If you are thinking of selling your car online, it’s okay to be overwhelmed with so many platforms promising top dollar, quick sales, and hassle-free experiences; it’s hard to know where to start. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered!
Whether you’re looking for the best place to sell your car, wondering “where can I sell my car for the most money?”, or searching for trusted sites to sell used cars online, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Once you’ve sold your car, Sherpa Auto Transport is here to help with safe and reliable vehicle shipping. Let’s dive into the best online platforms to sell your car quickly and for the most money!
Key Takeaways
- Now is a great time to sell your car—low inventory means high demand.
- The best place to sell your car depends on your priorities: speed, price, or ease of process.
- Popular online platforms like AutoTrader, CarGurus, and CarMax offer different features, from free listings to instant cash offers.
- Knowing your car’s value before listing it helps you negotiate better deals.
- Safety is key—use secure payment methods and meet buyers in safe locations.
In This Guide:
- Is Now a Good Time to Sell a Car?
- Where to Sell a Car Online
- Find the Best Place to Sell Your Car
- Selling a Car FAQs
Is Now a Good Time to Sell a Car?
Yes! The used car market remains strong, with high demand and limited inventory driving up prices. If you’re thinking, “where can I sell my car for the most money?”, now is a prime time to cash in on the demand.
Factors that make it a great time to sell:
- Car shortages – While manufacturers are still catching up on new car production, many dealerships simply can’t keep their lots stocked. This limited supply drives up demand for pre-owned vehicles, making used cars more valuable than ever.
- High resale values – If you’ve taken good care of your car, you’re in luck. Well-maintained vehicles are fetching record-high prices, putting more money in your pocket when you decide to sell.
- Online platforms simplify the process – Gone are the days of visiting multiple dealerships or bargaining with strangers in person. Today’s online marketplaces make it easier to list your car, connect with serious buyers, and finalize the deal—all from the comfort of your home.
Now that you know it’s a seller’s market, let’s explore the best sites to sell a car and find where to sell your car online and find the perfect match for you.
Where to Sell a Car Online
Below mentioned are some of the best used car sites where you can sell your vehicle with confidence:
AutoTrader
AutoTrader has been a trusted name for decades, so if you’re looking for one of the best sites to sell a car with widespread visibility, this platform might be your ideal choice. It helps you reach a large audience of buyers actively searching for vehicles like yours, which can speed up the selling process and increase the chances of getting a competitive offer.
On top of its long-standing reputation, AutoTrader offers several listing packages with varying levels of exposure, so you can tailor your approach to fit your budget and timing needs. While some packages include perks like free vehicle history reports, others allow unlimited photos so you can show off your car’s best angles.
If you prefer in-person sales, remember that AutoTrader acts as a marketplace, so you’ll still handle meetings and finalize deals with potential buyers.
Key Features
- Vehicle History Report: AutoTrader often includes a free vehicle history report if you choose certain listing packages, which boosts buyer confidence.
- Renewals: Listings aren’t automatically free to renew, but paid options can extend your listing duration.
- Image Upload: They allow multiple images; paid tiers often let you upload unlimited pictures.
- Pick-Up Option: AutoTrader is more of a marketplace rather than a direct buyer, so they don’t offer a car pick-up service. You’ll need to arrange a meeting or delivery with potential buyers.
CarGurus
CarGurus is perfect for those looking to make top-dollar on their vehicle sale because it rates listings as Great Deal, Good Deal, or Overpriced, helping you competitively price your vehicle. This transparency attracts serious buyers and assures them your price is fair, which can speed up negotiations.
In addition to its pricing tools, CarGurus has a user-friendly interface that guides you through listing your car. You can post detailed photos, add essential specs, and highlight upgrades. Some listings even come with a free AutoCheck report, reassuring potential buyers about the car’s condition.
Although CarGurus doesn’t pick up your vehicle or offer direct trade-ins, its innovative rating system remains a major draw for sellers wanting an easy route to finding top-dollar offers.
Key Features
- Vehicle History Report: Some listings come with a free AutoCheck report, which helps reassure potential buyers about the car’s condition.
- Renewals: Standard private listings can be renewed without extra cost, though paid upgrade options offer more visibility.
- Image Upload: Generally allows multiple images, giving you room to showcase your car’s interior, exterior, and any special features.
- Pick-Up Option: CarGurus doesn’t buy your car directly or pick it up, so you’ll handle viewings and handovers yourself.
eBay Motors
If you like the idea of an auction format—and the thrill of watching bids roll in—eBay Motors offers a nationwide audience and competitive bidding that could drive up your sale price. It’s a solid choice if you’re trying to reach a broader buyer pool. By leveraging eBay’s trusted platform, you tap into a large community of car enthusiasts and casual buyers alike.
Beyond the auction system, eBay Motors supports fixed-price listings if you’re not comfortable with the unpredictability of bids. You can include multiple photos, highlight special features, and even offer a Buy It Now price for those eager to seal the deal.
Keep in mind that once the listing ends, you’ll need to coordinate pickup or shipping with the buyer—eBay doesn’t handle those logistics directly. However, the platform’s built-in protections add a layer of safety to each transaction.
Key Features
- Vehicle History Report: eBay partners with services like CARFAX or AutoCheck; some sellers include them for free, but it isn’t automatically provided for every listing.
- Renewals: You can relist items if they don’t sell, but fees may apply based on the package you choose.
- Image Upload: eBay Motors supports multiple images—often up to 12 or more—but check their guidelines for specifics.
- Pick-Up Option: eBay doesn’t offer direct pick-up service; if you strike a deal, you’ll coordinate with the buyer for pick-up or shipping.
Carvana
Carvana is ideal if you want a quick, hassle-free process without haggling. It’s often considered one of the best places to sell your car if convenience is your top priority. Carvana provides an instant online offer once you share details about your vehicle’s make, model, mileage, and condition, sparing you the time-consuming negotiations.
Not only does Carvana simplify the selling process, but they’ll also come to you and pick up your vehicle if you accept their offer—no in-person showings or dealership visits required. While you won’t be listing your car publicly, this single-offer format can be a huge relief if you’re pressed for time or prefer minimal interaction with potential buyers.
Just be aware that if you’re after the absolute highest sale price, a private listing might still net you more money.
Key Features
- Vehicle History Report: Carvana typically runs its own checks to give you an instant offer, though they don’t supply a separate free report for the seller.
- Renewals: Not applicable in the same way—Carvana gives you a set offer, and you don’t have to worry about listing renewals.
- Image Upload: You don’t need to upload pictures or create a traditional ad. Just enter your car’s details, and Carvana provides an online quote.
- Pick-Up Option: Carvana actually picks up your vehicle if you accept their offer, making it a truly “sell used car online” solution without leaving your house.
CarMax
CarMax is a top contender if you’re looking for a no-fuss, same-day offer on your car. Think of it as a quick and reliable route—perfect for sellers who want a straightforward transaction. You simply bring your car in for an appraisal, and CarMax makes you an offer that’s valid for a set period, typically seven days.
Since CarMax has physical locations nationwide, you can drive over for an in-person evaluation, making the process more transparent than online-only methods. While this streamlines the experience, keep in mind that CarMax’s offer is based on their internal appraisal rather than an auction or bidding format.
If you’re willing to do more legwork and deal with multiple potential buyers, you could potentially secure a higher price elsewhere—but for sheer ease and speed, CarMax is tough to beat.
Key Features
- Vehicle History Report: CarMax runs its own checks, but it’s mainly for their internal valuation process. Sellers don’t receive a separate free report to pass on to buyers.
- Renewals: Not needed. You either accept CarMax’s offer (valid for 7 days) or move on.
- Image Upload: Again, you’re not creating a typical online listing—CarMax does the evaluation in-store or via an online appraisal.
- Pick-Up Option: CarMax doesn’t pick up your car, but they have physical locations where you can drop off your vehicle after accepting the offer.
Cars.com
Cars.com is one of the best sites to sell cars if you appreciate user-friendly listing tools and a large buyer audience. It gives you a range of listing options, from free to premium, based on how much exposure you want. This flexibility makes Cars.com appealing whether you’re an experienced seller or listing online for the first time.
Beyond its listing tiers, Cars.com offers tools like instant cash offers and dealer trade-ins, letting you explore various selling routes in one place. The platform’s easy-to-use interface guides you through uploading photos, writing a detailed description, and setting your asking price.
Although Cars.com won’t handle car pick-up or direct sales for you, the visibility it provides can connect you with enthusiastic buyers, potentially speeding up the entire process.
Key Features
- Vehicle History Report: Some listing packages include a free history report through partners like CARFAX or AutoCheck.
- Renewals: You can renew or upgrade your listing; the specifics depend on your chosen package.
- Image Upload: Typically allows multiple images, giving you enough space to highlight key features.
- Pick-Up Option: Cars.com doesn’t buy cars directly or offer pick-up; you’ll meet potential buyers in person or arrange shipping.
Find the Best Place to Sell Your Car
The best place to sell your car depends on your needs. If you want quick cash, Carvana or CarMax may be best. If you’re looking for maximum profit, platforms like AutoTrader and CarGurus allow for competitive pricing.
And once you’ve sold your car, don’t forget about Sherpa Auto Transport—whether you need to ship your new vehicle or move your car to another state, they ensure a safe, hassle-free experience.
Learn more about shipping your car: How to Ship a Car
Selling a Car FAQs
What Should I Know Before Selling a Car Online?
Gather essential documents before listing your car, these include your title, registration, and maintenance records. Take high-quality photos and be upfront about your car’s condition to attract serious buyers.
Where Is the Best Place to Find Out What My Car Is Worth?
Websites like Kelley Blue Book (KBB) and Edmunds offer accurate car valuations based on your car’s make, model, condition, and mileage. Many selling platforms also provide instant trade-in value estimates.
What’s the Safest Way to Sell a Car Online?
Meet buyers in safe locations like police stations or public areas. Also make sure you use secure payment methods like cashier’s checks or bank transfers—avoid cash transactions. Furthermore, remove personal info from your vehicle before handing over the keys.