Selling your car can often feel like a daunting task. From navigating paperwork to haggling with potential buyers, the process can be time-consuming and stressful. Fortunately, the internet has revolutionized the way we buy and sell vehicles. Today, numerous online platforms specialize in car sales, offering convenience and a wider reach than traditional methods. But with so many options available, finding the Best Website To Sell Cars can be overwhelming.
This guide is designed to simplify your decision. We’ve analyzed and ranked the top websites for selling your car, whether you’re looking for a quick cash offer, aiming for the best possible price through a private sale, or dealing with an older or damaged vehicle. We’ll delve into the pros and cons of each platform, helping you determine the best website to sell your cars based on your specific needs and vehicle condition.
Best Online Car Buyers
For sellers prioritizing speed and convenience, online car buyers offer a streamlined process. These platforms provide instant offers, handle the paperwork, and often pick up your vehicle directly from your home. Our top recommendations in this category are Cars.com, Carvana, and CarBrain, each with unique strengths.
| Website | Our Award | Overall Rating | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cars.com Learn More | Editor’s Choice | 9 | Learn More |
| Carvana Get An Offer | Most Seamless Process | 8.9 | Get An Offer |
| CarBrain Visit Site | Best for Reliable Pick-Up | 8.7 | Visit Site |
| Peddle Get An Offer | Great Choice for Older Vehicles | 8.7 | Get An Offer |
| TrueCar | Good for Quick, Fixed-Price Offers | 8.7 | |
| Copart Visit Site | Quick Payments | 8.6 | Visit Site |
| CarMax Learn More | Great Value | 8.6 | Learn More |
| CarGurus Learn More | Easy-To-Use Platform | 8.5 | Learn More |
*To rank these companies, we considered these factors: Industry standing, platform features, cash offer value, support services and customer experience
Let’s explore each of these top picks in more detail to help you find the best website to sell your car online.
#1 Cars.com – Editor’s Choice
Cars.com Logo
Learn More about Cars.com
Rating: 9.0/10
BBB Rating: A+
Instant Offer: Yes
Offer Rating: 9.3/10
Cars.com stands out as our top choice for the best website to sell your car. With a long-standing presence in the automotive industry since 1998, Cars.com is a recognized and trusted name for both buyers and sellers. This platform provides two distinct avenues for selling: directly to dealerships within their network or through a private sale marketplace on Cars.com itself. This flexibility makes it a versatile option for various seller needs.
Cars.com’s commitment to customer satisfaction is reflected in its A+ rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). This indicates a strong track record of resolving customer concerns and maintaining high ethical standards.
Pros:
- Instant Offer Ranges with Good Values: Cars.com provides instant offer ranges, giving sellers a good initial estimate of their car’s worth. These ranges are often competitive and reflect current market values.
- Excellent Industry Reputation: Years of operation and a strong brand recognition contribute to Cars.com’s excellent industry reputation, instilling confidence in sellers.
- Options for Dealer or Private Sale: The dual selling options cater to different seller preferences, offering both quick dealer sales and potentially more profitable private sales.
Cons:
- Variable Selling Process: Selling through the dealer network means the exact selling process can vary depending on the specific dealership involved.
- Potential Hidden Dealer Fees: Some customer reviews mention dealerships adding hidden fees, requiring sellers to be vigilant and clarify all costs upfront.
Cars.com streamlines the process of getting an offer. You’ll need to provide your license plate or VIN to begin, after which you’ll receive an initial offer range. For a 2015 Ford F-150 Super Cab, we received a range of $14,075 to $16,175, and for a 2015 Toyota Camry, the range was $9,925 to $12,025. Notably, these ranges exceeded Kelley Blue Book (KBB) values for both vehicles, suggesting potentially strong offers.
#2 Carvana – Most Seamless Process
Carvana Logo
Learn More about Carvana
Rating: 8.9/10
BBB Rating: Not Rated (NR)
Instant Offer: Yes
Offer Rating: 8.6/10
Carvana has become synonymous with online car selling, and for good reason. It offers a truly digital, end-to-end service, making it the best website to sell cars for those seeking ultimate convenience. If you value a hassle-free, remote selling experience, Carvana is a top contender.
While Carvana is currently not rated by the BBB, its high customer satisfaction is evident in over 10,600 Trustpilot reviews, averaging 4.3 out of 5 stars. This large volume of positive reviews indicates widespread customer satisfaction with their services.
Pros:
- Easiest Remote Car Selling Process: Carvana excels in providing a fully digital experience, allowing you to sell your car from the comfort of your home.
- Good Offer Values: Carvana generally provides competitive offer values, often aligning with or exceeding market averages.
- Trade-In Option: Carvana also facilitates trade-ins, allowing you to apply your car’s value towards a new vehicle purchased on their platform.
Cons:
- Low BBB Rating: The lack of a BBB rating might be a concern for some users who prioritize BBB accreditation as a trust signal.
- Not Ideal for Junk Cars: Carvana is primarily focused on purchasing vehicles in reasonably good condition and may not be the best option for very old or heavily damaged cars.
Carvana’s process is remarkably straightforward. You can receive a cash offer online, and upon acceptance, a Carvana representative will inspect your vehicle. This inspection can often be arranged at your home or a convenient location. Once the inspection is complete and your car is accepted, Carvana will handle pickup or allow you to drop it off. Payment is typically issued via certified check or direct deposit.
For a 2016 Chevy Equinox, Carvana offered us $9,911, which was in the lower range of offers we received but still reasonable. For a 2015 Toyota Camry, the offer was $11,860, slightly above KBB value. Interestingly, for a 2015 Ford F-150, Carvana offered approximately $3,000 over market value, highlighting potential variations in offer strength depending on vehicle type and demand.
#3 CarBrain – Good for Damaged Vehicles
Learn More about CarBrain
Rating: 8.7/10
BBB Rating: A
Instant Offer: Yes
Offer Rating: 8.0/10
If you’re looking to sell a car that’s seen better days, CarBrain is the best website to sell cars for your needs. Specializing in damaged, old, or non-running vehicles, CarBrain provides a valuable service for those who might struggle to sell through other platforms. Their transparent process with no hidden fees is a significant advantage.
CarBrain holds an A rating from the BBB and boasts a high customer review score of 4.9 stars on their website. This positive feedback suggests reliable service and customer satisfaction in their niche market.
Pros:
- Quick Car Selling Process: CarBrain is known for its efficient and fast selling process, often completing transactions quickly.
- Accepts Damaged Cars: They specifically cater to vehicles with mechanical or body damage, expanding selling options for owners of such cars.
- Free Towing Included: CarBrain offers free towing with all offers, eliminating a significant hassle and cost for sellers of non-running vehicles.
Cons:
- Not Best for Good Condition Vehicles: If your car is in excellent condition, you might find better offers from platforms focused on retail-ready used cars.
- Price Fluctuations: CarBrain’s prices can fluctuate based on local demand for parts and scrap metal, which might impact offer values.
Selling to CarBrain is straightforward. You provide details about your car’s condition, including any damage, and receive an offer. Depending on the vehicle, you might get an instant offer or receive a follow-up email or call. Vehicle pickup typically occurs within 24 to 48 hours after you accept an offer. For a 2011 Honda Civic LX Sedan with 124,000 miles and front-end damage, CarBrain offered $1,230. While lower than private sale value for a pristine Civic, this offer is reasonable considering CarBrain’s specialization in damaged vehicles and inclusion of free towing.
#4 Peddle – Good Choice for Older Vehicles
Peddle Logo
Learn More about Peddle
Rating: 8.7/10
BBB Rating: A+
Instant Offer: Yes
Offer Rating: 7.8/10
Peddle is our recommended best website to sell cars if you own an older vehicle, especially one that might be considered a “junker.” They specialize in buying old and junk cars nationwide, regardless of condition or title status in many cases. If other platforms have rejected your older car, Peddle is worth considering.
Peddle boasts an A+ rating from the BBB and impressive customer reviews, with a 4.6-star average rating on Trustpilot from over 120,000 reviews. This large volume of positive feedback indicates consistent customer satisfaction, particularly within their niche of older and less-than-perfect vehicles.
Pros:
- Positive Customer Reviews: Peddle generally receives positive reviews, highlighting customer satisfaction with their service.
- Buys Cars in Any Condition: They purchase cars regardless of condition, including junk cars and those without titles (in some cases).
- Free Towing Services: Peddle includes free towing from your location, a significant benefit for sellers of non-running or immobile vehicles.
Cons:
- Non-Negotiable Offers: Peddle’s offers are typically firm and not open to negotiation.
- Not Best for Newer Cars: For newer cars in good condition, other platforms might offer more competitive pricing.
- No Cars with Outstanding Loans: Peddle generally does not purchase vehicles with outstanding loans.
Peddle’s selling process is similar to Carvana’s and CarBrain’s. You provide vehicle information, including make, model, year, and VIN. Since they buy junk cars, they also inquire about details like tire inflation and missing parts. After completing the questionnaire, you’ll receive a cash offer valid for seven days. If you accept, Peddle will arrange for a tow truck to pick up your vehicle and issue payment, often by check or sometimes cash.
For a 2011 Honda Civic LX Sedan, Peddle offered $1,325, slightly higher than CarBrain’s offer for a damaged Civic. For older vehicles, they offered $820 for a 2007 Toyota Camry with 250,000 miles and $400 for a 2004 Nissan Altima with 250,000 miles. These offers, while not substantial, reflect the value Peddle provides in convenience and disposal of older vehicles.
#5 TrueCar – Good for Quick, Fixed-Price Offers
TrueCar Logo
Rating: 8.7/10
BBB Rating: A+
Instant Offer: Yes
Offer Rating: 9.2/10
TrueCar is the best website to sell cars if your priority is a quick, fixed-price offer, especially if you’re considering selling to a dealership or trading in. They partner with over 13,000 dealerships nationwide, providing a vast network for selling or trading your vehicle. TrueCar’s platform also offers helpful car shopping tools, such as affordability and loan calculators.
TrueCar holds an A+ rating from the BBB and a 4.2-star customer review score on the BBB, indicating strong customer service and reliability within their dealership-focused model.
Pros:
- Fast, Transparent Price Offers: TrueCar provides quick and transparent TrueTrade™ offers, giving you a locked-in price for three days.
- A+ BBB Rating: Their high BBB rating reflects a commitment to customer satisfaction and ethical business practices.
- Strong Online Customer Reviews: Positive online customer reviews reinforce TrueCar’s reputation for reliable service.
Cons:
- No Private Sale Option: TrueCar focuses solely on dealership sales and trade-ins, lacking a private sale marketplace.
- Contact Info Required for Offer: You must provide contact information to access your offer, which might lead to dealer outreach.
- Dealership Sales Rep Required: The final sale must be completed with a dealership sales representative, requiring an in-person dealership visit.
TrueCar’s selling process involves getting an online offer and completing the sale at a participating dealership. However, unlike Cars.com’s range, TrueCar’s TrueTrade™ offer is a fixed price, valid for three days, providing price certainty. Their valuation process is detailed, considering factors like aftermarket parts, accident history, and vehicle condition.
For a 2015 Ford F-150, TrueCar offered $14,525, slightly below KBB trade-in value. For a 2015 Toyota Camry, the offer was $11,984, slightly above KBB trade-in value. While offers might not always be the absolute highest, TrueCar offers reliability and a fixed price, making it a strong option for those prioritizing certainty and dealership sales.
#6 Copart – Quick Payments
Copart Logo
Learn More about Copart
Rating: 8.6/10
BBB Rating: A+
Instant Offer: Yes
Offer Rating: 6.0/10
Copart is another best website to sell cars option, particularly for older vehicles, running or not. They operate primarily as an auction platform for the auto industry but also buy cars directly from consumers. If you’re considering scrapping your car for cash, Copart is a viable choice. Copart also owns CashForCars.com, another car-buying platform.
Copart’s A+ rating from the BBB indicates a commitment to resolving customer complaints and maintaining a reputable platform.
Pros:
- Fast Payments: Sellers receive prompt payments upon vehicle pickup, often a key priority for sellers needing quick cash.
- Quick Vehicle Pickups: Vehicle pickups are typically scheduled within 24 to 48 hours, offering rapid removal of your car.
- Buys Cars in Any Condition: Copart purchases cars in any condition, including non-running and damaged vehicles.
Cons:
- Less User-Friendly Website: Copart’s website is considered less intuitive and user-friendly compared to competitors.
- Buyer Fees: While not directly impacting sellers, Copart charges fees to buyers, which might indirectly influence overall auction prices.
Getting an instant cash offer from Copart involves using their online form, providing your VIN or vehicle details. While the calculator works for most vehicles, some cases might require manual review. Upon accepting an offer, Copart arranges for vehicle pickup, and payment is issued upon inspection at pickup.
For a 2007 Toyota Camry with 250,000 miles, Copart offered $847, slightly higher than Peddle’s offer for a similar vehicle. Both Copart and Peddle are solid choices for selling older vehicles, with Copart emphasizing quick payments.
#7 CarMax – Great Value
CarMax Logo
Learn More about CarMax
Rating: 8.6/10
BBB Rating: A+
Instant Offer: Yes
Offer Rating: 9.6/10
CarMax consistently provides strong offers, making it the best website to sell cars when maximizing value is your primary goal. In our comparisons, CarMax offered the highest price for a 2016 Chevy Equinox. If you’re aiming for top dollar for your used vehicle, CarMax should be on your list. CarMax has been in business since 1993 and holds an A+ rating from the BBB.
Pros:
- Easy Instant Online Cash Offer: CarMax provides a straightforward online offer process, giving you a quick valuation of your vehicle.
- Same-Day Payment: Payment is issued by check on the day of sale completion at a CarMax location.
- High Offer Values: CarMax is known for providing competitive and often higher offer values compared to other online car buyers.
Cons:
- In-Person Visit Required: While you get an online offer, you must visit a CarMax location to finalize the sale, which might be inconvenient for some sellers.
- Not for Junk Cars: CarMax focuses on retail-ready used cars and is not the ideal option for selling junk cars or vehicles in very poor condition.
CarMax’s process involves getting an online instant offer, valid for seven days, and then visiting a CarMax location for an inspection and to finalize the sale. The in-person inspection is generally quick and aligns with the initial online offer if your vehicle matches your description. CarMax can also handle car sales with existing auto loans, requiring payoff information from your lender.
For a 2017 Kia Sportage, CarMax offered $11,400, almost $300 over KBB value. For a 2016 Chevy Equinox, the offer was $12,000, nearly $800 over book value. These strong offers highlight CarMax’s focus on providing excellent value for used vehicles.
#8 CarGurus – Easy-To-Use Platform
CarGurus Logo
Learn More about CarGurus
Rating: 8.5/10
BBB Rating: A+
Instant Offer: Yes
Offer Rating: 7.4/10
CarGurus prioritizes user-friendliness, making it the best website to sell cars if ease of use is paramount. Their platform is intuitive, and they offer home pickup in many states, enhancing convenience. CarGurus holds an A+ rating from the BBB and a 4.2-star customer review score, indicating a positive user experience.
Pros:
- Instant Market Value Tool: CarGurus provides an Instant Market Value tool, giving sellers a quick estimate of their car’s worth.
- Offers Valid for 7 Days/250 Miles: Offers are valid for a reasonable period, providing flexibility for sellers.
- Prequalification for Car Buying: CarGurus also offers prequalification for car loans, catering to both buyers and sellers.
Cons:
- Offers Sometimes Below KBB Value: CarGurus offers are not always the highest and can sometimes fall below Kelley Blue Book value.
- Instant Offers Not in All States: Home pickup and instant offers are not available in all US states.
CarGurus’ platform is designed for simplicity. Getting an instant offer takes just a few minutes and requires your VIN or license plate number. Offers are valid for seven days or 250 miles. If you accept, you can schedule vehicle pickup. CarGurus also offers a private listing option for a $4.95 fee.
For a 2016 Chevy Equinox, CarGurus offered $11,123, matching KBB value. For a 2015 Ford F-150, the offer was significantly above market value, while for a Honda Civic, it was below. This variability underscores the importance of comparing offers from multiple platforms to find the best deal for your specific vehicle.
Best Sites For Private Party Car Sales
For sellers aiming to maximize their profit, private party car sales often yield the highest returns. While requiring more effort than selling to online car buyers, these platforms connect you directly with individual buyers, potentially leading to better prices. Here are some top platforms for private car sales:
Selling a Car on Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is a popular and often effective best website to sell cars privately, especially locally. Listing is free, and you tap into Facebook’s vast user base. Communication with buyers occurs directly through Facebook Messenger, and you can view buyer profiles for added security.
Facebook Marketplace is particularly strong for local sales, leveraging your network and community. However, be aware of potential scams and exercise caution when interacting with unknown buyers.
Selling a Car on Craigslist
Craigslist remains a widely used platform for private car sales, particularly for local transactions. While once entirely free, listing a car on Craigslist now costs $5, intended to deter scammers. Like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist relies on direct communication with buyers.
Craigslist offers anonymity through its email relay system but requires vigilance against scams. Be cautious with payment methods and avoid suspicious scenarios.
Selling a Car on eBay Motors
eBay Motors extends eBay’s marketplace to vehicle sales, offering reach to a large audience. It’s particularly useful for reaching local buyers in metropolitan areas. eBay Motors can also be effective for enthusiast vehicles. Listing fees start at $19, but there are no final value fees for vehicle sales.
eBay Motors is best suited for local sales to avoid complexities associated with remote transactions, deposits, and car shipping.
Bring a Trailer
Bring a Trailer (BaT) is the best website to sell cars if you own a classic, collectible, or high-end vehicle. It’s an auction-style platform catering specifically to car enthusiasts and collectors. BaT boasts a large community of registered bidders and offers shipping services within the contiguous US.
BaT provides a specialized auction environment for premium vehicles, attracting serious buyers and often achieving strong sale prices. They offer various auction services starting at $99, including options for professional photography and white-glove service.
Hemmings Classic Auctions and Auto Classifieds
Hemmings is another reputable platform for classic and collector car sales, offering both auctions and classified listings. They cater to a similar audience as Bring a Trailer, focusing on vintage, muscle, sports, and exotic cars.
Hemmings offers seven-day auctions and six-month classified listings, with varying fee structures for sellers and buyers. Classified ads also appear in Hemmings Motor News magazine, increasing visibility.
Where Can You Sell Your Car Online?
Choosing the right platform depends on your priorities. Online car buyers offer convenience, while private sales can maximize profit. Here’s a breakdown:
Websites That Buy Cars
Selling to online car dealers is the easiest and fastest method. You provide vehicle details, receive an offer, and if accepted, the company handles pickup and payment. This is ideal for sellers seeking a quick and hassle-free sale.
However, offers from online car buyers are typically lower than private sale values, as these companies resell for profit. Offers are usually non-negotiable. Still, for selling junk cars, online buyers often offer better deals than junkyards.
What To Look For in Good Online Car Dealers
- Customer Reviews: Check online reviews to gauge customer satisfaction and service quality.
- Vehicle Offers: Compare offers from multiple websites to ensure you’re getting a competitive price.
- Services Offered: Look for services like free pickup, at-home inspections, and convenient payment methods.
- Industry Reputation: Consider BBB ratings and industry recognition as indicators of trustworthiness.
Platforms for Private Party Car Sales
Private sale platforms connect you directly with buyers, potentially yielding higher prices. This is especially true for desirable or enthusiast vehicles. You’re more likely to achieve full market value compared to trade-in values offered by online car buyers.
However, private sales require more effort in listing creation, buyer communication, and handling paperwork.
What To Know About Selling a Vehicle Privately
- Listing Fees: Most platforms charge listing fees or seller’s fees, except for Facebook Marketplace.
- Safety Precautions: Exercise caution when meeting with strangers. Meet in public places and bring a friend.
- Car Preparation: Cleaning your car and addressing minor repairs can increase its appeal and sale price.
- Bill of Sale: Always use a bill of sale to document the transaction.
- Scam Awareness: Be aware of common scams, such as overpayment with cashier’s checks or remote transactions.
- Time to Sell: Private sales may take longer than selling to online car buyers.
How To Sell a Car Online for the Best Price
Follow these steps to optimize your online car selling experience and achieve the best possible price:
1. Gather Vehicle Details
Collect all necessary information and documents:
- Make, Model, Year
- VIN Number
- Vehicle Title
- Accident History
- Current Condition
- Repair History
- Aftermarket Modifications
- Warranty Documentation
Obtain a free vehicle history report from providers like Carfax to share with potential buyers.
2. Fix and Clean Your Car
Clean your car thoroughly, inside and out. Address any minor repairs or maintenance items, such as worn brakes, tires, or broken lights. Routine maintenance and minor repairs generally offer a good return on investment.
Research repair costs on websites like RepairPal.com to determine if repairs are worthwhile or if selling to a junk car buyer is preferable.
3. Take Detailed Photos
Capture high-quality photos of your car’s exterior and interior from various angles. Include shots of the engine, trunk, and undercarriage. Use even lighting and a plain background for optimal image quality.
4. Get and Compare Online Car Offers
Obtain offers from multiple online car buyers and private sale platforms. Compare pricing and terms to identify the best options. Private sales may take longer but can yield higher prices.
5. Complete the Vehicle Sale
Once you accept an offer, finalize the sale process. Online car buyers typically guide you through the steps. For private sales, ensure proper title transfer, registration, and payment.
Can I Sell My Car Online Today?
While online car sales offer speed, certain situations might affect immediate sales:
Can You Sell Your Car With a Loan?
Yes, but your lender holds the title until the loan is paid off. If your sale price is less than the loan balance, you’ll need to cover the difference. If the sale price exceeds the loan, the lender releases the title after payment.
What Do Lenders Require for a Private Sale?
Lenders have specific protocols for private sales with outstanding loans. Often, transactions occur at a bank to verify payment and facilitate title release.
Should You Finance Negative Equity?
Rolling negative equity (owing more than the car’s worth) into a new car loan is generally not recommended. It can lead to owing more than the new car’s value.
Can You Sell a Car Without a Title?
Generally, no. Most states require a title for car sales. You’ll likely need to obtain a replacement title. Classic cars may be an exception, where a bill of sale might suffice.
Can I Sell My Car Back to the Dealership?
Yes, dealerships often buy used cars, especially in current market conditions. You can trade in or sell outright. Research your car’s fair market value using Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds before negotiating with dealerships.
Where Can I Sell Car Parts for Cash?
If selling a junk car, consider selling parts separately:
- Junkyards: Quick and easy, but lower prices.
- Scrap Metal Yards: For valuable scrap metal components.
- Online Listing Platforms (Amazon, eBay): Potential for higher prices for specific parts.
- Auto Shops and Stores: Local businesses may be interested in certain parts.
Best Websites To Sell Your Car: Top Picks
For ease of use and strong offers, Cars.com is our top recommendation for the best website to sell your car online. Facebook Marketplace is excellent for local private sales. Bring a Trailer is the premier platform for selling classic cars.
Great Choice for Older Vehicles
Peddle Logo
Get an Offer from Peddle
Featured Partner
Wheelzy Logo
Get an Offer from Wheelzy
Best for Reliable Pick-Up
Get an Offer from CarBrain
Car Selling Websites: FAQ
What is the best website to sell a used car?
Cars.com is our top pick. It offers instant cash offers and a private marketplace.
Which online car buyer gives the most money?
CarMax often provides the highest offers for used vehicles, based on our research.
How do I avoid scams when selling my car online?
Only accept negotiated payment amounts in your preferred form. Be wary of overpayments, cashier’s checks, and out-of-state buyers sending representatives. Meet in public places.
Which online used car retailer is the largest?
CarMax is the largest, followed by Carvana.
What is the most accurate car value website?
Kelley Blue Book (KBB) is the industry standard. Edmunds, Carfax, and TrueCar are also reliable.
Can you negotiate with websites like Carvana or CarMax?
No, offers are typically non-negotiable.
What is the Autotrader Private Seller Exchange?
Autotrader Private Seller Exchange is a service that brokers private car sales for a fee, offering safety and fraud protection.
Our Methodology:
Our rankings are based on a comprehensive rating system evaluating car selling platforms across five key factors:
- Pricing and Financing (30%): Secret shopper analysis of offer prices, fee comparisons, and financing options.
- Support (30%): Evaluation of transaction support, including pickup services and payment speed.
- Platform (15%): Assessment of platform features, sales options, and vehicle selection.
- Customer Experience (15%): Analysis of customer satisfaction ratings on BBB and Trustpilot, and our team’s platform interaction.
- Industry Standing (10%): Consideration of industry expert ratings and company history.
*Data accurate at time of publication
For feedback or questions, please email our team at [email protected].
