Sell Your Car Instantly

5 Quick Options

Table of Contents

Are you looking to sell your car instantly and avoid the lengthy process of advertising, negotiating, and waiting for potential buyers? Whether you need fast cash or simply want to streamline the selling process, there are several platforms and services that can help you sell your car quickly. In this blog post, we'll explore the top five places where you can sell your car instantly, ensuring a seamless and efficient experience.

people researching instant car selling options

Car Buying Companies

Car buying companies have emerged as a convenient solution for those seeking to sell their vehicles rapidly. These companies specialize in purchasing cars of all makes, models, and conditions, providing sellers with a quick and hassle-free process. With a few simple steps, you can obtain an instant cash offer for your car and complete the sale within a day. Some well-known car buying companies include CarMax and Carvana.

Here’s a breakdown of the typical timeline when selling your car to a car buying company:

  1. Online Evaluation: When you submit your vehicle details through the company’s website or app, they will provide you with an instant cash offer. This initial evaluation usually takes only a few minutes or hours.
  2. Physical Inspection: If you accept the cash offer, the car buying company will typically schedule a physical inspection of your vehicle. The inspection can be conducted at their location or, in some cases, they may send an evaluator to your desired location. The inspection aims to verify the information provided and assess the condition of the car. This step is usually scheduled within a few days of accepting the offer.
  3. Paperwork and Payment: Assuming the vehicle matches the description provided, the car buying company will handle the necessary paperwork for the sale. This includes the title transfer, release of liability, and other relevant documents. Once the paperwork is completed, payment is typically issued immediately. Depending on the company’s policies, you may receive a certified check or have the payment deposited directly into your bank account.
teenage boy driving car bought from marketplace

Online Classifieds and Marketplaces

Online classifieds and marketplaces offer a vast reach and can attract potential buyers from various locations. Platforms like Craigslist, eBay Motors, and AutoTrader allow you to create listings and connect with interested buyers directly. To optimize your chances of selling quickly, ensure that your listing includes comprehensive details, high-quality photos, and an accurate description of your vehicle’s condition.

Here’s a breakdown of the typical timeline when selling your car through online classifieds and marketplaces:

  1. Listing Creation: To start, you’ll need to create a compelling listing for your car on the chosen online classified or marketplace platform. This involves providing detailed information about your vehicle, including its make, model, year, mileage, condition, and any additional features. You’ll also need to upload high-quality photos to attract potential buyers. This process usually takes anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how quickly you can gather the necessary information and upload the images.
  2. Listing Duration: Once your listing is live on the platform, it will typically remain active for a certain duration, which you can choose when creating the listing. The duration can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the platform and your preference. During this time, potential buyers will have the opportunity to browse and contact you regarding your vehicle.
  3. Inquiries and Negotiations: As potential buyers come across your listing, they may reach out to you with inquiries or to express their interest. You’ll need to respond promptly to these inquiries and engage in negotiations to agree on a price. The duration of this stage can vary depending on how quickly you and the interested parties can communicate and reach a mutually acceptable price.
  4. Test Drives and Inspections: Once you’ve found a potential buyer who is genuinely interested, they may request a test drive or an in-person inspection of the vehicle. This stage involves coordinating schedules and meeting with the interested buyer, allowing them to assess the car’s condition and take it for a test drive. The duration can range from a few hours to a couple of days, depending on availability and convenience for both parties.
  5. Finalizing the Sale: If the buyer is satisfied with the test drive and inspection, they may decide to proceed with the purchase. At this point, you’ll need to handle the necessary paperwork for the sale, including the title transfer, bill of sale, and any other required documents. The duration of this stage can vary depending on the complexity of the paperwork and the efficiency of both parties in completing and exchanging the necessary documents.
  6. Payment and Handover: Once all the paperwork is completed, you can proceed with the payment and handover of the vehicle. The payment is typically made in cash, a certified check, or through a secure online payment method. The duration for this stage can vary depending on the agreed-upon payment method and how quickly the buyer can arrange the necessary funds.
Lineup of Cars at Dealership parking lot

Dealerships:

If you’re looking for a hassle-free selling experience, selling your car to a dealership can be a viable option. While you may not obtain the highest price compared to private buyers, dealerships provide convenience and a quick transaction. Contact local dealerships that accept trade-ins or outright purchases and request a valuation for your vehicle. Remember to research and compare offers from multiple dealerships to ensure you get the best deal.

Here’s a breakdown of the typical timeline when selling your car to a dealership:

  1. Contact and Valuation: The first step when selling your car to a dealership is to reach out to them and express your intention to sell. You can contact the dealership through phone, email, or their website. They will then schedule an appointment for a valuation of your vehicle.
  2. Vehicle Appraisal: At the scheduled appointment, the dealership’s representative will inspect your car thoroughly. They will assess its condition, mileage, features, and any other relevant factors that may affect its value. The appraisal process usually takes anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity of the evaluation.
  3. Price Negotiation: After the appraisal, the dealership will provide you with an offer for your car. This offer may be subject to negotiation, and you can discuss the price with the representative. It’s worth noting that dealerships typically aim to purchase cars at a lower price to allow for potential reconditioning and resale.
  4. Paperwork and Payment: If you accept the dealership’s offer, the next step involves completing the necessary paperwork for the sale. This includes signing the title transfer, release of liability, and other relevant documentation. The dealership’s staff will guide you through this process. Once the paperwork is finalized, the dealership will arrange for payment. Payment may be made in the form of a check, direct deposit, or a combination of payment methods.
Girl selling car to friend using her phone

Peer-to-Peer Car Selling Apps:

Peer-to-peer car selling apps have changed the way people buy and sell vehicles. These apps offer features like vehicle history reports, secure payment options, and assistance with paperwork, making the process smoother and more transparent. Make sure to thoroughly vet potential buyers and prioritize safety when using these apps.

Here’s a breakdown of the typical timeline when selling your car through peer-to-peer car selling apps:

 

  1. Listing Creation: To begin the process, you’ll need to create a listing for your car on the peer-to-peer car selling app. This involves providing detailed information about your vehicle, including its make, model, year, mileage, condition, and any relevant features or history. You’ll also need to upload high-quality photos to attract potential buyers. The listing creation process can usually be completed within a few minutes.
  2. Buyer Inquiries and Negotiations: Once your listing is live on the app, interested buyers will reach out to you with inquiries and offers. You’ll have the opportunity to communicate with potential buyers, answer their questions, and negotiate the price. The length of this phase can vary depending on the level of interest and negotiations involved. It may take a few hours to several days to find the right buyer and agree on a mutually acceptable price.
  3. Physical Inspections and Test Drives: After initial negotiations, serious buyers may request to inspect the car in person and take it for a test drive. You’ll need to schedule appointments and coordinate with interested buyers to accommodate these requests. The timing for inspections and test drives can vary depending on your availability and the buyer’s preferences. Typically, this phase can take a couple of days to a week.
  4. Paperwork and Transaction: Once you’ve agreed on a final price with the buyer, it’s time to complete the necessary paperwork and finalize the transaction. This includes transferring the title, filling out a bill of sale, and potentially obtaining a release of liability form. The timeframe for completing the paperwork largely depends on your efficiency in gathering the required documents and coordinating with the buyer. It may take a few days to complete this step.
  5. Payment and Handover: Once the paperwork is in order, it’s time to receive payment and hand over the vehicle to the buyer. Payment can be in the form of cash, certified check, or other agreed-upon methods. The timing for payment and handover should be mutually agreed upon between you and the buyer. It’s essential to ensure the payment method is secure and verified before transferring ownership of the vehicle.
Using the Carmigo app to sell a car on a mobile phone

Selling on Carmigo:

One of the easiest and quickest ways to sell a car instantly is through Carmigo. The Carmigo marketplace has plenty of dealerships eager to give you offers on your car. The process to list is simple, and only tasks take a few minutes. After you answer some questions about your vehicle and snap a couple pictures, you’re well on your way to selling your car. Carmigo sends your car out to its huge network of dealerships and before you know it, your car sells instantly (or at least within a day). This is all done from your phone too, so not only is it quick – it’s extremely easy. Once your car sells, they pick it up and you get paid. 

Here’s a breakdown of the typical timeline when selling your car through Carmigo:

 

  1. List: Navigate to the Carmigo website to begin a listing. Just enter your VIN and follow the instructions until you’ve filled out all the necessary information. Make sure information like your mileage and condition are accurate. Then take a few pictures. After this, Carmigo will take care of the rest.
  2. Sell: At this stage, there is little left for you to do. You can simply sit back and wait for offers to roll in. Perhaps take a stroll or watch your favorite show. Once your car sells, Carmigo will arrange for your vehicle’s pickup.
  3. Get Paid: Once your car is picked up, you’ll get paid. Simple as that. If you have any questions along the way, the Carmigo team is happy to help. With very little effort and time, you can sell a car in an instant with Carmigo.