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
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 purchases used vehicles of any condition directly from sellers, providing instant online quotes, and hassle-free pickup within 24-48 hours. Unlike Cars.com, which allows selling privately or connects to local dealers, Peddle streamlines the selling process by purchasing cars directly.
Peddle and Cars.com similarities:
- Online Offer: Both provide instant online quotes.
- Location: Both operate nationwide in the US.
- Payment: Payment is made at the time of sale for both.
- BBB Rating: Both have an A+ rating BBB rating.
Peddle and Cars.com differences:
- Ways to Sell: Peddle focuses on direct online sales; Cars.com offers online listings and dealer trade-ins.
- Car Types: Peddle accepts any condition; Cars.com requires good condition and no older than 17 model years.
- Turnaround Time: Peddle turnaround time is 24-48 hours. Selling the car to Cars.com can take 2-3 days.
- Restrictions: Peddle has no restrictions; Cars.com does not accept substantially damaged vehicles.
- Fees: Peddle doesn’t charge any fees, while Cars.com has a one-time $4.99 private listing fee.
- Towing: Peddle provides free nationwide towing; Cars.com does not offer towing.
- Payment Types: Peddle only pays by check; Cars.com payment types vary by dealer.
- Offer Validity: Peddle’s offer is valid for 7 days; Cars.com’s offer is valid for 3 days.
- Trustpilot Ratings: Peddle has a Trustpilot rating of 4.6 (over 125,000 reviews). Cars.com has a 2.9 rating (over 20 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 is an online platform that provides instant offers and free nationwide towing when buying vehicles in any condition. Unlike Cars.com, Wheelzy focuses solely on buying used vehicles rather than listing them for sale and accepts cars in any condition.
Wheelzy and Cars.com similarities:
- Online Offer: Both provide instant online offers.
- Location: Both operate nationwide in the US.
- Payment: Payment is made on the spot with both companies.
Wheelzy and Cars.com differences:
- Ways to Sell a Car: Wheelzy only offers online selling, while Cars.com provides online listing and instant dealer offers.
- Car Type: Wheelzy accepts any condition, including damaged and junk cars. Cars.com requires cars to be in good shape with little damage.
- Fees: Cars.com charges a one-time $4.99 listing fee, but Wheelzy does not charge fees.
- Towing: Wheelzy provides free towing with every offer, but Cars.com does not offer towing.
- Offer Validity: Wheelzy does not specify offer validity, while Cars.com offers are valid for 3 days.
- Turnaround Time: Wheelay turnaround time is 24-48 hours. Selling the car to Cars.com can take 2-3 days.
- Car Type Restrictions: Wheelzy accepts 1981 or newer vehicles. Cars.com does not take vehicles older than 17 model years or with substantial damage.
- Payment Type: Wheelzy pays by check or cash, but the payment type varies with Cars.com dealers.
- BBB Rating: Cars.com has an A+ rating, but Wheelzy lacks BBB accreditation.
- Trustpilot Ratings: Wheelzy has a 4.7 rating (over 42,000 reviews). Cars.com has a 2.9 rating (over 20 reviews)
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 provides an easy way to sell any car online, offering free nationwide towing and no restrictions on vehicle type or condition. Unlike Cars.com, which focuses on selling good-condition cars, CarBrain accepts vehicles in any state and provides car owners an instant offer and pickup within 2-3 days.
CarBrain and Cars.com similarities:
- Turnaround Time: Both platforms process sales within 2-3 days.
- Online Offer: Instant online quotes are available from both companies.
- Location: Both CarBrain and Cars.com offer nationwide services.
- Payment: Payment is made on the spot for both platforms.
- BBB Rating: Both have an A+ rating BBB rating.
CarBrain and Cars.com differences:
- Ways to Sell a Car: CarBrain focuses on online offers only; Cars.com provides online listing or instant dealer offers.
- Car Type: CarBrain accepts any condition; Cars.com requires vehicles in good shape with minimal damage.
- Car Type Restrictions: CarBrain has no restrictions; Cars.com does not accept severely damaged or old cars.
- Offer Validity: CarBrain’s offer is valid for 7 days; Cars.com’s offer lasts 3 days.
- Towing: CarBrain provides free nationwide towing; Cars.com does not offer towing.
- Fees: CarBrain has no fees; Cars.com charges a $4.99 listing fee.
- Payment Type: CarBrain pays by check, but the payment type varies with Cars.com dealers.
- Trustpilot Ratings: CarBrain has a 4.8 rating (over 5,000 reviews). Cars.com has a 2.9 rating (over 20 reviews)
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 an online automotive marketplace that connects sellers with buyers. It allows people to sell their vehicles through private party listings, trade-in offers, or instant online offers. CarGurus provides nationwide service and has a faster turnaround time compared to Cars.com.
CarGurus and Cars.com similarities:
- Sell Options: Both allow selling privately, to dealers, and online.
- Car Types: Both accept used and damaged vehicles.
- Online Offers: Instant offers are provided by both companies.
- Nationwide: They operate across the US.
- Payment Timing: Payment is made at pickup with both.
- Fees: CarGurus and Cars.com charges a $4.99 private listing fee.
- BBB Rating: Both have an A+ rating BBB rating.
CarGurus and Cars.com differences:
- Turnaround Time: CarGurus is 1-7 days, while Cars.com is 2-3 days.
- Towing: CarGurus provides free towing, but Cars.com does not.
- Offer Validity: CarGurus offers are good for 7 days compared to 3 days with Cars.com.
- Car Restrictions: CarGurus has no restrictions, but Cars.com does not accept older or damaged cars.
- Payment Type: CarGurus offers payment via check and direct bank transfer, but the payment type varies with Cars.com dealers.
- Trustpilot Ratings: CarGurus has a 4.3 rating (over 1,000 reviews). Cars.com has a 2.9 rating (over 20 reviews)
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 is an online used car retailer that provides an end-to-end e-commerce experience for buying and selling cars. Customers can purchase, finance, trade-in, and schedule the delivery or pickup of vehicles completely online.
Carvana and Cars.com similarities:
- Instant Online Offer: Both platforms provide instant online offers.
- Turnaround Time: The turnaround time is fast for both, within 2-3 days.
- Location: Nationwide service is available from Carvana and Cars.com.
- Payment: Payment is made on the spot with both companies.
- Car Types: Both accept used cars in good condition.
Carvana and Cars.com differences:
- Ways to Sell: Carvana focuses on online selling and trade-ins, while Cars.com offers listing or instant offers.
- Offer Validity: Carvana’s offer lasts 7 days or 250 miles. Cars.com offers are valid for 3 days.
- Towing: Carvana provides free towing within 100 miles. Cars.com does not offer towing.
- Car Restrictions: Carvana wants a 1992 or newer in good shape. Cars.com rejects damaged cars and those over 17 model years old.
- Payment Type: Carvana uses checks. Cars.com payment types vary by dealer.
- Fees: Carvana charges no fees, while Cars.com charges a $4.99 listing fee.
- BBB Rating: Carvana is not BBB accredited, while Cars.com has an A+ rating.
- Trustpilot Ratings: Carvana has a Trustpilot rating of 4.3 (over 9,000 reviews). Cars.com has a 2.9 rating (over 20 reviews)
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 is a national used car retailer that provides two selling processes: online or in-store options. CarMax differentiates from Cars.com by accepting vehicles in any condition and providing instant offers, but it does not offer free towing services.
CarMax and Cars.com similarities:
- Ways to sell: Both offer online and in-store options.
- Online offer: Instant online appraisal is available from both.
- Location: National coverage in the US.
- Payment: Received on the same day of sale by CarMax. Cars.com will send payment within 2-3 days after picking up the car.
- Towing: Neither company provides towing.
CarMax and Cars.com differences:
- Car types: CarMax accepts any condition; Cars.com requires good condition.
- Fees: CarMax charges a $100-$400 dealer fee; Cars.com has a $4.99 listing fee.
- Offer validity: Offer validity is 7 days for CarMax and 3 days for Cars.com.
- Restrictions: CarMax does not take salvage/flood cars; Cars.com does not take damaged 17+ year old cars.
- Turnaround time: 1-3 days for CarMax and 2-3 days for Cars.com.
- Payment type: Check for CarMax; Varies for Cars.com.
- BBB Rating: CarMax is not accredited; Cars.com has A+.
- Trustpilot rating: CarMax has a Trustpilot rating of 1.7 (over 300 reviews). Cars.com has a 2.9 rating (over 20 reviews)
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 and Cars.com both facilitate selling directly to dealers and getting price quotes. However, TrueCar connects owners with Certified Dealers specifically vetted for pricing transparency. Their platform focuses on empowering consumers with competitive bids from multiple dealers upfront.
TrueCar and Cars.com similarities:
- Online Offer: Both provide instant online offers after answering a few questions.
- Turnaround Time: The typical turnaround time is 2-3 days for both platforms.
- Location: Both operate nationwide in the US.
- Towing: Neither company provides towing.
- Payment Type: The payment method depends on the specific dealer.
- Offer Validity: Offers are valid for 3 days on both sites.
- BBB Rating: Both have A+ BBB ratings.
TrueCar and Cars.com differences:
- Ways to Sell: TrueCar offers quotes, online sales, and trade-ins, while Cars.com focuses on listings and instant offers.
- Fees: TrueCar does not charge fees, but Cars.com charges a $4.99 listing fee.
- Cars Type: TrueCar accepts any condition; Cars.com requires good condition and no excessive damage.
- Car Type Restrictions: TrueCar restrictions vary; Cars.com does not accept cars over 17 years old.
- Payment: TrueCar on the spot, Cars.com sends payment within 2-3 days after car delivery.
- Trustpilot Ratings: TrueCar has a Trustpilot rating of 3.3 (over 1,500 reviews). Cars.com has a 2.9 rating (over 20 reviews)
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 nationwide chain of car dealerships that buys and sells new and used vehicles. AutoNation allows customers to trade in, sell privately, or get an online offer for their car. Compared to Cars.com, AutoNation has physical dealership locations, charges fees, and provides less competitive offers.
AutoNation and Cars.com similarities:
- Ways to Sell: Both allow online selling and trade-ins.
- Car Types: They take new and used cars but in good condition.
- Towing: Neither company provides towing.
- Location: AutoNation and Cars.com operate nationwide.
- Online Offer: Instant offers are provided by both.
- Turnaround Time: Fast turnaround of a few days for both.
- Payment: AutoNation payment is made at the time of the sale, while Cars.com will send payment within 2-3 days after.
AutoNation and Cars.com differences:
- Fees: AutoNation charges $500-599 fees; Cars.com has a one-time $4.99 listing fee.
- Offer Validity: AutoNation’s offer is 7 days; Cars.com is 3 days.
- Restrictions: AutoNation has condition restrictions; Cars.com does not take cars with substantial damage or cars older than 17 model years.
- Payment Type: AutoNation pays by check; Cars.com’s payment method varies.
- BBB Rating: Cars.com has an A+. AutoNation has a C-.
- Trustpilot Rating: AutoNation has a lower Trustpilot rating of 1.6 (over 150 reviews), and Cars.com has a 2.9 rating (over 20 reviews)
9. Driveway
Driveway Summary
- Quick and simple car selling process
- Transparent breakdown car’s evaluation
- Competitive cash offers
- Trade-in option is available
Driveway allows people to sell or trade in their cars completely online. They provide instant offers, free towing, and quick payment.
Driveway and Cars.com similarities:
- Ways to Sell: Both Driveway and Cars.com allow selling directly or trading in cars.
- Car Types: Both accept used cars but in good condition.
- Online Offer: Both platforms provide instant online offers.
- Location: Both companies operate nationwide in the US.
- Turnaround Time: The turnaround time is fast for both, within 2-3 days.
Driveway and Cars.com differences:
- Fees: Cars.com charges a one-time $4.99 listing fee; Driveway does not charge fees.
- Offer Validity: Driveway’s offer is valid for 7 days; Cars.com’s is 3 days.
- Towing: Driveway provides free towing; Cars.com does not offer towing.
- Car Age Limits: Cars.com doesn’t accept models older than 17 years; Driveway has no year limits.
- Payment Timing: Driveway pays within 24-48 hours after pickup. Cars.com pays within 2-3 days after the sale.
- Payment Types: Driveway offers check or bank transfer; Cars.com payment types vary.
- BBB Rating: Driveway is not BBB accredited; Cars.com has an A+ rating.
- Trustpilot Ratings: Driveway has a 3.1 rating (over 1,200 reviews). Cars.com has a 2.9 rating (over 20 reviews).