Where To Sell Your Car Online: Top Platforms & Expert Tips for 2024

More and more Americans are discovering the convenience of buying cars online, and this shift has significantly impacted how we sell vehicles too. If you’re considering selling your car, exploring online platforms can be a smart move, whether you’re looking for a direct sale or to understand your car’s trade-in value. Selling your car online offers unparalleled convenience and flexibility. You can manage the entire process, or just parts of it, from your home, at your own pace. Many online car-buying services even offer home pickup and instant payment, making it easier than ever to turn your used car into cash.

» MORE: Understanding Your Car’s Worth: A Comprehensive Guide

Top Online Platforms to Sell Your Car

Navigating the online marketplace to sell your car can feel overwhelming. To simplify your choices, we’ve analyzed some of the leading online car-selling platforms, each with unique strengths depending on your vehicle’s condition and your selling goals.

CarMax

Best for Selling Cars in Almost Any Condition and Age

CarMax is a well-established name in the used car market, directly purchasing vehicles from customers in over 40 states. To get an instant online appraisal from CarMax, you’ll need to provide 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 distinguishes itself by buying cars of all ages and conditions. They recondition vehicles for their retail lots or sell them through wholesale auctions. After receiving your online quote, 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 initially quoted amount right there.

CarMax also accommodates vehicles that aren’t fully paid off and even leased vehicles, provided the leasing company permits sales to independent dealers.

» Explore CarMax Reviews and Selling Options

Peddle

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

Peddle operates across all 50 states, providing online offers and free vehicle pickup, making it a convenient option for sellers nationwide. Unlike some platforms, Peddle focuses solely on direct purchases and doesn’t offer trade-ins. Peddle specializes in buying older vehicles, damaged cars, and even non-running vehicles, filling a specific niche in the online car-selling market.

To sell to Peddle, you’ll need to enter your vehicle’s year, make, model, trim, and mileage. You’ll also specify the type of title you possess (clean, salvage, or rebuilt) and answer questions regarding the car’s condition and any damage history. Peddle states they typically email an offer within minutes.

Offers from Peddle are valid for seven days. If you accept, Peddle will schedule a vehicle pickup at a convenient time. They use professional tow truck drivers who will inspect the car to confirm it matches your online description. Upon verification, the driver will issue a check or cash before towing the vehicle. Note that if the car’s condition significantly differs from your description, Peddle may adjust the offer.

» Read In-depth Reviews of Peddle’s Car Selling Service

Carvana

Great for Both Trade-Ins and Direct Car Sales Online

Carvana is another major player in the online car market, known for both direct car purchases and trade-in options. They emphasize providing their best offer upfront, with a no-negotiation policy on their prices.

To get an offer from Carvana, you’ll input your car’s 17-digit VIN or license plate number, mileage, vehicle options, and condition details on their website. If you have a loan or lease, you’ll need to provide relevant information. Carvana also requires you to upload photos of the odometer reading and driver’s licenses of all titleholders. For owned cars, you’ll need to upload images of the front and back of the paper title. If there’s a loan, a photo of the registration and a 10-day payoff statement from your lender are required.

If you are within Carvana’s local service areas, you can choose to have your vehicle picked up or drop it off at a Carvana hub or one of their unique vending machines. Home pickup might incur a fee. If you live outside of Carvana’s service areas, you’ll need to transport the vehicle to a Carvana location yourself.

» See Carvana Reviews for Online Car Selling and Trading

Carvana Online Car Selling Platform Logo

GivemetheVIN

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

GivemetheVIN (GMTV) stands out by purchasing a broader range of vehicles, including motorcycles, RVs, and ATVs, in addition to cars, for resale in the wholesale market. Unlike some competitors, GMTV doesn’t sell directly to consumers, so trade-ins are not an option.

To sell your vehicle to GMTV, you start by entering the VIN or license plate number online, along with mileage, vehicle options, and loan details. You’ll also provide your ZIP code and email and complete a vehicle condition questionnaire.

GMTV typically emails an initial offer range within minutes. If you’re interested, a buyer will call for more detailed information about your car’s condition. You’ll be asked to upload photos of the vehicle’s interior, exterior, under the hood, and any damage. The buyer will then provide a precise, negotiable offer, valid for 24 hours.

Once you agree to a price, GMTV sends a sales contract for you to sign. They will arrange vehicle pickup within 10 days, or you can opt to drop it off at a GMTV office or a Manheim auction location. Payment is issued via check upon vehicle pickup or drop-off.

» Explore GivemetheVIN for Selling Specialty Vehicles Online

CarGurus

Best for Comparing Offers from a Wide Network of Dealers Online

CarGurus operates in 36 states and Washington D.C., using instant price bids from a large network of car dealers to purchase used vehicles directly from consumers. Like GivemetheVIN, CarGurus focuses on direct purchases and doesn’t offer trade-ins to consumers.

To sell your car through CarGurus, you’ll enter your 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 usually emails a cash offer within minutes.

If you accept the offer, a CarGurus agent will contact you to finalize the sale details. You’ll need 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 ten days. CarGurus will mail you the sales contract to sign upon pickup. The driver will inspect the vehicle at pickup to ensure it matches your online description and then issue a check.

» Review CarGurus for Competitive Online Car Selling Offers

CarGurus Logo for Comparing Car Sale Offers

Algo

Recommended for Selling Small Commercial Vehicles and Direct Sales

Algo provides an online platform for selling your car, including small commercial vehicles, with a focus on direct purchases rather than trade-ins. To start selling with Algo, you’ll need to input your car’s VIN or license plate number, mileage, options, and any loan information. You’ll also provide your ZIP code, email, phone number, and complete a brief vehicle condition questionnaire to get an estimated value.

An Algo representative will contact you within hours to schedule a virtual inspection, typically via a 10 to 20-minute video call. Alternatively, you can answer questions over the phone and upload photos. Algo will then email or call you with a decision, usually within a couple of hours. Offers are valid for 24 hours.

If you accept an offer, you’ll mail your vehicle title to Algo for verification. After title verification, a representative will schedule a pickup from your home or another location. You’ll receive a check at the time of pickup.

» Check out Algo Reviews for Selling Cars and Commercial Vehicles Online

ALGO Online Car Buying Platform Logo

» MORE: Step-by-Step Guide on How to Sell Your Car Privately

Alternative Online Options for Selling Your Car

While online car buying platforms offer convenience, you might also consider leveraging online marketplaces for a different approach to selling. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist can connect you directly with potential buyers, possibly leading to higher selling prices. However, this route typically requires more effort from your side in terms of listing creation, buyer communication, and managing transactions.

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

Selling your car online can be straightforward if you follow the right steps. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the process effectively:

1. Determine Your Car’s Market Value. Start by understanding what your car is currently worth. Most online car-buying platforms require you to enter your car’s 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate number. You’ll also need to confirm details like make, model, mileage, color, and overall operating condition.

Typically, you’ll also need to answer detailed questions about your car’s history and condition, such as accident history, flood damage, aftermarket modifications, scratches, and dents. Remember that offers from online platforms are based on their business models and current market conditions, and may not always reflect the absolute highest value of your car. Factors like vehicle age, high mileage, mechanical issues, or a salvage title can lead to lower offers, as these vehicles may be harder to resell or finance.

2. Decide Between Direct Sale and Trade-In. Most online car buyers also operate as online car dealerships. They generally state that their trade-in values are consistent with their direct purchase prices, aiming for transparency in their pricing.

3. Be Transparent About Loans and Leases. Many online car-buying companies are equipped to handle vehicles with existing loans, and some may even facilitate lease buyouts, depending on the lessor’s policies. Use an auto lease buyout calculator to assess the fairness of a lease buyout offer. However, if your outstanding loan balance exceeds the offer, you’ll need to cover the difference.

4. Provide Detailed Vehicle Photos and Information. While some companies may arrange in-person inspections, many rely on detailed descriptions and photos you provide initially. Some may defer inspection until the pickup or drop-off stage. It’s crucial to be accurate and honest in your descriptions. If the vehicle’s condition is misrepresented, the company may revise their offer. Note that some buyers might not request photos until after you’ve accepted an initial offer.

What Happens After You Accept an Online Car Sale Offer?

Once you accept an online offer, a representative from the company will contact you, usually via email or phone, to arrange vehicle pickup from your home or schedule a drop-off at a designated location. In most instances, additional fees are minimal. Some companies may charge a small administrative fee, which is typically deducted from the final offer. Sellers might also face charges if they breach a signed sale agreement.

Regarding paperwork, each company has its own procedures for title and registration transfer. Generally, you’ll need to upload copies of your registration, title, and driver’s license to initiate the process. Sales contracts, odometer disclosure forms, and power of attorney documents might be sent for electronic signature or via mail.

Payment is usually provided when the vehicle is collected, often in the form of a check or bank draft, which may require a few business days to clear. Some platforms offer direct deposit or even cash payments. Before handing over your car, remember to remove your license plates, clear out all personal belongings, and leave only the items that were originally included with the car, like the owner’s manual, keys, and floor mats. If online offers don’t meet your expectations, consider exploring selling to private buyers through platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.

Frequently Asked Questions About Selling Cars Online

How do I effectively sell my car online?

Selling your car online is streamlined through platforms like Carvana and CarMax. These online car-selling platforms require you to input vehicle details such as the license plate number, make, model, mileage, color, condition, and history. Many of these services also offer home pickup and immediate payment upon vehicle collection.

Is CarMax or Carvana the better option for selling my car?

Both CarMax and Carvana provide user-friendly and flexible ways to sell your car online, often resulting in competitive offers. Both accept cars with negative equity and keep offers valid for seven days. However, CarMax requires an in-person inspection at one of their locations, while Carvana allows for a more remote sales process and offers vehicle pickup services.

What is the best online platform to sell my car through?

The “best” platform really depends on your specific needs and vehicle. Leading platforms include Carvana, CarMax, Peddle, and others, each specializing in different aspects of car buying. Factors like your car’s condition, whether you’re trading in, and the type of vehicle you’re selling will influence the best choice. For example, Carvana is well-suited for trade-ins and general sales, while Peddle might be more advantageous for selling older or damaged vehicles.

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.