Should I Sell My Car to CarFax?
Considering that the selling process is as easy as submitting an online application, getting a quote, and bringing in your car to a CarFax office, you should consider selling your car to CarFax. However, the company might not provide you the best deal for your vehicle.
CarFax is a Virginia-based company that offers vehicle history reports to used car buyers and sellers. Founded in 1984, It started with 10,000 data sent out through fax machines.
Since then, it has grown to provide reports from over 100,000 data sources in the US and Canada. Some of its sources include motor vehicle agencies, car auctions, collision repair facilities, and fire and police departments.
Besides the Vehicle History Report, another notable service CarFax offers is the “Sell My Car.” Basically, its website becomes a platform where you can sell your car to local dealers. With CarFax’s extensive affiliations, it surely makes a considerable platform.
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
Selling Your Car To CarFax
CarFax advertises a three-step process in selling your car:
- First, go to the CarFax website and provide your car’s license plate number and state.
- Then, add more details about your car to see the estimated offer.
- Lastly, select local dealers for appraisal and cash offers.
Besides using the license plate, you can also enter your car’s Vehicle Identification Number or VIN. You’ll also need to provide your zip code. Then, click on the green “Sell My Car” button to start the process.
From there, you’ll see a page showing your car’s year, make and model. There are also some sections where you need to describe your car’s condition, trim and options. The mileage field is also populated but you can still edit that.
After choosing the details that best describe your car, the webpage directs you to a contact form. You’ll need to enter your first and last names and email. You may also enter your phone number.
Finally, CarFax will provide you with an estimated price based on the information you provided. There’s also a list of dealerships where you can take your car for appraisal. Just call the contact numbers provided to schedule an in-store appointment.
It’s important to know that the price posted on the CarFax website is only an estimate. You’ll only know the actual offer once you bring your car to a dealership for appraisal.
During your appointment, bring your car’s title. If it’s still on the lease, be ready to provide the payoff information. Of course, you’ll also need your valid ID and the car keys or remotes.
How Much Does CarFax Pay?
CarFax estimates the value of your car based on the information you provide. For example, a 2006 Ford Crown Victoria in good condition has a trade-in value of $650. Good condition means it has no major mechanical problems, only minor cosmetic flaws.
Additionally, CarFax provides a history-based value, considering the data gathered from their source. It usually shows the latest date and time these data sources are accessed. This way, you’ll know that the history-based value is at its most accurate.
What Types of Cars Does CarFax Buy?
Through CarFax, you can sell cars in varying models, makes, and years. After all, you’ll have access to their partner dealerships so you’ll likely find one that can buy your vehicle.
However, it’s important to consider that CarFax allows you to sell your car to dealerships for their inventory. Your car should be in working condition when you decide to sell it.
If it has a major mechanical issue that needs repairing, the costs will be considered against the offer. This means that you can still sell your car, in a not-so-good condition. Although, you might get significantly less money for it.
How Long Does the Sell to CarFax Offer Last?
Offers you receive from CarFax dealerships are good for three days. This gives you enough time to consider offers from other buyers. If you miss this time frame, you’ll need to have your car appraised at the dealership again.
You don’t have to worry about paying for anything for the appraisal, though. All CarFax dealerships offer this for free. And once you accept the offer and close the sale, you can walk away with your cash. You don’t have to buy anything at the dealerships.
How Long Does it Take to Sell Your Car to CarFax?
The online process to know your car’s estimated value takes around five minutes to complete at the very least. From there, you might need to spend a couple more minutes to contact a dealership and schedule an in-store appraisal.
Once you get to the store, the entire process can take around 30 to 90 minutes only since you have an appointment. Of course, if you’re still paying for the lease, you might want to add more minutes for the paperwork. The dealership might also need to contact the leasing company.
Ensure that you have complete documents to sell your car right after the appraisal. This way, you can leave the dealership with a check or cash on hand.
Does CarFax Inspect Your Car?
CarFax doesn’t actually inspect your car. Through its database, it runs a history report on your car before providing an estimated offer.
Its partner dealerships, on the other hand, are required to inspect your car during your appointment. This allows them to make an accurate offer based on the current condition of your car.
In retrospect, having them inspect your car might be more advantageous. It also helps them adjust the offer in case the car requires repairs and replacements.