Private sale
Best for: running, well-kept cars, when you have a couple of weeks. Usually the highest price, but you handle listings, calls, test drives and paperwork. Watch for payment scams: the FTC warns about fake checks and overpayment schemes. Meet in public and verify funds with your bank.
Dealer trade-in
Best for: buying another car the same day. Convenient, and some states reduce sales tax on the new car by the trade value. The trade price is often the lowest of the options, and it’s easy to lose track of inside the new-car negotiation.
Instant offer
Best for: non-running, damaged or high-mileage cars, or anyone short on time. Peddle, CarMax, Carvana and KBB’s dealer network all make instant offers, each with different strengths. Peddle in particular takes cars in any condition and tows for free. Offers are typically valid for 7 days and can be revised at pickup if the description was off.
Local junkyard
Best for: true end-of-life cars. Pricing is mostly scrap weight. Get the quote including towing, and make sure the yard handles the title transfer properly.
Questions
Should I get more than one offer?
Yes. Offers are free, and comparing two or three takes less than an hour.
- FTC consumer alerts: consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts
- CarMax: how to sell your car: www.carmax.com/articles/how-to-sell-your-car-to-carmax
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with your state DMV before you sign.