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Peddle

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Wheelzy

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Carbrain

How to Sell?

Sites Like CARFAX: Best Alternatives to Sell Your Car in 2024

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Written by: Michael Becker
Last Updated:

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Best for Older & Damaged Cars

Peddle logo

Buys used, damaged or junk cars

Free tow and no hidden fees

Pays by ACH trasfer or check

Top Pick for Junk Cars

Wheelzy logo

Free, no-obligation cash offers

Offers free paperwork service

Pays on the spot upon pick up

Highly Rated by Customers

CarBrain logo

Excellent customer service ratings

Honors guaranteed offer for 7 days

Can pick up a car within 48 hours

Great for Low-Mileage Cars

Carvana logo

Gives a real offer in 2 minutes

100% hassle-free online process

Free car’s Value Tracker available

1. Peddle


Peddle Summary

  • Sell used, damaged or junk car nationwide
  • Free towing within 48 hours after offer
  • Receive payment upon car collection
  • Get free online quote – offer valid 7 days
  • Instant quote available on (855) 925 4302
  • No obligation to accept the offer

Peddle is an online service where you can sell any car in any condition, offering instant quotes and free towing. You receive payment via check during the car pickup​​.

Similar to CARFAX, Peddle provides a straightforward process to understand your car’s worth and sell it quickly.

Peddle and CARFAX similarities:

  • Cars type: Both Peddle and CARFAX buy used cars.
  • Online offer: Both companies provide instant online quotes or cash offers​​​​.
  • Location: Both Peddle and CARFAX are available nationwide​​.
  • Fees: Neither Peddle nor CARFAX charges service fees for selling your car through their platform​​​​.
  • Towing: Both companies offer free towing services when selling online​​​​.
  • BBB rating: Peddle has an A+ BBB rating, as does CARFAX​​​​.

Peddle and CARFAX differences:

  • Ways to sell a car: Peddle offers online quotes to sell cars online, while CARFAX connects sellers to partner dealerships for selling cars and provides the option to sell through their platform​​​​.
  • Car type restrictions: Peddle does not have any restrictions on the cars they buy. CARFAX does not buy damaged cars.
  • Turnaround time: Peddle typically completes car purchases within 24-48 hours. CARFAX takes up to 3 days after accepting the offer to pick up the car​​​​.
  • Offer validity: Peddle’s offer is valid for 7 days. CARFAX cash offers are good for 3 days​​​​.
  • Payment: Peddle pays at pickup, usually by check. CARFAX pays via check or direct bank deposit within 3 days of picking up the car​​​​.
  • Payment type: Peddle only pays by check. CARFAX offers payment by check or direct bank deposit​​​​.
  • Trustpilot Ratings: Peddle has a 4.6 rating (over 120,000 reviews), and CARFAX has a 3.5 rating (over 300 reviews).

2. Wheelzy


Wheelzy Summary

  • Service is completely free – no hidden fees
  • Get offer in minutes – (855) 510-1108
  • Free towing of your car from your location
  • Instant payment via cash or check

Wheelzy buys vehicles regardless of their condition directly from sellers and provides free towing across the United States. Payment is promptly made through check or cash at the time of pickup.

Contrarily, CARFAX serves as a bridge between sellers and partner dealerships.

Wheelzy and CARFAX similarities:

  • Online Offer: Instant quotes online.
  • Location: Operates across the United States.
  • Payment: Payment is issued on the spot.
  • Fees: There are no fees charged by either company.

Wheelzy and CARFAX differences:

  • Ways to Sell a Car: Wheelzy allows for direct online sales, while CARFAX facilitates sales through dealer connections.
  • Car Types: Wheelzy accepts vehicles in any condition, whereas CARFAX requires cars to be in good condition.
  • Turnaround Time: Wheelzy processes sales quickly in 24-48 hours, while selling through CARFAX takes up to 3 days.
  • Offer Validity: Wheelzy does not disclose the validity period of their offers; CARFAX’s offers are valid for 3 days.
  • Towing: Complimentary towing is provided by Wheelzy, a service not available through CARFAX.
  • Car Type Restrictions: There are no restrictions with Wheelzy. CARFAX does not accept cars that are broken or damaged.
  • Payment Type: Wheelzy offers payment via check or cash, while Carfax dealers typically pay in cash.
  • BBB rating: Wheelzy has no BBB accreditation​​. CARFAX has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau​​.
  • Trustpilot Ratings: Wheelzy has a 4.7 rating (over 42,000 reviews) on Trustpilot​​. CARFAX has a 2.0 rating on Trustpilot​​.

3. 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 points

CarBrain allows you to sell damaged cars quickly. It offers an instant offer and free towing, and payment is made via check upon pickup​​.

Similar to CARFAX, CarBrain specializes in assessing and buying cars in less-than-perfect condition.

CarBrain and CARFAX similarities:

  • Online Offer: Instant online quotes.
  • Location: Nationwide services.
  • Payment: Payment is issued at the time of pickup.
  • Fees: Neither company imposes any fees on transactions.

CarBrain and CARFAX differences:

  • Ways to Sell a Car: CarBrain allows for online selling exclusively, whereas CARFAX connects sellers to partner dealerships.
  • Car Types: CarBrain accepts vehicles in any condition, while CARFAX only accepts vehicles that are in good condition.
  • Turnaround Time: CarBrain processes sales within 24-48 hours, compared to CARFAX, which can take up to 3 days.
  • Car Type Restrictions: CarBrain does not have any restrictions, unlike CARFAX, which does not accept broken or damaged cars.
  • Towing: CarBrain offers complimentary nationwide towing, a service not provided by CARFAX.
  • Payment Type: CarBrain issues payments by check, whereas CARFAX provides cash payments.
  • Offer Validity: Offers from CarBrain are valid for 7 days, while CARFAX’s offers are valid for 3 days.
  • BBB rating: Both CarBrain and CARFAX have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau​​​​.
  • Trustpilot Ratings: CarBrain has a 4.8 rating (over 5,000 reviews) on Trustpilot. CARFAX has a 2.0 rating on Trustpilot​​​​.

4. 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 a large online marketplace for selling cars, offering quick payment processing and the ability to list your car in minutes. You can set your own prices and negotiate with potential buyers​​.

Like CARFAX, CarGurus provides a platform to understand your car’s market value and connect with potential buyers.

CarGurus and CARFAX similarities:

  • Online Offer: Provide instant quotes online.
  • Location: Nationwide services.
  • Payment: Payment is issued at the time of pickup.

CarGurus and CARFAX differences:

  • Ways to Sell a Car: CarGurus supports private sales, dealer sales, and online offers, whereas CARFAX is focused on dealer trade-ins.
  • Car Type: CarGurus accommodates both used and damaged vehicles. CARFAX limits its purchases to cars in good condition.
  • Turnaround Time: CarGurus completes sales within 1-7 days, while CARFAX typically completes transactions in 3 days.
  • Car Type Restrictions: CarGurus accepts vehicles without restrictions. CARFAX does not accept broken or damaged cars.
  • Fees: A listing fee of $4.95 is charged by CarGurus; CARFAX does not impose any fees.
  • Towing: CarGurus offers complimentary towing, unlike CARFAX, which requires sellers to bring the car to the dealership.
  • Offer Validity: Offers from CarGurus remain valid for 7 days, compared to CARFAX’s 3-day offer validity.
  • Payment Type: CarGurus allows payment through check or bank transfer, while CARFAX provides immediate cash payment.
  • BBB rating: Both companies have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau​​​​.
  • Trustpilot Ratings: CarGurus has a 4.3 rating (over 1,000 reviews) on Trustpilot​​. CARFAX has a 2.0 rating on Trustpilot​​.

5. 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 offers a quick online quote system and free pickup within a certain radius, with offers valid for a week or additional miles driven​​.

Similar to CARFAX, Carvana provides an easy online platform to get a quote and sell your car.

Carvana and CARFAX similarities:

  • Car Type: Both companies require the cars to be in good condition.
  • Turnaround Time: Transactions are typically processed within 24-72 hours.
  • Online Offer: Instant quotes.
  • Location: Services are available nationwide.
  • Payment: Payments are made upon pickup.
  • Fees: There are no charges or fees.

Carvana and CARFAX differences:

  • Ways to Sell a Car: Carvana enables customers to sell or trade in their vehicles online, whereas CARFAX links sellers to partner dealerships.
  • Car Type Restrictions: Carvana focuses on newer models (1992 and newer) that are in good condition, while CARFAX accepts vehicles without model year restrictions but requires cars to be in good condition.
  • Offer Validity: Offers from Carvana are valid for 7 days or 250 miles, compared to CARFAX’s 3-day offer period.
  • Towing: Carvana provides free towing within 100 miles, but CARFAX does not offer towing.
  • BBB rating: Carvana is not BBB accredited​​, while CARFAX has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau​​.
  • Trustpilot Ratings: Carvana has a Trustpilot rating of 4.3 (over 9,000 reviews)​​. CARFAX has a 2.0 rating on Trustpilot​​.

6. CarMax


CarMax Summary

  • Instant online offer in under 2 minutes
  • Online offer is valid for up to 7 days
  • 2 options for selling – online or in-store
  • Get paid within 30 minutes on the spot

CarMax has over 200 physical locations in the U.S. It offers a stress-free method for customers to buy or sell cars and provides immediate upfront payment with a no-haggle policy.

Like CARFAX, CarMax focuses on a transparent and customer-friendly approach to buying and selling used cars.

CarMax and CARFAX similarities:

  • Online Offer: Instant online quotations.
  • Location: Nationwide presence.
  • Payment: Immediate payment is offered.
  • Towing: Neither company offers towing services, requiring sellers to bring their vehicles to a location.

CarMax and CARFAX differences:

  • Ways to Sell a Car: CarMax facilitates selling directly online or in-store, whereas CARFAX connects sellers to partner dealerships.
  • Car Type: CarMax is open to purchasing used and damaged vehicles, in contrast to CARFAX, which only deals with cars in good condition.
  • Turnaround Time: The selling process at CarMax can be completed in as little as 1 day in-person or up to 7 days online. CARFAX transactions can take up to 72 hours.
  • Payment Type: CarMax issues payments via check, while CARFAX-associated dealers typically pay in cash.
  • Car Type Restrictions: Cars with salvage titles and frame damage are not accepted by CarMax. CARFAX avoids dealing with broken or damaged vehicles.
  • Fees: Certain CarMax locations may impose a dealer fee ranging between $100 and $400, whereas CARFAX does not charge any fees.
  • Offer Validity: Offers from CarMax remain valid for 7 days, compared to the 3-day validity of CARFAX offers.
  • BBB rating: CarMax is not BBB accredited​​. CARFAX has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau​​.
  • Trustpilot Ratings: CarMax has a Trustpilot rating of 1.7 (over 300 reviews)​​. CARFAX has a 2.0 rating on Trustpilot​​.

7. TrueCar


TrueCar Summary

  • Enter VIN to instantly get a car estimate
  • Offer is good for three days
  • TrueCar pays through check
  • Offer comes from one of Certified Dealers

TrueCar offers a seamless experience for car owners looking to get instant quotes, sell directly to a certified dealer, or trade in their vehicle for a new purchase.

It shares similarities with CARFAX in terms of providing quotes and facilitating connections with dealers but stands out by accommodating a wider range of vehicle conditions and offering additional options such as trade-ins.

TrueCar and CARFAX similarities:

  • Turnaround Time: Sales are typically completed within 48-72 hours.
  • Online Offer: Provide instant online quotes.
  • Location: Nationwide services.
  • Payment: Payment is rendered immediately upon sale finalization.
  • Fees: There are no charges or fees for their services.
  • Offer Validity: Offers from both companies remain valid for 3 days.

TrueCar and CARFAX differences:

  • Ways to Sell a Car: TrueCar offers the flexibility to sell privately, online to a dealer, or as a trade-in, whereas CARFAX primarily provides dealer quotes for private sales.
  • Car Type: TrueCar is open to used and even damaged cars, in contrast to CARFAX, which only deals with cars in good condition.
  • Car Type Restrictions: Acceptance criteria at TrueCar vary by dealer, while CARFAX does not accept cars that are broken or damaged.
  • Towing: Availability of towing services through TrueCar depends on the dealer, unlike CARFAX, which does not offer towing.
  • Payment Type: Payment methods through TrueCar can vary depending on the dealer; CARFAX consistently pays in cash on the spot.
  • BBB rating: TrueCar has an A+ rating with the BBB​​. CARFAX has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau​​.
  • Trustpilot Ratings: TrueCar has a Trustpilot rating of 3.3 (over 1,500 reviews)​​. CARFAX has a 2.0 rating on Trustpilot​​.

8. AutoNation


AutoNation Summary

  • Over 300 locations in the US available
  • Get an online offer within 30 minutes
  • Online offer valid for up to 7 days
  • Get paid within 24 hours for your car

AutoNation is a large automotive retailer offering new and used vehicles, as well as associated services like repairs and financing. Customers can sell their cars to AutoNation or trade them in.

AutoNation is known for its vast inventory and various automotive services, echoing a comprehensive approach to the car buying and selling experience.

AutoNation and CARFAX similarities:

  • Car Type: only accept cars in good condition.
  • Online Offer: Instant online quotes are available.
  • Towing: Free towing services are not offered by either company.
  • Car Type Restrictions: Both refrain from accepting damaged or broken vehicles.
  • Location: Nationwide services.

AutoNation and CARFAX differences:

  • Ways to Sell a Car: AutoNation offers trade-ins, private sales, and online quotes, while CARFAX specializes in connecting sellers with partner dealerships for quotes.
  • Turnaround Time: AutoNation potentially completes transactions as quickly as 24 hours, whereas CARFAX may take up to 72 hours.
  • Fees: AutoNation imposes fees ranging from $500 to $599 for delivery/handling; CARFAX does not levy any charges.
  • Offer Validity: Offers from AutoNation are valid for 7 days or 500 miles, in contrast to CARFAX’s 3-day validity period for dealer offers.
  • BBB rating: AutoNation has a C- rating from the Better Business Bureau​​. CARFAX has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau​​.
  • Trustpilot Ratings: AutoNation has a Trustpilot rating of 1.6 (over 150 reviews)​​. CARFAX has a 2.0 rating on Trustpilot​​.

9. Driveway


Driveway Summary

  • Quick and simple car selling process
  • Transparent breakdown car’s evaluation
  • Competitive cash offers
  • Trade-in option is available

Driveway is an online platform that simplifies the process of buying, selling, and financing cars. Driveway provides competitive quotes for cars and also assists in financing new purchases.

The company emphasizes hassle-free transactions, similar to CARFAX’s approach of easing the car trading process with straightforward, customer-centric services.

Driveway and CARFAX similarities:

  • Ways to Sell a Car: Both enable selling or trading in cars.
  • Cars Type: Only accept vehicles in good condition.
  • Turnaround Time: Sales processes are completed within 48-72 hours.
  • Online Offer: Instant online quotes are available.
  • Car Type Restrictions: Neither accept vehicles that are damaged or non-operational.
  • Location: Services are provided nationwide.
  • Fees: There are no charges for their services.

Driveway and CARFAX differences:

  • Towing: Driveway includes free towing services, whereas CARFAX does not.
  • Payment Type: Driveway compensates through checks or bank transfers; CARFAX transactions are typically in cash through dealers.
  • Payment: Driveway completes payment within 24-48 hours post-pickup; CARFAX ensures immediate payment.
  • Offer Validity: Offers from Driveway stand for 7 days, compared to CARFAX’s 3-day offer validity.
  • BBB rating: Driveway is not BBB accredited​​. CARFAX has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau​​.
  • Trustpilot Ratings: Driveway has a Trustpilot rating of 2.0​​. CARFAX has a 2.0 rating on Trustpilot​​.
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Michael Becker

Dollarbreak

About the author:

Michael Becker is a car enthusiast and expert who has been working in the automotive industry for over 15 years. He started his career as a salesperson at a local dealership, where he learned the ins and outs of the car market. Then he moved on to flipping cars for a profit.

Michael has also helped many of his relatives and friends to sell their cars, using his knowledge and skills to get them the best deals. He will guide you through the process and help you avoid the common pitfalls.

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