The Best Way to Sell Your Car Online: Top Platforms and Expert Tips

More and more Americans are turning to 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 such as Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, selling your car online offers a convenient and flexible alternative to traditional methods. This approach allows you to manage the entire selling process, or parts of it, from the comfort of your home, at your own pace. Many online car-buying services even offer the perk of home pickup and immediate payment.

» MORE: Wondering what your car is worth?

Top Online Platforms to Sell Your Car for the Best Value

Navigating the online car selling landscape can be overwhelming. To simplify your choices, we’ve compiled a list of leading online platforms, each with unique strengths to help you determine the best way to sell your car based on your specific needs.

CarMax

Best for Selling Cars of Any Age and Condition

CarMax stands out as a robust option for sellers looking to offload vehicles of any age, be it nearly new or well-loved. Operating in over 40 states, CarMax provides an initial online appraisal after you input your car’s 17-digit VIN or license plate number, registration details, mileage, vehicle options, and any existing loan information. You’ll also need to provide your ZIP code, email address, and complete a brief questionnaire about your car’s condition.

CarMax’s business model involves buying vehicles of all ages and conditions, reconditioning them for retail sale, or auctioning them off to wholesalers. Following your online appraisal, you’ll need to visit a CarMax store within seven days for a physical inspection. Assuming no significant undisclosed damage is found, you’ll receive a bank draft for the appraised amount on the spot.

Notably, CarMax accommodates vehicles with outstanding loans and even leased vehicles, provided the leasing company permits sales to independent dealers.

» Explore our comprehensive review of CarMax

Peddle

Top Choice for Selling Older, Used, or Damaged Cars Quickly

Peddle differentiates itself by specializing in purchasing older, damaged, or non-running vehicles across all 50 states. Unlike some platforms, trade-ins are not an option with Peddle, but their niche focus makes them an excellent choice if you’re looking to sell a car that might not be appealing to other buyers. Peddle offers online quotes and complimentary vehicle pickup, streamlining the process significantly.

To get started with Peddle, you’ll need to enter your vehicle’s year, make, model, trim, and mileage, along with details about your title (clean, salvage, or rebuilt). You’ll also answer questions about the vehicle’s condition and any damage history. Peddle aims to provide an offer via email within minutes.

Offers from Peddle are valid for seven days. Upon accepting an offer, Peddle will coordinate a vehicle pickup time. They work with professional tow truck drivers who will inspect your car to confirm it matches your online description. Payment, in the form of a check or cash, is provided by the driver before towing your vehicle. Be aware that if the car’s condition deviates significantly from your description, Peddle may adjust the offer.

» Dive into our detailed review of Peddle

Carvana

Excellent for Trade-Ins and Outright Car Sales

Carvana is a well-known online car retailer that both buys cars outright and accepts trade-ins. Carvana prides itself on providing its best offer upfront, with a no-negotiation policy. This transparent approach can be appealing for sellers seeking a straightforward selling experience.

To receive an offer from Carvana, you’ll need to provide your car’s 17-digit VIN or license plate number, mileage, options, and condition details through their website. If your car has a loan or lease, you’ll also need to provide relevant information. Carvana requires you to upload photos of your odometer reading and driver’s license. Depending on your ownership status (loan or owned outright), you may also need to upload photos of your title or loan payoff statement.

If you proceed with selling or trading in your car with Carvana and reside within one of their local service areas, you can arrange for either home pickup or drop-off at a Carvana hub or vending machine. Home pickup might incur a fee, and if you live outside a Carvana local market, you’ll be responsible for transporting the vehicle to a Carvana location.

» Explore our in-depth review of Carvana

Carvana Logo for Online Car Trade-in and Sales

GivemetheVIN

Ideal for Selling Motorcycles, RVs, ATVs, and More Online

GivemetheVIN (GMTV) operates differently from some online buyers by focusing on purchasing vehicles directly from individuals for resale in the wholesale marketplace, without selling directly to consumers. This means while trade-ins aren’t an option, GMTV expands its reach to a broader range of vehicle types beyond just standard cars, including motorcycles, RVs, and ATVs.

To initiate the selling process, you’ll enter your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN or license plate number on their website, along with mileage, vehicle options, and loan details. You’ll also provide your ZIP code and email address and complete a brief vehicle condition questionnaire.

GMTV typically emails an offer range within minutes. If you’re interested in proceeding, a buyer will call you to gather more details about your car’s condition. 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 valid for only 24 hours.

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

» Read our full review of GivemetheVIN

CarGurus

Best Platform for Comparing Offers from Multiple Dealers Instantly

CarGurus streamlines the selling process by leveraging a nationwide network of car dealers to provide instant price bids for used vehicles directly from consumers in 36 states and the District of Columbia. Similar to GivemetheVIN, CarGurus focuses solely on purchasing from consumers and does not offer trade-ins.

To sell your car through CarGurus, you’ll need to enter your car’s 17-digit VIN or license plate number, mileage, vehicle options, and loan information on their website. You’ll also provide your ZIP code and email address and answer a questionnaire detailing vehicle damage and overall condition. CarGurus CarOffer typically delivers a cash offer via email within a minute or two.

If you accept the offer, a CarGurus agent will contact you to finalize the sale details. You’ll be asked to describe any vehicle damage and upload photos of your driver’s license, odometer, and title. Once everything is confirmed, you can schedule vehicle pickup, usually within three to 10 days. CarGurus will mail you the sales contract, which you sign at the time of pickup. At pickup, the driver will conduct a visual inspection to ensure the car matches your online description before issuing a check.

» Read our detailed review of CarGurus

CarGurus Logo for Comparing Car Sale Offers Online

Algo

Great for Non-Trade-In Sales and Small Commercial Vehicles

Algo provides a straightforward online car selling experience, particularly suitable if you’re not interested in a trade-in and are looking to sell standard or even small commercial vehicles.

To sell 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.

An Algo representative will contact you within a few hours to arrange a virtual inspection via video call, typically lasting 10 to 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can 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.

Upon accepting an 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 pickup from your home or another location of your choice. Payment is provided as a check at the time of pickup.

» Explore our review of Algo

ALGO logo for Virtual Car Selling Inspections Online

» MORE: Looking to sell your car privately? Learn how to sell your car yourself

Alternative Online Options for Selling Your Car

While online car buying platforms offer convenience, you might also consider these alternative online avenues for selling your car:

Ready to Sell? Get offers now.

Don’t have your plate or vin?

How to Sell Your Car Online for the Best Possible Outcome

Selling your car online involves a few key steps to ensure a smooth and successful transaction. Here’s a guide on how to navigate the process effectively to get the best value:

1. Determine Your Car’s Market Value. Before listing your car online, it’s crucial to understand its worth. Most online car-buying platforms will ask for your car’s 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate number, along with details like make, model, mileage, color, and condition.

You’ll also typically need to answer detailed questions about your car’s history and condition, such as any accidents, flood damage, aftermarket modifications, 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 potential market value. Factors like vehicle age, high mileage, mechanical issues, or a salvage title can lead to lower offers due to resale and financing challenges for these types of vehicles.

2. Decide Between Trading or Selling Outright. Most online car buyers also function as online car dealerships. They often state that their trade-in prices are similar to their purchase prices, meaning they aim for transparent pricing whether you’re trading in or selling outright. Understanding this can help you align your selling strategy.

3. Be Transparent About Loans or Leases. Many online car-buying companies are equipped to handle vehicles with existing loans, and some may even buy out leases if permitted by the manufacturer. Utilize an auto lease buyout calculator to assess the fairness of a lease buyout offer. If your outstanding loan balance exceeds the offer, you’ll need to cover the difference.

4. Provide Comprehensive Photos of Your Vehicle. While some companies may arrange in-person inspections, many rely on detailed photos to assess vehicle condition. Some platforms might request photos only after you’ve accepted an initial offer. Accurate and clear photos are essential as discrepancies between described and actual condition can lead to offer adjustments.

What to Expect After You Sell Your Car Online: A Smooth Transition

Once you accept an online offer, expect a representative to contact you to arrange vehicle pickup or drop-off. Fees are generally minimal, though some companies may deduct a small administrative fee from the offer price. Be aware of potential charges if you breach a signed sales agreement.

Regarding paperwork, anticipate needing to upload copies of your registration, title, and driver’s license. Sales contracts, odometer statements, and power of attorney documents may 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 business days to clear. Some companies offer direct deposit or even cash payment. Before handing over your car, remember to remove your license plates, clear out all personal belongings, and leave only the original car accessories like 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 consumer sales.

Frequently Asked Questions About Selling Your Car Online

How do I navigate selling my car online effectively?

Selling your car online can be efficiently done through platforms like Carvana or CarMax. These platforms require you to input vehicle details such as the license plate number, make, model, mileage, condition, and history. Many online car buyers also offer the convenience of home pickup and immediate payment.

Is CarMax or Carvana the superior choice for selling my car?

Both CarMax and Carvana provide user-friendly and flexible online car selling experiences with competitive offers. Both platforms accommodate cars with negative equity, and offers are typically valid for seven days. However, CarMax necessitates an in-person inspection at one of their locations, whereas Carvana allows for remote sales completion and offers vehicle pickup services.

Which platform is recognized as the best for selling my car online?

Determining the “best” site depends on individual circumstances, such as vehicle condition, trade-in needs, and vehicle type. Platforms like Carvana, CarMax, and Peddle are all reputable options. Carvana is often favored for trade-ins and general sales, while Peddle may be more suitable for older or damaged vehicles. The optimal choice varies based on your specific requirements.

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.