything else you can think of. Just make sure you get full payment at the time of purchase as Facebook isn't responsible if something goes wrong during a transaction.

Missing the mark on trust

Sadly, customers don't usually like shopping for cars on Facebook Marketplace, and this is why: a lot of buyers feel unsafe or that sellers aren't trustworthy. On top of that Facebook has an "F” rating from the Better Business Bureau. While sellers seem to have an okay time on Facebook Marketplace, if your listing doesn't feel trustworthy or safe, you may miss out on sales that you wouldn't at other sites. However, for those who know what they're doing, selling a car on Facebook Marketplace can be a breeze. The site's reputation is an average of 1 star, though, so you may want to pick somewhere more reputable to sell.

List on a site with a higher reputation

While Facebook Marketplace is a decent choice to sell your car, especially if you want a place that won't double-check how old or damaged a vehicle is, the site is full of dishonesty. With safety and scam concerns from buyers, you may find more difficulty selling your car on this platform than others. It also requires a lot more legwork on your end in terms of research or setting up test drives. While it may be a good option for some with its free listings, you might prefer something with a better reputation before you try to sell your car on Facebook Marketplace.