How to Sell Your Car Online: A Comprehensive Guide for 2024

The automotive landscape is rapidly evolving, and so are car buying and selling trends. More and more Americans are turning to the internet when they’re ready for a new vehicle, and this shift has significantly impacted how people sell their current cars. Selling a car online offers a compelling alternative to traditional methods, providing convenience and flexibility that fits today’s fast-paced lifestyles. Whether you’re considering selling your car outright or exploring trade-in values, understanding how to navigate the online marketplace is crucial.

Selling your car online empowers you to manage the entire process, or significant portions of it, from the comfort of your home. You can work at your own pace and on your own schedule. Many online car-buying platforms even go the extra mile by offering home pickup services, coupled with immediate payment upon inspection. This streamlined approach makes selling your car online an attractive option for those seeking a hassle-free experience.

» LEARN MORE: Understanding Your Car’s Worth

Top Platforms to Sell Your Car Online

Navigating the online car selling market can feel overwhelming. To simplify your choices, we’ve compiled a list of leading platforms, each with unique strengths, to help you find the best fit for your needs.

CarMax

Best for Selling Cars of Any Age and Condition

CarMax is a well-established name in the used car market, operating in over 40 states and offering a straightforward online selling process. CarMax stands out for buying vehicles of all ages and conditions. They recondition suitable cars for their retail lots and auction others to wholesalers, providing an avenue for almost any seller.

To initiate the selling process with CarMax, you’ll need to input your car’s 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate number into their online appraisal tool. Alongside this, you’ll provide registration details, mileage, vehicle options, and any existing loan information. CarMax also requires your ZIP code and email address, and you’ll complete a brief questionnaire detailing your vehicle’s condition.

After receiving your online appraisal, you have a seven-day window to bring your car to any CarMax store for a physical inspection. Assuming the inspection aligns with your online description, you will receive a bank draft for the quoted amount immediately. CarMax also accommodates vehicles with outstanding loans or leases (provided the leasing company permits sales to independent dealers).

» Explore CarMax Reviews


Key Facts: – Offers are valid for 7 days and are non-negotiable. – Accepts vehicles with existing loans or negative equity. – Buys salvage title or damaged cars. – Requires in-person vehicle inspection at a CarMax store. Get Your CarMax Offer

Peddle

Top Choice for Selling Older, Used, or Damaged Cars

Peddle distinguishes itself in the online car buying space by specializing in older, damaged, or non-running vehicles. Operating nationwide, Peddle offers online quotes and complimentary vehicle pickup across all 50 states. Unlike some platforms, trade-ins are not an option with Peddle; their focus is on direct purchases.

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

Offers from Peddle are valid for seven days. Upon accepting an offer, Peddle arranges a convenient vehicle pickup time. They partner with professional tow truck operators who conduct a brief on-site inspection to verify your car’s condition matches your online description. Payment, in the form of a check or cash, is provided by the tow operator before they haul away the vehicle. Note that significant discrepancies in vehicle condition may lead to a revised offer.

» Read Peddle Reviews


Key Facts: – Specializes in older, used, or damaged vehicles. – Offers are valid for 7 days and are non-negotiable. – Free vehicle pickup service. – Accepts salvage titles or scrap cars. – Does not purchase vehicles with active loans. Find Your Peddle Offer

Carvana

Ideal for Trade-Ins and Outright Car Sales

Carvana has revolutionized the online car market with its user-friendly platform and distinctive vending machine pickup locations. Carvana both buys cars outright and accepts trade-ins, offering a seamless experience for sellers. Carvana emphasizes upfront, best offers with no negotiation or price matching.

To get an offer from Carvana, you’ll enter your car’s VIN or license plate number, mileage, features, and condition details on their website. If your car has a loan or lease, you’ll also provide relevant information. Carvana requires you to upload photos of your odometer reading and driver’s licenses of all titleholders. For owned vehicles, a picture of the front and back of the paper title is needed. If you have a loan, you’ll upload a photo of your registration and a 10-day payoff statement from your lender.

For sellers within Carvana’s local service areas, you can opt for home vehicle pickup or drop-off at a Carvana hub or vending machine. Home pickup may incur a fee. If you reside outside a local market, you will need to transport the vehicle to a Carvana location or vending machine yourself.

» Explore Carvana Reviews


Key Facts: – Offers valid for 7 days. – Accepts leased cars and vehicles with negative equity. – Sales and trade-in prices are non-negotiable. – Free pickup limited to local Carvana markets.

GivemetheVIN (GMTV)

Best for Selling Motorcycles, RVs, ATVs, and More Specialized Vehicles

GivemetheVIN (GMTV) operates as a direct buyer for the wholesale marketplace, purchasing a broader range of vehicles than some competitors. GMTV’s focus is exclusively on buying from individuals for wholesale resale, meaning trade-ins for new car purchases are not an option.

To sell your vehicle to GMTV, you’ll input your VIN or license plate number, mileage, options, and any loan details online. You’ll also provide your ZIP code and email address and complete a brief vehicle condition questionnaire.

GMTV provides an initial offer range via email within minutes. If you are interested, a buyer will contact you for more detailed vehicle information. You’ll be asked to upload photos of the car’s exterior, interior, under the hood, and any damage. The buyer then provides a firm offer, which is negotiable but only valid for 24 hours.

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

» Read GivemetheVIN Reviews


Key Facts: – Offers negotiable and valid for 24 hours. – Free vehicle pickup. – Accepts vehicles with existing loans or negative equity. – Buys salvage titles and damaged cars. Learn More at GivemetheVIN

CarGurus

Best for Comparing Offers From a Wide Network of Dealers

CarGurus leverages a network of dealerships to provide competitive offers for used vehicles. Operating in 36 states and Washington D.C., CarGurus provides instant price bids from dealerships nationwide. Like GMTV, CarGurus focuses solely on purchasing vehicles and does not offer direct-to-consumer sales, so trade-ins are not applicable.

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 address, and complete a questionnaire about vehicle condition and damage. CarGurus CarOffer typically emails a cash offer within minutes.

Upon accepting an offer, a CarGurus agent will contact you to finalize sale details. You’ll need to describe any vehicle damage and upload photos of your driver’s license, odometer, and title. Once agreed, you schedule a vehicle pickup time and location, usually within 3 to 10 days. CarGurus mails a sales contract for you to sign upon vehicle pickup. At pickup, the driver visually inspects the vehicle against your online description and then issues a check.

» Read CarGurus Reviews


Key Facts: – Offers valid for 7 days or 250 additional miles driven. – Free vehicle pickup. – Accepts vehicles with existing loans or negative equity. – Does not accept salvage titles or leased vehicles.

Algo

Good for No-Trade-In Sales and Smaller Commercial Vehicles

Algo offers a slightly different approach to online car selling, incorporating a virtual inspection process. Algo is a suitable option for sellers not looking for trade-in options and may also consider smaller commercial vehicles.

To initiate selling your car to Algo, you’ll input your VIN or license plate number, mileage, vehicle options, and loan information. You’ll also provide your ZIP code, email, phone number, and complete a brief vehicle condition questionnaire for an estimated value.

An Algo representative will contact you within a few hours to schedule a virtual inspection via video call, which takes 10-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can answer questions over the phone and upload photos. Algo provides a decision via email or phone within a couple of hours after the inspection. Offers are valid for 24 hours.

If you accept the offer, you’ll mail your vehicle title to Algo for verification. Once the title is received, Algo schedules vehicle pickup from your home or another location you choose. Payment is provided via check upon pickup.

» Read Algo Reviews


Key Facts: – Offers valid for 24 hours and non-negotiable. – Free vehicle pickup. – Accepts vehicles with existing loans or negative equity. – Buys salvage titles and damaged cars.

» EXPLORE MORE OPTIONS: Ready to Sell? Get Offers Now.

Alternative Online Car Selling Options

While online platforms offer a structured approach, you can also consider direct peer-to-peer sales through online marketplaces. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist provide avenues to list your car directly to potential buyers. These options can offer more control over pricing and negotiation but require more effort in managing listings, communication, and transactions.

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

Selling your car online is generally a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process smoothly:

1. Determine Your Car’s Market Value: The first step in selling your car online is understanding its worth. Most online car-buying platforms require you to enter your car’s 17-digit VIN or license plate number. You’ll also need to confirm details such as make, model, mileage, color, and operating condition.

Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your car’s history and condition, including accident history, flood damage, aftermarket modifications, scratches, and dents. Keep in mind that online offers are reflections of what specific buyers are willing to pay at a given time, and may not always align perfectly with your car’s ideal market value. Older cars, high-mileage vehicles, cars with mechanical issues, or those with salvage titles may receive lower offers due to resale and financing challenges.

2. Decide Between Selling Outright or Trading In: Consider your objectives. Most online car buyers also operate as online car dealerships. Typically, their trade-in offers are aligned with their direct purchase offers. This transparency means you are unlikely to be offered a significantly lower amount for a trade-in compared to a direct sale.

3. Disclose Any Existing Loans or Leases: Transparency is key. Many online car-buying companies are willing to purchase vehicles that are not fully paid off, and some may even handle lease buyouts if permitted by the leasing company. Utilize an auto lease buyout calculator to assess the fairness of a lease buyout offer. Be aware that if your outstanding loan or lease balance exceeds the offer, you will need to cover the difference.

4. Provide Vehicle Photos and Documentation: Visual verification is often part of the online selling process. Some companies may request photos of your vehicle to assess its condition. Others might schedule in-person inspections or conduct inspections upon vehicle pickup. Be prepared to provide photos of any damage and ensure your description accurately reflects the car’s condition to avoid offer adjustments. Note that some buyers may only request photos after you’ve accepted an initial offer.

What Happens After You Accept an Online Car Sale Offer?

Once you’ve accepted an online offer, expect a representative to contact you via email or phone to arrange vehicle pickup or drop-off. In most cases, associated fees are minimal. Some companies may deduct a small administrative fee from the final offer. Sellers might also face charges if they breach a signed sales agreement after acceptance.

Regarding paperwork, each company has its specific procedures for handling title and registration transfers. Generally, you’ll need to upload copies of your registration, title, and driver’s license to initiate the process. Sales contracts, odometer statements, and power of attorney forms may be sent electronically or via mail for signature.

Payment is typically issued when the company takes possession of the vehicle, often in the form of a check or bank draft. Keep in mind that bank drafts may require several business days to clear. Some companies offer payment via direct deposit or even cash in certain situations. Before releasing your car, remember to remove your license plates, clear out all personal belongings, and leave only original vehicle accessories like the owner’s manual, keys, and floor mats. If online offers don’t meet your expectations, explore selling directly to consumers through platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.

Frequently Asked Questions About Selling Cars Online

How do I actually sell my car online?

Selling your car online is facilitated by platforms like Carvana and CarMax. These online car-selling platforms require you to input details about your vehicle, such as its license plate number, make, model, mileage, color, condition, and history. Notably, some online car buyers offer the added convenience of home pickup and immediate payment upon vehicle collection.

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

Both CarMax and Carvana present convenient and flexible methods for selling your car online and obtaining competitive offers. Both platforms accommodate cars with negative equity, and offers from both are generally valid for seven days. However, CarMax necessitates an in-person inspection at one of their locations, whereas Carvana provides the option to complete the sale process remotely and may offer vehicle pickup services.

What is considered the best website for selling my car online?

The optimal platform for selling your car online often depends on individual circumstances, such as the car’s condition, whether you’re considering a trade-in, and the type of vehicle you’re selling. Leading car-selling platforms include Carvana, CarMax, Peddle, and others. For example, Carvana can be a strong choice for trade-ins and straightforward sales, while Peddle may be better suited 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.