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The bottom line: AutoNation is a traditional dealership with 300+ locations where you can sell your car in one afternoon. You drive in, they inspect your car, and you leave with payment the same day. The final offer is set after an in-person inspection, so it may differ from the online quote. You should also plan to spend 2 to 3.5 hours at the dealership.
Driveway picks up your car from your home and honors their quoted price most of the time. They’re owned by Lithia Motors, and payment can hit your bank within 30 minutes of the sale. However, the full process takes 1 to 3 weeks, and some sellers have trouble with lost documents and delayed pickups.
We tested both with three vehicles in January 2026. Driveway offered more on 2 out of 3 cars and offered $7,650 more across all three tests. The biggest gap was on the Ford F-150, where Driveway offered $7,500 more than AutoNation.
Based on our tests, Driveway is the better choice if you can wait 1 to 3 weeks and want a higher price without leaving your home. Choose AutoNation if you need cash today and prefer to handle everything in person, even if the offer is lower.
Neither service works well for junk cars, salvage titles, or vehicles that don’t run.
Compare offers from multiple services with Sell Car Advisor before deciding.
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AutoNation vs. Driveway Offers
We requested quotes from both companies for several vehicles. Here’s what each one offered:
| Vehicle |
|
|
Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Tesla Model 3 | $12,800 | $11,000 | AutoNation +$1,800 |
| 2022 Ford F-150 XL | $15,950 | $23,450 | Driveway +$7,500 |
| 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime SE | $23,700 | $25,650 | Driveway +$1,950 |
2018 Tesla Model 3 with 73k miles and clean title:
2022 Ford F-150 XL with 72.5k miles and clean title:
2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime SE with 61.5k miles and clean title:
AutoNation vs. Driveway: Detailed Comparison
Both companies give you 7 days to accept their quote, but the similarities mostly end there. AutoNation’s online quote is based on what you enter. When you visit the dealership, their team does a full inspection that takes 30 to 45 minutes, and the final number is based on that. Driveway’s quote sticks most of the time, and they only adjust if your car doesn’t match what you described.
The process at AutoNation feels like a traditional car dealership. You sit in the dealership while they look over your car, then come back with a number. Because they sell cars to retail buyers, they can negotiate with you. If you bring written offers from other buyers, some locations will try to match them. Driveway’s offers are firm with no room for back and forth.
In our tests, Driveway offered more on 2 out of 3 vehicles and was especially strong on the Ford F-150, where they offered $7,500 more than AutoNation. The only car where AutoNation came out ahead was the 2018 Tesla Model 3, where they offered $1,800 more.
AutoNation does a thorough in-person check at their dealership, looking at everything from mechanical condition to body damage. Driveway uses AI to review your photos first, then sends a driver who does a quick 10 to 15 minute check at your home. Key things to know about each process:
- AutoNation: Upload photos to add $50 to your quote, but the final price is based on the in-person inspection
- Driveway: Won’t dock your price for small scratches or normal wear
- AutoNation: You can visit multiple locations to compare offers
- Driveway: Uses third-party hauling companies that sometimes reschedule pickups
If you still have a loan on your car, both companies can handle the payoff. AutoNation pays off your lender directly but the whole thing takes 2 to 3 weeks. Driveway typically pays off loans within 2 to 3 days after pickup. Check our guide on how to sell a financed car for more details on the process.
AutoNation has 300+ physical locations, but you need to drive to one. If the closest store is far away, you’ll spend time and gas getting there. Driveway sends a driver to you anywhere in the country, which is more convenient but less predictable. Neither company charges fees to sell.
AutoNation vs. Driveway: Feature Comparison
Where to Sell Your Car
For most sellers, Driveway is worth trying first. They offered more on 2 out of 3 vehicles and the total gap was $7,650 in their favor. If you have a newer car with a clean title and can wait 1 to 3 weeks, Driveway will likely give you a better final price without the hassle of visiting a dealership.
AutoNation is better if you need cash today. They’re one of the few places where you can walk in and leave with payment the same afternoon. Just bring competing offers so you have a reference point during the in-person appraisal.
Your car’s condition matters here. Driveway won’t buy vehicles over 20 years old, with more than 180,000 miles, or with major damage. AutoNation accepts more types of vehicles but offers less for them. If neither company fits your situation, check our list of online car buyers for more options.
| Your Situation | Better Option | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Want the highest offer for a newer car |
|
Driveway offered more on 2 out of 3 vehicles in our tests |
| Need cash the same day |
|
AutoNation pays the same day; Driveway takes 1 to 3 weeks |
| Don’t want to leave home |
|
Driveway picks up at your home; AutoNation requires a dealership visit |
| Want to negotiate the price |
|
AutoNation allows in-person negotiation; Driveway offers are firm |
| Want the quoted price to hold |
|
Driveway honors most quotes; AutoNation’s final price is based on in-person appraisal |
| Selling a truck or popular SUV |
|
Driveway offered $7,500 more for the Ford F-150 in our test |
| Want to compare offers at multiple spots |
|
AutoNation has 300+ locations; offers vary between stores |
| Have a junk, salvage, or non-running car | Neither | Both focus on clean-title vehicles; try Peddle or Wheelzy instead |
Best Alternatives
Best for Newer Cars
Buys newer, low-mileage cars
Offers pickup or free drop-off
Competitive trade-in value
Best for Used Cars
Instant offer in 2 minutes
Instant offer and free pickup
Get paid on the spot
Best for Junk Cars
Sell your car in 30 minutes
Easy-to-use
Buys non-running cars
Want to compare more options? Use our free tool to see who offers the most for your car:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which offers more, AutoNation or Driveway?
Driveway offered more in our January 2026 tests. They beat AutoNation on 2 out of 3 vehicles and offered $7,650 more across all three cars. The biggest gap was on the 2022 Ford F-150, where Driveway offered $23,450 compared to AutoNation’s $15,950.
AutoNation only won on the 2018 Tesla Model 3, where they offered $12,800 versus Driveway’s $11,000. Keep in mind that AutoNation’s online quotes can drop after the in-person inspection, so the real gap may be even larger.
How long does the AutoNation vs Driveway process take?
AutoNation completes the sale the same day you visit. Plan to spend 2 to 3.5 hours at the dealership for the inspection and paperwork. You leave with payment that afternoon. Title processing after the sale can take weeks or months.
Driveway takes 1 to 3 weeks from start to finish. The quote comes in minutes, but scheduling the pickup and processing documents takes time. The actual pickup is only 10 to 15 minutes. Some sellers report delays when Driveway’s document system loses their paperwork.
Can I sell a car with a loan to AutoNation or Driveway?
Yes, both buy cars with outstanding loans. AutoNation handles the paperwork at their dealership and pays off your lender directly. The payoff process takes 2 to 3 weeks, and some sellers report even longer waits.
Driveway typically pays off loans within 2 to 3 days after pickup and sends you the remaining balance. Both companies need your current payoff amount from your lender before they can finalize the sale.
Learn more: Car Buying Companies that Will Pay Off Your Auto Loan
Which has better reviews, AutoNation or Driveway?
Driveway has higher ratings across the board. They have 4.3 stars on Trustpilot from 4,324 reviews and 4.6 stars on Google from 4,823 reviews. Most complaints come from buyers, not sellers. Sellers generally report getting their quoted price.
AutoNation has 1.5 stars on Trustpilot from 283 reviews. Google ratings vary by location. Some reviewers mention that the online and in-person numbers were different. Neither company is BBB accredited.
What if the final offer is lower than the online quote?
With AutoNation, the online quote is an estimate based on what you enter. The final number comes from the in-person inspection, so it may be different. You can negotiate or walk away if the number doesn’t work for you.
Driveway sticks with their original quote most of the time. They only adjust if the car doesn’t match what you described, like undisclosed accidents or major mechanical problems. Small scratches and normal wear won’t affect your price.
How quickly will AutoNation or Driveway pay me?
AutoNation pays the same day you complete the sale. They usually issue a company check or Zelle payment before you leave the dealership. Some banks may hold large checks for a few days before the funds clear.
Driveway offers two options. Their Real-Time Payment transfer hits your bank account within 30 minutes of approval. Standard ACH transfers take 2 to 3 business days. You pick which method you want when you accept the offer.
What documents do I need to sell to AutoNation or Driveway?
For AutoNation, bring your vehicle title, current registration, valid driver’s license, and all sets of keys. If you have a loan, bring your most recent loan statement with the payoff amount. Service records and repair receipts can help your offer.
Driveway needs the same documents, but you submit everything online before pickup. Save copies of everything you send. Some sellers have had to resubmit documents because the system lost them.
Learn more: Selling a Car to Online Car Buyers (The Paperwork Checklist)
Will AutoNation or Driveway buy a damaged car?
AutoNation buys damaged vehicles, but the offer will reflect what it costs to fix. Mechanical problems lower the price more than cosmetic damage. Each car is priced based on repair costs and what it would sell for after repairs.
Driveway won’t buy cars with major damage, title issues, or vehicles that can’t be safely driven. If your car has serious damage, try Peddle or Wheelzy, which buy damaged and junk cars.
Article Update History
We got new quotes from both, checked customer ratings on Trustpilot and Google, and confirmed neither is BBB accredited. AutoNation still requires an in-person visit, and Driveway still picks up from your home through Lithia Motors.
Originally posted and shared with our readers.