Compare to Other Car Buying Websites
Peddle
Get a legit offer in minutes – provide VIN, mileage and condition
$0 fees + you don’t have to pay for towing – Peddle will take care of it
Get paid in check during the pick up for any car (damaged, junk, wrecked)
Wheelzy
Quick car evaluation without the hassle – sell your car within 30 min
Choose a convenient date and time for free pick-up, as soon as next day
Get cash in hand the same day the Wheelzy agent picks up your car
CarBrain
Get an offer within 2 minutes and sell your damaged car within 48 hours
Free vehicle towing and no fees to getting rid of your damaged car
The tow truck driver will arrive with your check (nationwide service)
Should I Sell My Car to CarFax?
CARFAX Summary
- Dealerships compete for your car
- Free tool to accurate price your car
- Receive accurate offers within 3 days
- Carfax connects you directly with dealerships
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, CarFax started with a mere 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.
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, make sure to 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.
Alternative Places to Sell Your Car
CarFax surely provides an excellent option to sell your car. Its trusted dealers ensure that you’ll get an offer based on their inspection and vehicle history reports. Besides them, you can also check out these places to know the best offer.
Peddle
Peddle Summary
- Sell used, damaged or junk car nationwide
- Get instant quote on (855) 925 4302
- Free towing within 48 hours after offer
- Receive payment upon car collection
Peddle offers to buy various types of cars and in all kinds of conditions. This company, based in Texas, started as a junk removal service. Now, it purchases cars across fifty states in the United States and claims to have bought over two million units.
Peddle advertises a convenient way to sell your car. You can start through the online process by going to their website and clicking the “Get an instant offer” button. This directs you to another page where you can either:
- Enter your car’s year, make, and model
- Search using the VIN
Then, it will ask for the type of title, whether it’s a clean, salvaged, or rebuilt title. If you don’t have it, you can choose the option “I do not have a title.” After that, make sure to enter your zip code and provide details on:
- Wheels and tires
- Key and working battery
- If it’s driving
- Mileage
- Exterior body panels
- Body damage
- Damage on mirrors, glass, or lights
- Interior parts
- Flood or fire damage
After completing these steps, Peddle will show you right away from their offer for your car. When you’re ready to take it, you can choose the date and time you want them to pick your car. The soonest time they can do so is within the day.
Once you have selected the pickup schedule, click on the Sell Instantly button. Peddle will, then, ask you to create an account so you can monitor your offer status. You can use either your personal email, Google, or Facebook account to sign up.
Besides signing up, you also need to provide your address, first and last names, and phone number. Also, Peddle will ask some clarifying questions about the title, title owner, and any liens on your car.
Peddle will come to pick up the car on your chosen schedule, inspect it, and pay you on the spot. This step in the process is what makes Peddle significantly different from CarFax.
Where CarFax connects you to its partner dealerships, Peddle comes to you to buy your car. Between the two, you can easily decide on what’s more convenient for your situation. More importantly, you can choose based on who makes the better offer.
Recent Peddle Offers
| Model | Year | Mileage | Offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota (Camry) | 2011 | 150,000 | $2,225 |
| Volvo (S40) | 2001 | 37000 | $430 |
| Mercedes-Benz (560) | 1991 | 92000 | $1,930 |
| BMW (528) | 2008 | 126,000 | $1,140 |
| Kia (Forte) | 2010 | 145,000 | $635 |
| Honda (CR-V) | 2011 | 67000 | $2,930 |
| Ford (Explorer Sport Trac) | 2004 | 145,000 | $1,170 |
| Oldsmobile (Alero) | 2004 | 162,000 | $400 |
| Audi (A6) | 2006 | 106,000 | $530 |
Wheelzy
Wheelzy Summary
- Wheelzy stores are open 7 days a week
- Get offer in minutes – (855) 510-1108
- Free towing of your car from your location
- Instant payment via cash or check
Another great alternative to CarFax is Wheelzy. This company started in 2014, initially buying 30 cars per month. Since then, it has grown to cater to customers across the country, purchasing thousands of cars monthly.
Wheelzy also offers a fast and convenient way to sell your car. To start, you can either visit its website and provide your car’s details there. Or, you can contact them by phone at (855) 294-0940. Either way, you’ll get an offer for your car.
Like Peddle, you can also schedule for pickup at your convenience. According to their website, Wheelzy’s online offer won’t change when they come to pick up your car. They’ll basically inspect it for like ten minutes, and pay you the promised amount.
If you feel like driving, though, you can also take your car to the closest Wheelzy store. In this option, you entirely skip the online process and have them appraise your car there.
Another thing to consider with Wheelzy is that you may sell your car to them even without a title. This might still be subject to state laws, though, so it’s best to contact them beforehand.
Overall, Wheelzy makes it possible to make money out of old used cars in a convenient way. Compared to CarFax, you won’t have to deal with dealerships looking to add your car to their inventory.
On the other hand, CarFax partner dealerships provide you with more room for negotiation. This, in turn, can get you more money out of selling your car.
Recent Wheelzy Offers
| Model | Year | Mileage | Condition | Offer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai (Tucson) | 2006 | 200,000 | Doesn’t start | $400 |
| Mercury (Sable Sedan) | 2003 | 150,000 | Doesn’t start | $225 |
| Mercedes-Benz (C) | 2001 | 150,000 | Starts | $222 |
| Ford (Edge) | 2010 | 200,000 | Doesn’t start | $1,200 |
| Ford (Flex) | 2009 | 150,000 | Starts | $1,000 |
| Lexus (RX) | 2002 | 300,000 | Doesn’t start | $750 |
| Chevrolet (Cobalt Sedan) | 2007 | 200,000 | Doesn’t start | $200 |
| Toyota (Corolla) | 2003 | 250,000 | Drives | $555 |
| BMW (528) | 2008 | 250,000 | Drives | $1,487 |
CarBrain
CarBrain Summary
- Call for a free quote – (844) 407-2200
- Get cash for your car in under 48 hours
- CarBrain buys cars in over 7 conditions
- Up to 7 days to accept CarBrain’s offer
CarBrain is a car-buying company that offers a quick and straightforward way to sell your car. Unlike CarFax, CarBrain provides you with an instant quote rather than connecting you with local dealerships. If you accept CarBrain’s offer, the company representative will visit your driveway to pick up your car for free. Pick-ups usually take place within 24 to 48 hours after you accept the deal. The CarBrain representative will also pay you on the spot.
Carvana
Carvana Summary
- Get an online quote within 2 minutes
- Free pickup wtihin 100 miles of a hub
- Offer valid for 7 days or 250 more miles
- Haggle-free process to sell your car
Carvana is one of the most reliable used car dealerships you can sell your used car for cash. The company offers instant quotes and free towing within 100 miles of one of its hubs.
To get an offer, you need need to provide your license plate number and state or VIN. Carvana’s offer will be valid for 7 days or an additional 250 miles.
You can sell your car to Carvana if:
- Car is no older than 1992
- Used or new car
- The car is in running condition
Carvana also buys financed cars. If you owe less than the car’s worth, you can receive the difference or use it to buy a new car from Carvana.
CarGurus
CarGurus Summary
- Receive payment within 3 working days
- Find out the market value of your car
- List your car for sale in under 5 minutes
- Up to $75,000 in protection for your sale
CarGurus is one of the largest online used car marketplaces. They offer 2 ways to sell a car: privately or 100% online.
If you want to sell your car fast and hassle-free, you will need to provide your car’s license plate number and state or VIN.
After you accept the offer, CarGurus representatives will schedule the pickup.
You will be paid within 2 business days via check or direct deposit.
Other Places to Sell Your Car
Alternative Websites to Sell Car
Carvana
CarGurus
Driveo
We Buy Any Car USA
DamagedCars
AutoLenders
CarMax
AutoBuy
TrueCar
Vroom