Finding the Best Place to Sell Your Car Online: Top Platforms in 2024

More and more Americans are choosing the internet to buy their vehicles, which naturally extends to selling cars online. Whether you’re considering online giants like CarMax and Carvana, or exploring platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, selling your car online presents a viable and increasingly popular option. This approach offers significant convenience and flexibility for sellers looking to sell their car outright or determine its trade-in value, all from the comfort of their home and at their own pace. Many platforms even offer the added perk of home pickup and immediate payment upon vehicle inspection.

» MORE: How much is your car worth?

When it comes to finding the Best Place To Sell Car Online, the options can seem overwhelming. To simplify your choice, we’ve evaluated some of the top online car-selling platforms, highlighting their strengths and who they might be the best fit for.

Top Online Car-Selling Platforms: Your Guide to the Best Choice

CarMax

Best Place to Sell Cars of Any Age

CarMax stands out as a strong contender when looking for the best place to sell car online, especially for those with vehicles of varying ages. Operating in over 40 states, CarMax provides a straightforward process for selling your car directly. To begin, you’ll need to input your car’s 17-digit VIN or license plate number, along with registration details, mileage, vehicle options, and any existing loan information. You’ll also be asked for your ZIP code, email address, and to complete a brief questionnaire about your car’s condition.

CarMax’s appeal as a best place to sell car online lies in its willingness to purchase vehicles of any age. They recondition acquired cars for retail sale or auction them off to wholesalers. Following your online appraisal, you have a seven-day window to bring your car to a CarMax store for an inspection. Provided there’s no significant undisclosed damage, you’ll receive a bank draft for the quoted amount immediately. CarMax also accommodates vehicles that are not fully paid off or are leased (subject to leasing company policies).

» Read our review of CarMax


Key facts – Offers good for 7 days and non-negotiable. – Current loan or negative equity are OK. – Salvage titles or damaged cars are OK. – Vehicle inspections at CarMax stores. Find your offer on NerdWallet’s Sell Your Car platform

Peddle

Best Place to Sell Older Used or Damaged Cars

If you’re searching for the best place to sell car online that specializes in older or less-than-perfect vehicles, Peddle is a noteworthy option. Operating across all 50 states, Peddle distinguishes itself by focusing on buying older, damaged, and even non-working cars, offering a free vehicle pickup service. While trade-ins aren’t an option, Peddle simplifies selling cars in less-than-ideal condition.

To initiate the process with Peddle, you’ll need to provide your vehicle’s year, make, model, trim, and mileage, as well as information about the title (clean, salvage, or rebuilt). You’ll also answer questions detailing the vehicle’s condition and damage history. Peddle aims to deliver an online offer within minutes.

Peddle’s offer remains valid for seven days. Upon acceptance, they will arrange a convenient vehicle pickup time. Peddle utilizes professional tow-truck drivers who conduct an inspection to verify your car’s condition matches your online description. If everything aligns, the driver will provide a check or cash before towing your vehicle. (Note: discrepancies in condition may lead to a revised offer.) For sellers with older or damaged vehicles, Peddle presents itself as a potentially best place to sell car online.

» Read our review of Peddle


Key facts – Specializes in older used or damaged vehicles. – Offers good for 7 days and are nonnegotiable. – No charge to pick up your car. – Salvage titles or scrap cars are OK. – Does not buy vehicles with an active loan. Find your offer on NerdWallet’s Sell Your Car platform

Carvana

Best Place for Trade-Ins and Outright Sales

Carvana positions itself as a versatile best place to sell car online, accommodating both outright sales and trade-ins. They emphasize providing their best offer upfront, without price matching or negotiation. This straightforward approach can be appealing for sellers looking for a hassle-free experience.

To get an offer from Carvana, you’ll need to input your car’s VIN or license plate number, mileage, vehicle options, and condition details on their website. Loan or lease information will also be required if applicable. You’ll need to upload photos of your odometer reading, driver’s licenses of titleholders, and, depending on ownership status (loan or owned outright), images of your title or registration and 10-day payoff statement.

Carvana Logo

Carvana distinguishes itself as a best place to sell car online by offering flexible pickup and drop-off options within their service areas. You can arrange for home vehicle pickup or drop-off at a Carvana hub or vending machine. Home pickup might incur a fee and isn’t available outside local Carvana markets, in which case you’d need to transport the vehicle to a Carvana location. For those looking to trade in or sell outright, Carvana offers a convenient online solution.

» Read our review of Carvana

Carvana Logo
Key facts – Offers good for 7 days. – Leased cars, negative equity accepted. – No negotiations on sales or trade-ins. – No free pickup outside local Carvana markets.

GivemetheVIN

Best Place to Sell Motorcycles, RVs, ATVs, and More

GivemetheVIN (GMTV) carves out its niche as a best place to sell car online for a wider range of vehicles beyond just cars. GMTV purchases vehicles directly from individuals for resale in the wholesale market. Unlike some online buyers, GMTV doesn’t sell directly to consumers, so trade-ins are not an option. However, their specialization in diverse vehicle types sets them apart.

Selling to GMTV involves entering your vehicle’s VIN or license plate number online, along with mileage, vehicle options, and loan details. You’ll also provide your ZIP code, email, and complete a brief condition questionnaire.

GMTV will email an initial offer range within minutes. If you’re interested, a buyer will contact you for more car condition details. You’ll be asked to upload photos of the car’s exterior, interior, under the hood, and any damage. The buyer will then provide a precise offer, which is negotiable but only valid for 24 hours. For those with specialized vehicles, GMTV emerges as a potential best place to sell car online.

Once a price is agreed upon, GMTV sends a sales contract for signing. They arrange vehicle pickup within 10 days, or you can opt for self-drop-off at a GMTV office or Manheim auction lot. Payment is issued via check on the spot.

» Read our review of GivemetheVIN


Key facts – Offers good for 24 hours and are negotiable. – No charge to pick up your car. – Current loan or negative equity are OK. – Salvage titles or damaged cars are OK. Learn more at GivemetheVIN

CarGurus

Best Place for Comparing Multiple Dealer Offers

CarGurus presents a unique approach to finding the best place to sell car online by leveraging a network of dealers to provide competitive offers. They buy used vehicles directly from consumers in 36 states and Washington D.C. through instant price bids from dealerships nationwide. CarGurus, like GMTV, focuses solely on purchasing from consumers and does not sell directly to them, meaning trade-ins are not facilitated through their platform.

To sell through CarGurus, you’ll need to enter your car’s VIN or license plate number, mileage, vehicle options, and loan information online. You’ll also provide your ZIP code, email, and complete a questionnaire about vehicle condition and damage. CarGurus CarOffer will typically email a cash offer within minutes.

CarGurus Logo

If you accept the offer, a CarGurus agent will contact you to finalize sale details. You’ll need to describe any car damage and upload photos of your driver’s license, odometer, and title. Once everything is confirmed, you can schedule a vehicle pickup time and location, typically within three to ten days. CarGurus will mail the sales contract for signing upon vehicle pickup. At pickup, the driver will inspect the car to ensure it matches your online description before issuing a check. For sellers aiming to maximize their offer by comparing multiple bids, CarGurus can be considered a best place to sell car online.

» Read our review of CarGurus

CarGurus Logo
Key facts – Offers good for 7 days or 250 additional miles. – No charge to pick up your car. – Current loan or negative equity are OK. – Does not accept salvage titles or buy leased vehicles.

Algo

Best Place for No Trade-In Sales and Small Commercial Vehicles

Algo provides another avenue when seeking the best place to sell car online, particularly if you’re not interested in a trade-in and potentially have a small commercial vehicle. To sell to Algo, you’ll input your car’s VIN or license plate number, mileage, vehicle options, and loan information. You’ll also need to provide your ZIP code, email, phone number, and complete a brief vehicle condition questionnaire for an initial value estimate.

ALGO logo

An Algo representative will contact you within hours to schedule a virtual inspection via video call, lasting 10-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can answer questions over the phone and upload photos. Algo will then email or call with a decision within a couple of hours. Offers are valid for 24 hours. For sellers prioritizing virtual inspection and quick decisions, Algo presents itself as a potential best place to sell car online.

If you accept the offer, you’ll mail your vehicle’s title to Algo for verification. Once received, they schedule a pickup from your home or chosen location, and you’ll receive a check on the spot.

» Read our review of Algo

ALGO logo
Key facts – Offers good for 24 hours and not negotiable. – No charge to pick up your car. – Current loan or negative equity are OK. – Salvage titles or damaged cars are OK.

» MORE: How to sell your car yourself

Alternative Options for Selling Your Car Online

While these platforms represent some of the top contenders for the best place to sell car online, remember that alternative online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist can also be utilized to connect directly with buyers. These platforms offer more control over pricing and negotiation but require more effort in managing listings and buyer interactions.

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

Navigating the process of selling your car online is straightforward. Here’s a breakdown of key steps to ensure a smooth transaction when using your chosen best place to sell car online:

1. Determine Your Car’s Worth. Most online car-buying platforms require your car’s 17-digit VIN or license plate number to start. You’ll also need to specify the make, model, mileage, color, and condition. Be prepared to answer detailed questions about accident history, modifications, and any existing damage like scratches or dents. Remember that online offers reflect what these specific buyers are willing to pay at that moment and might not always align with your car’s perceived market value. Factors like age, high mileage, mechanical issues, or a salvage title can result in lower offers due to resale and financing challenges.

2. Decide on Selling Outright vs. Trading In. Most online car buyers also operate as direct-to-consumer sellers and typically maintain consistent pricing for both trade-ins and outright purchases. This means their initial purchase offer is generally the same whether you are trading in or selling directly.

3. Disclose Loans or Leases. Many online car-buying companies, though not all, will purchase vehicles with existing loans and some may handle lease buyouts if permitted by the manufacturer. Use an auto lease buyout calculator to assess offer fairness. If your outstanding loan exceeds the offer, you’ll need to cover the difference.

4. Provide Vehicle Photos. Some platforms may request photos of your vehicle to assess its condition. Alternatively, some companies might schedule in-person inspections or conduct inspections upon vehicle pickup. If the car’s condition is misrepresented, the initial offer may be adjusted. Note that photo requests or inspections might occur after you’ve accepted an initial offer.

What to Expect After Choosing the Best Place to Sell Car Online

Once you accept an offer from your chosen best place to sell car online, a representative will contact you to arrange vehicle pickup or drop-off. Fees are generally minimal, though some companies may deduct an administrative fee from the offer price. Sellers might also face charges if they breach a signed sale agreement.

Expect to handle paperwork online. You’ll likely need to upload copies of your registration, title, and driver’s license. Sales contracts, odometer statements, and power of attorney documents might be sent for electronic signature or via mail.

Payment is typically provided upon vehicle pickup, often via check or bank draft, which may require a few days to clear. Some platforms offer direct deposit or even cash payments. Before handing over your car, remember to remove license plates, personal items, and retain only original vehicle accessories like the car manual, keys, and floor mats.

If online offers don’t meet your expectations, consider exploring direct sales to consumers via platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist for potentially higher returns.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I sell my car online?

Selling your car online is facilitated through platforms like Carvana or CarMax. These online car-selling platforms require details about your car, including its license plate number, make, model, mileage, color, condition, and history. Some sites also offer home pickup and immediate payment upon inspection, making them a convenient best place to sell car online.

Is CarMax or Carvana better for selling a car?

Both CarMax and Carvana provide convenient and flexible online car selling experiences with competitive offers. They both accept cars with negative equity and provide offers valid for seven days. However, CarMax requires in-person inspections at their locations, while Carvana allows for remote sales completion and car pickup, potentially making Carvana the best place to sell car online for those prioritizing complete online transactions.

What is the best site to sell my car online?

Determining the best place to sell car online depends on individual needs and vehicle specifics. Platforms like Carvana, CarMax, Peddle, and others each offer unique advantages. The ideal online retailer will vary based on your car’s condition, whether you’re trading in, and the type of vehicle. For instance, Carvana suits trade-ins and general sales, while Peddle might be more suitable for older or damaged cars, highlighting the importance of choosing the best place to sell car online based on your situation.

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.