Where can I sell my car for the most money?

Who pays the most for used cars?

Are you wondering, “Where can I sell my car for the most money?” You’re not alone! Whether you’re upgrading to a new vehicle or simply looking to free up some cash, finding the best place to sell your car is key to maximizing your profit. With countless options available, from private buyers to dealerships and online platforms, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed by the question, “Where is the best place to sell a vehicle?”.

In this blog, we’ll explore the top strategies and platforms that will help you get the most money for your car when you sell it. Whether you’re looking for a quick sale or aiming to squeeze every dollar out of your vehicle, this guide will steer you in the right direction.

Our car shipping experts have done the research for you so you don’t have to waste time wondering where is the best place to sell my car. We’ve explored countless options, including online sellers, dealerships, private sales, and trading in. Listed below are some options where you’re more likely to get the most for your car.

Cars.com

• Type of sale: Online dealer
• Is it free? Yes

Peddle

• Type of sale: Online car buyer
• Is it free? Yes

Carvana

• Type of sale: Online dealer
• Is it free? Yes

CarMax

• Type of sale: Online offer, in-person sale
• Is it free? Yes

CarGurus

• Type of sale: Online dealer
• Is it free? Yes

Vroom

• Type of sale: Online dealer
• Is it free? Yes

Bring-a-Trailer

• Type of sale: Private sale, in-person or shipped
• Is it free? No

Facebook Marketplace

• Type of sale: Private sale, in-person
• Is it free? Yes

eBay Motors

• Type of sale: Private sale, in-person or shipped
• Is it free? No

Craigslist

• Type of sale: Private sale, in-person
• Is it free? No

Autotrader

• Type of sale: Private sale, in-person or shipped
• Is it free? Yes

Hemmings

• Type of sale: Private sale, in-person or shipped
• Is it free? Yes

Cars & Bids

• Type of sale: Private sale, in-person or shipped
• Is it free? No

Best websites to sell a used car

So, who pays the most for used cars? Well, that’s a difficult question to answer because so many factors affect the price you get for your car. Who will pay the most for your car also depends on the type of person you’re selling to.

For the table above, we’ve categorized your options into online dealers that buy vehicles directly and marketplaces that have private listings. The main difference between the two is that dealers offer hassle-free sales but may not offer as strong a value as private-party car buyers.

We'll examine your best options in more detail to help you answer the question of where to sell my car for the most money.

Cars.com

When looking for the best website to sell a car, Cars.com is a top contender. Known for its user-friendly interface and extensive reach, it connects sellers with millions of potential buyers. The platform offers tools to help you price your vehicle competitively, manage your listings, and negotiate with buyers. Whether you’re selling a sedan, SUV, or truck, Cars.com simplifies the process, making it one of the best options for maximizing your sale.

Peddle

If you’ve been asking yourself, “How can I get the most money for my car?” Peddle offers a quick and hassle-free solution. This online car-buying platform specializes in giving sellers competitive instant offers, whether your car is like-new, used, or even non-running. By eliminating the need to haggle with buyers or invest in repairs, Peddle ensures you get a fair deal without any extra effort.

Carvana

If you’re looking to sell my car for the most money with minimal hassle, Carvana is an excellent choice. This online car-selling platform provides instant offers based on real market data, ensuring you get a competitive price for your vehicle. With their convenient pickup service and straightforward process, Carvana takes the stress out of selling while helping you maximize your car’s value.

CarMax

If you’re searching for where to sell a car for the most money without the back-and-forth negotiations, CarMax is an excellent option. Their instant online quote tool provides a quick estimate, and their in-person appraisals ensure accuracy. Plus, you can sell your car the same day, making it one of the fastest ways to maximize your vehicle’s value.

CarGurus

If you’re determined to find out, “Who will pay the most for my car?” CarGurus is a platform worth considering. With features like instant cash offers and buyer matching, CarGurus makes it easier to attract high-paying buyers. By leveraging their extensive reach and market data, you can ensure your car is priced to sell at a premium.

Vroom (shutting down)

When determining which online car buyer pays the most, Vroom stands out for its simplicity and fairness. After submitting your car’s information, you’ll receive a no-obligation offer that’s competitive and based on real-time data. With Vroom, there’s no need to worry about negotiations or hidden fees—just a straightforward way to sell your car for a great price.

Bring-a-Trailer

If you’re wondering, “Where can I sell my car for the most money?” Bring-a-Trailer might be the perfect platform for you. Specializing in unique and collectible vehicles, Bring-a-Trailer connects you with a passionate community of buyers willing to pay top dollar for the right car. Their auction-style format often drives up the final price, making it a standout choice for maximizing your car’s value.

Facebook Marketplace

For those searching for the best way to sell my car, Facebook Marketplace offers an ideal balance of convenience and exposure. Not only is it easy to list your car for sale, but you also have access to a large, diverse pool of buyers. With its integration into Facebook’s social network, the platform helps build trust and transparency in the selling process.

eBay Motors

Looking for the best way to sell a car online? eBay Motors might be the answer. Known for attracting serious buyers, eBay gives sellers access to a network of car enthusiasts and potential buyers willing to pay competitive prices. Whether you’re selling a classic car or a newer model, eBay provides the platform to reach a wide audience of dedicated car buyers.

Cars & Bids

Wondering how to sell your car online for the best price? Cars & Bids provides access to a community of knowledgeable buyers who are willing to pay a premium for quality cars. Their targeted approach to cars with special appeal—such as vintage, performance, or collector vehicles—can help you attract the right buyer and get the best price for your car.

Craigslist

When searching for the best places to sell a car online, Craigslist stands out because it gives you complete control over the sale process. You can set your price, communicate directly with potential buyers, and negotiate terms. This flexibility makes it an ideal choice for those who want a straightforward, no-hassle experience.

Autotrader

For many potential sellers, Autotrader will be the best way to sell a car online. It offers expert support and resources to make your car sale as smooth as possible. From pricing tools to helpful tips on writing an appealing listing, Autotrader ensures you’re well-equipped to sell your car efficiently. Their vast network of potential buyers can help you secure a higher price for your vehicle.

Hemmings

Hemmings is a top platform for selling classic and collectible cars online. Known for its dedicated audience of enthusiasts, Hemmings connects sellers with buyers who value vintage and rare vehicles. Whether you choose auctions or classified ads, Hemmings offers a trusted marketplace to help you sell your car for the best price.

How to sell your car for the most money?

Understanding the different types of car buyers and what affects the value of your car can help you answer the question, “How can I sell my car for the most money?”

Factors that affect the value of a used car

To sell your car online for the best price, understanding the factors that affect your car’s value is essential. The car market is complex and constantly changing, but knowing the variables at play can help you make an informed decision on how to get the most money for your car. Let’s explore the different factors that can significantly impact your car’s resale value. Some you have control over, while others you do not.

• Vehicle and condition: A critical element that affects your vehicle’s value is its history and condition. Potential buyers look at factors such as past accidents, damages, and repairs before making a decision. In addition, vehicle history services, such as those available through Carfax, will provide a record of any incidents that may impact your car’s value. If you maintain your car in good condition, it will significantly minimize depreciation.
• Car specs and add-ons: Specifications and add-ons play a vital role in the value of your car. Cars with luxury features, premium technology, or high-performance engines command higher prices than base models. However, an overly customized or personalized car may not be as valuable because of the niche market it will appeal to.
• Mileage and usage: A significant factor affecting a car’s value is the mileage. High mileage means increased wear and tear, resulting in a lower resale value. A car with low mileage will be more attractive to buyers, especially if it’s been well-maintained.
• Market demands and trends: Market demands and trends also influence your car’s value. If the market is flooded with similar vehicles to the one you want to sell or its an unpopular model, the value may decrease. Similarly, if your car or model is in high demand, it’s likely to have a higher resale value.
• Negotiation skills: How well you negotiate plays a key role in the final selling price of your car. Make sure you’re well-prepared and knowledgeable about your car’s value and market trends, and you’ll have the upper hand during your negotiations with potential buyers.
• Trading vs. selling: Trading a car at a dealership is more convenient than selling it privately, but you may have to settle for less than the market value. A private sale, on the other hand, will take additional effort but could yield a higher return.

Tips for using a website to sell your car

If you want to sell your vehicle online, there are a few things you need to be aware of. The platforms we’ve already explored make the process very simple and offer straightforward ways to list vehicles online, but you can make it even easier.

Write an effective ad for your car

You don’t need to write your car’s life story, but a potential buyer will be interested in some background information. For instance, are you the only owner, or have there been more? How long have you owned the car? How well does it run? In addition, when you write your listing, use the proper grammar and spelling and avoid using all capital letters, as this might put some buyers off.

Take many photos of your car

Lots of photos will get lots of clicks fast. Capture the fine details and shoot pictures from many angles. Include photos of the trunk, back seats, passenger and driver seats, and the engine. Remember to remove all your personal items before taking the photos.

If your budget allows, consider hiring a professional photographer to capture your car in the best light. This is also a worthwhile option if you’re selling a sports car, a rare car, or a collectible car.

Value your car accurately

Do you really know how much your vehicle is worth? There are lots of useful online valuation tools you can use and websites to visit that will help you find the right price range to advertise your car. Depending on the platform you choose to use, you might also get a recommendation.

Meet potential buyers in a safe location

When you sell a car online, you’re likely going to meet with strangers if you choose to sell to a local private party. This means vetting people carefully and meeting them in a safe location.

Maintain your car in good shape

When you list your car online, there might be some last-minute requests to view it. You never know when someone will want to look at it, so take extra care to ensure it's always clean from the inside out.

Identify the right audience for your sale

Online platforms differ in terms of the buyers they attract, so it’s important to choose the right one for selling your car. If you’re selling a classic car, Craigslist is probably not the best option. You’d be better listing your car on Hemmings, for example.

Be honest about your car’s condition

Make sure you’re honest about the condition of your car because you don’t want to catfish potential buyers. Not all buyers are looking for a car in pristine condition and will be more than open to a car that might need work. If you’re looking for an instant cash offer from a dealership, be open about its condition, and your initial offer could decrease based on its actual condition.

Best places to sell your car

The world of selling cars has changed considerably since the days of putting a “for sale” sign in the window, a card in the local shop's window, or a classified ad in the local newspaper. These are still options, but there are plenty of other ways to reach potential buyers.

The best way to sell a vehicle online is to choose one of the main avenues: selling to an individual, to an online-only retailer, or to a traditional dealership. Some online platforms allow you to combine these approaches, such as getting both private party and dealer offers for your car.

Selling your car to an individual or private part

Selling a car to an individual or private party can offer several advantages, but there are also some downsides to consider. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons:

Pros:

• Higher sale price: One of the biggest benefits of selling to a private party is that you are likely to receive a higher price compared to selling to a dealer. Individual buyers often pay more because they are not reselling the car for a profit.
• No middleman: By dealing directly with the buyer, you avoid intermediary fees that dealers might charge. This means you get to keep more of the sale price.
• Flexible negotiations: When selling to an individual, you have more room for negotiation, allowing you to adjust your price to meet buyer expectations.

Cons:

• Time and effort: Selling to a private party can take longer. You’ll need to market your car, field inquiries, arrange test drives, and handle paperwork, all of which require more effort than a dealer transaction.
• Risk of scams: Selling privately carries a higher risk of dealing with fraudulent buyers. Scams involving payment methods or "too good to be true" offers are common.
• Uncertain buyer: Unlike a dealership, which is guaranteed to close the sale, selling to an individual involves more uncertainty. The buyer may change their mind or fail to show up, potentially leaving you with fewer options.

Overall, while selling to a private party can be one of the best places to sell a vehicle if you're looking to get the highest price, it does come with challenges that you need to be prepared for.

Selling to an online used car retailer

Selling a car to an online used car retailer can be a convenient and quick option, but it comes with both advantages and disadvantages. Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons:

Pros:

• Convenience and speed: One of the biggest benefits of selling to an online used car retailer is the ease and speed of the process. These platforms usually offer free online quotes, fast inspections, and quick payouts, often within a day or two.
• No hassle with negotiations: Unlike selling to a private buyer, you don’t have to worry about haggling or negotiating the price. The retailer's offer is typically fixed, which can make the process less stressful.
• Reliable transactions: Online retailers have a streamlined, secure payment and paperwork process, which reduces the risk of scams or buyer-backed-out deals.

Cons:

• Lower offers: While quick and convenient, online used car retailers typically offer less money than private buyers. This is because they need to resell the car at a profit. If you're wondering, "Which car buying company pays the most?" Selling to a private party might be your best option for a higher price.
• Limited to their offers: Once you’ve received an offer from an online car retailer, you’re often locked into that price unless you get a new quote. You can’t usually negotiate the offer like you would with an individual buyer.
• Fees for repairs: Some online used car retailers might charge for minor repairs or adjustments that they deem necessary to resell the car. This could reduce the amount of money you receive for the vehicle.

Selling to an online used car retailer offers speed and convenience, but it may not get you the highest possible price. If you're wondering how to sell my car for the highest price, a private sale or a platform like Cars & Bids could be more lucrative, depending on the vehicle.

Sell to a traditional car dealership

Selling a car to a traditional car dealership can be a straightforward option, but it comes with its own set of pros and cons. Here's an overview to help you decide:

Pros:

• Quick and easy process: One of the biggest advantages of selling to a dealership is the speed and convenience. You can usually complete the transaction in a single visit, saving time and effort.
• No need for negotiations: Selling to a dealership means you don’t have to deal with private buyers or negotiate the price. You’ll receive a set offer from the dealer, which simplifies the process.
• Trade-in opportunities: If you're looking to buy a new car, many dealerships will allow you to trade in your old car, applying its value toward the purchase of your next vehicle. This can be a great way to streamline the buying and selling process.

Cons:

• Lower offers: Dealers typically offer less than private buyers because they need to resell the car at a profit. If you're wondering, "Which dealership pays the most for used cars?" you might find that dealerships generally offer less than individual buyers or online platforms like Carvana or Vroom.
• Limited flexibility: Once you’ve received an offer from a dealership, there’s often little room for negotiation. While some dealerships may be open to discussions, the price is usually set based on their internal guidelines.
• Less potential for high value: Dealerships focus on volume and may not be the best place for selling a high-demand or specialty car. If you're selling a rare or high-end vehicle, you may get more from private buyers or specialized platforms.

If you're asking, “What are the best dealerships to sell your car?” It’s a good idea to research local dealerships and their offers, as some may provide better pricing and service than others. However, if getting the highest possible price is your goal, selling privately or through an online car-buying platform might be more profitable.

Should you use the Internet to sell a car?

Using the Internet to sell a car can be an excellent choice, as it allows you to reach a wider audience and potentially secure a better price. Online platforms offer convenience, flexibility, and the ability to compare offers from multiple buyers. Whether you're listing your car on a marketplace like Craigslist, a dedicated car-selling site like Autotrader, or an online car retailer like CarMax, the options are vast.

If you're wondering, "Who buys your car for the most money?" Private buyers and specialized online platforms like Vroom or Carvana might offer the best prices, especially if your car is in good condition. However, it’s important to weigh factors such as time, effort, and security when choosing the best platform. Selling online can help you maximize your sale price, but it may require more effort compared to selling to a dealership or local buyer.

Ultimately, the Internet can be a valuable tool for selling your car, especially if you want to ensure you're getting the best possible price for your vehicle.

What you need with you to sell your car?

When it comes to selling your car for the most money, there are a few things you’ll need to have handy if you want to make it a seamless transaction:

• Photo ID
• Vehicle title proving vehicle ownership
• Vehicle registration showing vehicle ownership
• If you have a loan on the car, a 10-day loan payoff letter
• Both sets of keys
• Any service and maintenance records

Should you trade in your car or sell it privately?

Deciding whether to trade in your car or sell it privately depends on your priorities—whether you value convenience or maximizing your sale price.

Trading in your car at a dealership is quick and easy, as it can be done in a single visit. It’s especially convenient if you're buying a new car, as the trade-in value can be applied toward your purchase. However, dealers typically offer lower prices than private buyers since they need to resell the car for a profit.

On the other hand, selling privately can often get you a higher price, as you can negotiate directly with the buyer and avoid the middleman. If you're asking, “Where can I sell my car for the highest price?” private sales or platforms like Craigslist, Autotrader, or Cars & Bids may provide a better return. However, selling privately requires more effort, such as marketing your car, handling negotiations, and dealing with paperwork.

In summary, if you prioritize convenience and speed, trading in your car might be the right choice. But if you want to maximize your sale price, selling privately is often the better option.

Helpful public discussions on this topic

• What’s the best way to sell a car?
• What's the best way to sell my car in the current market?
• What legit companies/websites offer the most for your car’s value when trying to sell it?