Which is Better for Selling the Car?
Of the two car-selling companies, CarMax and Peddle, Peddle is the better option. It accepts cars in all conditions, including damaged ones that CarMax doesn’t.
In addition to the online process, you can also get a quote by calling Peddle’s hotline. This seems like a better option if you prefer to talk to an actual salesperson.
Although you may also get an offer by calling a CarMax salesperson, you’ll need to bring your car to their store to get an accurate quote.
If you sell a damaged or junk car, you also won’t need to worry about paying for a tow service. Peddle will pick it up for free and pay you on the spot.
If customer reviews matter to you, Peddle remains the preferable option, given its impressive Trustpilot and Better Business Bureau ratings.
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
CarMax vs. Peddle Comparison
| Company | CarMax | Peddle |
|---|---|---|
| Logo | 
| 
|
| Cars accepted | Cars in most conditions with exceptions | Cars, in all conditions |
| Fees | $0 | $0 |
| Requesting quotes | Online application | Online application or through a hotline |
| Offer validity | 7 days | 7 days |
| Payments offered | Bank draft | Check |
| Payout | Up to 48 hours | Up to 48 hours |
| Car pick-up | Drop-off and pick-up service in selected areas | Free pick-up |
| Physical locations | 240 CarMax locations nationwide | N/A |
| Turnaround time | Up to 48 hours | Up to 48 hours |
| Customer service | Social media, online form, or hotline | Chat, phone, and social media |
| Reviews | 1.6 | 4.6 |
Cars Accepted
CarMax accepts vehicles in most conditions, including undriveables and junk. However, you still need to ensure that your vehicle has no flood or frame damage. Also, CarMax doesn’t buy vehicles with a salvage history.
Although requirements differ across states, you’ll need to prepare the following before you can sell to CarMax:
- Valid and current registrations
- Title or payoff details
- Valid IDs of title holders, who should be present during the sale
- Keys and remotes
Peddle, on the other hand, buys vehicles in any condition, including those with accident and water damage. Besides old and used cars, you can also sell them junk and non-running cars.
Fees
Both CarMax and Peddle charge zero fees. You can get an instant offer through their online forms for free. When they inspect your vehicle, you also don’t need to pay for anything.
Requesting Quotes
Both companies let you fill out an online form to receive an instant offer. With CarMax, go to their website and enter your license plate number, zip code, and state of registration.
If you have your VIN or Vehicle Identification Number, you can enter just that to proceed to the next page, where you’ll provide more details about your car. Describing your vehicle on their online form is easier since you only need to select from the drop-down options.
Also, you’ll need to confirm your vehicles condition, mileage, and history on the following:
- Flood and frame damage
- Mechanical damage
- Past odometer issues
- Accident
Finally, CarMax requires you to confirm the number of keys you have and, if applicable, provide the leasing details.
After completing the online form, you’ll see shortly how much CarMax can purchase your vehicle for. In some cases, though, the online process might not be able to provide an instant offer value. For that, you can just schedule an in-store appraisal.
Peddle, meanwhile, relies on an online process to buy your vehicle. Similar to CarMax, you need to go to their website and provide details about your car.
These include:
- Make, model, and year
- Current condition
- Location of the vehicle
You can also provide the VIN if you have it so the website will autofill your car details based on it. Within 2 minutes of completing the form, you’ll get an instant offer for your car.
Alternatively, you can get an instant quote by calling their hotline at 877-978-1115. According to their website, their hotline is available 24/7.
Offer Validity
Instant offers from both companies are good for 7 days. That means you need to claim the offer within this timeframe. Otherwise, you’ll need to go through the online process again and possibly get a different quote.
With CarMax, you’ll get an offer based on current market conditions and your vehicle’s year, make, model, and mileage. It also determines the offer based on your car’s history report.
During the in-store appraisal, CarMax also checks for major defects, like flood and frame damage, and will test drive your car to see if there are any issues with the turn signals and brakes. Long-term maintenance of your car will also significantly determine the offer.
Payments Offered
CarMax will pay you in bank draft after completing the sale, which you can only deposit to your account. Make sure to check with your bank regarding their holding policy on bank drafts so you can expect when the posting date is.
Peddle, on the other hand, will pay you by check before they tow away your vehicle. Unlike with a bank draft, you can cash in the check.
Payout
Getting your payment after selling either to CarMax or Peddle can be as fast as 48 hours. With CarMax, you only need to factor in your appointment at their store. However, you can expect your payment within 30 to 90 minutes.
Peddle also offers guaranteed payment within 2 days from the time you receive the online quote.
Car Pick-up
Only Peddle offers free pick-up. To claim your instant offer, you’ll need to schedule a time for their partner tow service to come to your location. Upon arrival, their team will inspect your car to verify the details you provided on the online form.
Note that their team can modify their offer or revoke it if they find any discrepancies. So just make sure to provide accurate details when you fill out the online form, and the process will be smooth sailing.
CarMax also offers a free pick-up service when you’re ready to claim an offer. However, this option is also available in selected stores. You’ll need to be within 30 miles of the nearest store that offers free pick-up.
Physical Locations
CarMax only allows sellers to drop off their vehicles at any of their stores. Currently, it has 240 outlets nationwide.
When you complete their online form and accept an offer, you’ll also get the option to schedule an appointment at the nearest CarMax location based on your zip code.
Since Peddle picks up cars, it doesn’t offer an option to drop off your car at its physical location.
Turnaround Time
Selling to either CarMax or Peddle can take up to 48 hours. It’s because as soon as you receive the instant offer through their online form, you can schedule a pick-up or drop-off within the next 2 days.
Then, once you have your car inspected, both companies can hand you payment within the same day.
Customer Service
What’s good about both companies is that they offer varied ways to reach their customer support team. With CarMax, you can fill out a form, and they’ll get back to you through a phone call or email.
You can also call their hotline at (913)384-6697. Just note that this is only available Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 10 PM, and Saturday, 9 AM to 6 PM Eastern Standard Time. If you’re on Facebook or Twitter, you can also send them a direct message there.
Meanwhile, Peddle’s customer support is available on social media but only on Facebook. Besides that, you can reach them through the Chat Now icon on their website or call their hotline at (855) 925 4302.
Reviews
| Company | CarMax | Peddle |
|---|---|---|
| Logo |
|
|
| Trustpilot | 1.7 | 4.6 |
| BBB | 1.15 | 4.67 |
CarMax received an abysmal score at Trustpilot. However, most of the comments are from car buyers who believe their purchases were overpriced.
A few sellers also commented about not receiving accurate offers for their cars, and one customer pointed out that CarMax gave incorrect information about his Tesla. This is why it’s important to give the most accurate information about your car during the online application. By doing that, other customers expressed their gratitude for having CarMax honor their online offers.
On Better Business Bureau, CarMax also received a low average. Despite that, the company has an A+ accreditation score, and most customer complaints were either resolved or answered.
Peddle, meanwhile, has impressive customer average ratings at both Trustpilot and BBB. Most customers gushed about the quick and efficient process. Others also liked that the tow service team was professional and courteous. Besides the convenient car-selling process, customers liked that they received reasonable offers and the prompt arrival of a local tow service team.