Key Takeaways
- AutoNation is a leading used car dealership with over 300 locations across the US. It offers a quick and easy way to sell your car for cash online or in person.
- By filling out a form with your car’s details, you can get an online offer within 30 minutes. The offer is valid for 7 days or 500 miles, giving you time to compare options.
- While AutoNation pays quickly (within 24 hours) via check, it has mixed customer reviews citing high fees (up to $599), hidden charges, and questionable sales tactics, making it less reliable than other car-selling alternatives.
AutoNation Review
AutoNation is a leading used car dealership with over 20 years of experience in the industry. To date, the company has over 300 locations across the US and offers a great way to get cash for your used car. AutoNation also provide online offers, enabling you to get an offer for your car in just 30 minutes. If you are satisfied with the offer, they will also buy your car and pay you on the same day.
Pros
- Over 300 locations in the US available – you can get cash for your used car instantly by bringing it to any of the car dealership’s locations.
- Get an online offer – simply take 5 minutes to fill in a form with some basic details about your car and get an online offer within 30 minutes.
- Online offer valid for up to 7 days or 500 additional miles – this gives you time to shop around for other potentially better offers for your car.
- Get paid within 24 hours for your car – if you are in a hurry to sell your car, AutoNation will pay you for your car on the spot with a check.
Cons
- Only 1 payment option – the company will only pay you via check, which means you may need to wait up to 5 days for it to clear and to get the money.
- Potentially high fees – you may need to pay delivery and handling fees of up to $599 when selling your car to AutoNation, plus any government fees.
Best for Older & Damaged Cars
Buys used, damaged or junk cars
Free tow and no hidden fees
Pays by ACH trasfer or check
Top Pick for Junk Cars
Free, no-obligation cash offers
Offers free paperwork service
Pays on the spot upon pick up
Highly Rated by Customers
Excellent customer service ratings
Honors guaranteed offer for 7 days
Can pick up a car within 48 hours
Great for Low-Mileage Cars
Gives a real offer in 2 minutes
100% hassle-free online process
Free car’s Value Tracker available
How Does AutoNation Work?
AutoNation will review and analyze recent sales data to decide on the prices for each car model. They generally count a discount off the suggested retail price from the manufacturer – the general point where negotiation starts.
All cars are priced at Fort Lauderdale, the company’s headquarters. And prices are constantly changing, sometimes even on an hourly basis. It all depends on the market.
How Much Can You Get for Your Car with AutoNation?
The amount of money you get from selling your car to AutoNation generally depends on the make, model, age and type of th vehicle.
Who is AutoNation Best For?
AutoNation is best for individuals who want to sell their used cars online and make extra money.
How to Sell My Car through AutoNation?
Selling any car through AutoNation is pretty simple. If you’re using the AutoNation website, it only requires you to answer a set of questions about your car, providing information about its:
- Make and model
- Age
- Mileage
- Current condition
And only in less than 30 minutes after you submit your online application, you’ll get an offer from AutoNation.
For retail outlets, AutoNation claims that their car purchase plan follows an ABC plan:
A – Any AutoNation store (visit one)
B – Bring in your car
C – Check on the spot (they’ll use your VIN or license plate)
Once the inspection is done, you’ll receive an instant quote for your car. And if you accept it, you’ll get a deposit on the site.
What Types of Vehicles Does AutoNation Purchase?
AutoNation purchases new and used cars, such as trucks, or SUVs.
How Fast Can You Sell Your Car with AutoNation?
Once you provide your car details, AutoNation will give you a certified offer that is good for cash and guaranteed for 7 days or 500 miles. This means you can sell your car within the same day.
AutoNation Fees: How Much Does it Cost to Use AutoNation?
There are two types of fees you’ll encounter selling your car to AutoNation:
- The dealer delivery and handling fee – usually around the $500 mark (generally $599)
- The government fees – registration fees, tag, and other taxes aren’t included and are announced later on. Note that the amount of government fees you’ll need to pay will vary depending on the state you reside in.
| Fees | $500 – $599 | To be determined later |
|---|---|---|
| Types of Fees | Dealer Delivery & Handling Fee | Government Fees |
AutoNation Payment Options
Once AutoNation inspects your vehicle and verifies its condition, they give you a check the same day.
AutoNation Reviews: Is AutoNation Legit?
AutoNation reviews on Trustpilot total 1.9 out of 5-star rating based on 38 reviews. An alarming number of reviews from both customers and ex-employees suggest that they have many areas to improve.
According to one reviewer, the AutoNation techniques to sell cars are “slimy” and aim at taking advantage of car sellers. AutoNation complaints also highlight that the initial buying/selling process goes smoothly as all the salespeople are sweet-talkers.
Additionally, there was also mention of hidden charges being sneaked in here and there, which took out more from customers than they bargained for.
To sum up, most people found their policies untrustworthy, conniving, and manipulative.
AutoNation doesn’t have a BBB accreditation either, but it has an B- rating with an overall customer rating score of 1.3 out of 5-star rating.
Even though AutoNation has been operating nationwide for a pretty long time, they aren’t the most reliable or efficient used car selling company in the industry.
What are the AutoNation Pros & Cons?
AutoNation Pros
- Since there are 360 locations, finding an AutoNation store near you should be easy.
- Haggle-free pricing, you will not have to bargain to sell your car.
- All cars are serviced and repaired before being sold, which increases the chance of your car being sold quickly.
- AutoNation doesn’t sell its customers’ information to third parties.
AutoNation Cons
- A relatively high fee of about $500 when you’re selling your car.
- You’ll also need to pay government fees – the amount to be determined after the sale.
How Good Is AutoNation Support?
AutoNation website has detailed information on how to buy and sell your car. You can also call them at (877) 253-4239 for more information.
AutoNation Review Verdict: Is it Worth Selling a Car with AutoNation?
After careful evaluation of AutoNation’s pricing strategy coupled with customer reviews and checking out the competition, I don’t think AutoNation is worth it.
According to customer reviews, if you want to sell your car through AutoNation, you’re allowed to feel skeptical about the company.
Clearly, there are many better alternatives out there that will provide better value for your money. Their operating procedure is sketchy, to say the least, and they don’t seem to value their customers or employees. You would be better off with Peddle, Wheelzy, CarMax, and others.
AutoNation FAQ
What is AutoNation?
Today, AutoNation is one of the largest car buying companies offering cash for cars – allowing you to sell car online.
Although it started as nothing more than buying existing car dealerships, it grew fast into a nationwide company in the late 1990s. AutoNation became a common company for car repairs, buying, and selling.
With its headquarters in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, AutoNation boasts outlets in 360 locations across 17 states today. Plus, AutoNation has a prominent online presence.
Does AutoNation allow you to negotiate?
The AutoNation Price on Used Vehicles is a no-haggle, one-price approach. Its Used Vehicle prices are based on market research to ensure you get a fair price every time.
How is AutoNation different?
AutoNation services 35 different makes of vehicles and offer multi-tiered service plans for those looking for an extended auto warranty.
What is AutoNation no-haggle free price?
AutoNation no haggle free means you get the price for the vehicle you want to sell upfront.
Where is AutoNation’s main office?
AutoNation is headquartered at Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States.
As one of the best car selling websites, AutoNation makes the bulk of its profit on used-car sales, financing and aftermarket parts and accessories.