The bottom line: Selling your junk car online is now easier than ever. The process is straightforward: get a quote, accept an offer, schedule a pickup, and get paid on the spot.
The whole transaction typically takes just 24-48 hours from start to finish.
Best for Older Cars
Instant offer in 2 minutes
Free pickup as soon as today
Get paid on the spot
Best for Junk Cars
Sell your car in 30 minutes
Easy-to-use
Buys non-running cars
Best for Damaged Cars
Copart company
Nationwide service
Pays Cash
Wheelzy – Best for Junk Cars
What Sets Wheelzy Apart
Wheelzy stands out for its speed and guaranteed pricing policy.
Unlike many competitors, Wheelzy drivers don’t renegotiate prices at pickup – the amount you’re quoted online is the amount you’ll receive, as long as you’ve accurately described your vehicle’s condition.
They offer payment within 24-48 hours and will purchase vehicles regardless of their condition.
Best for Junk Cars
Wheelzy is ideal if you’re pressed for time or want assurance that the quoted price won’t change when the tow truck arrives.
Their initial offers tend to be conservative, so don’t hesitate to negotiate for a better price – many customers report success with this approach. Their service includes free towing nationwide.
How to Sell a Car to Wheelzy?
Submit your vehicle details online, receive an instant quote, schedule a pickup (usually within 1-2 days), and get paid on the spot when they collect your car.
In most cases, Wheelzy pays in cash, though payment by check is also available in some locations. Their drivers are typically prompt and professional, making the entire transaction quick and hassle-free.
Ready to Get Wheelzy Offer?
Get a free quote in seconds and Wheelzy will pick up your car for free. Fast, easy, and hassle-free!
Peddle – Best for Any Condition Car
What Sets Peddle Apart
Peddle specializes in buying vehicles in any condition, making them an excellent choice for truly end-of-life cars. They’re particularly good for older vehicles or “junk cars” that other buyers might reject.
With service available across all U.S. states and ZIP codes, Peddle ensures nationwide coverage. Their extensive network of buyers often results in competitive offers, especially for cars with limited resale value.
Best for Any Condition Car
If your car has significant issues like water damage, accident history, or mechanical failures, Peddle may be more willing to make a reasonable offer than traditional buyers.
How to Sell a Car to Peddle?
Enter your vehicle information on their website, receive an instant offer, accept if you’re satisfied, schedule a free pickup, and receive payment (typically by check) when your car is collected.
Ready for a Fast Cash Offer?
Peddle provides an instant offer and free towing for your car.
CashForCars – Best for Totally Wrecked Cars
What Sets CashForCars Apart
CashForCars distinguishes itself with same-day pickup in many locations and a focus on customer service throughout the selling process.
Their name reflects their business model—providing immediate payment for vehicles in any condition.
As a subsidiary of Copart, Inc. (a global leader in online vehicle auctions founded in 1982), they’ve built a reputation for reliability and fair pricing with decades of industry experience backing their operations.
Best for Totally Wrecked Cars
If you prefer speaking with a representative rather than completing the entire process online, CashForCars offers phone support with trained specialists who can answer questions and explain each step.
How to Sell a Car to CashForCars?
Get a quote online or by phone (Call: (888) 926-6114), schedule a free pickup at your convenience, meet the buyer who will inspect your vehicle and handle paperwork, and receive payment immediately.
Their representatives are trained to make the title transfer process simple, even for sellers who haven’t sold a car before.
Want to Turn Your Car into Cash?
Get a quick cash offer for your car today with CashForCars.
CarBrain – Best for Cars with Mechanical Issues
What Sets CarBrain Apart
CarBrain focuses specifically on damaged, salvage, and mechanically troubled vehicles, making them experts in valuing cars that traditional dealers often avoid.
They specialize in “less-than-perfect cars” and have developed a sophisticated system for valuing vehicles with various issues. Their industry knowledge often results in higher offers for problematic cars compared to general buyers.
Best for Cars with Mechanical Issues
If your vehicle has been in an accident, has major mechanical failures, or won’t pass inspection, CarBrain’s specialized approach may result in a better offer than you’d receive elsewhere.
How to Sell a Car to CarBrain?
Submit your vehicle details and photos online, receive a guaranteed offer within 90 seconds, schedule free pickup if you accept (usually within 24-48 hours), and get payment when your car is collected.
Their online quote system is particularly detailed, allowing for specific information about your car’s condition.
Ready to Get Your CarBrain Offer?
Receive a no-obligation quote in seconds, and enjoy complimentary vehicle pickup with CarBrain.
A Beginner’s Guide to Online Junk Car Buyers
The idea behind online junk car buyers is simple:
When your car is too old, damaged, or unreliable to drive or sell traditionally, these services will buy it from you. Instead of letting your old vehicle take up space or deteriorate further, you can turn it into cash quickly and easily.
How the Process Works?
Here’s how selling your junk car online typically works:
1. Get a Quote
Enter your car’s details on the buyer’s website (make, model, year, and condition). Be honest about your car’s condition to get an accurate quote. Most companies provide an instant offer within minutes.
2. Accept the Offer
If you like the price, accept it! Most quotes are good for about a week, giving you time to think it over. Once accepted, the buyer will arrange everything else.
3. Schedule a Pickup
The buyer schedules a convenient time to pick up your car, typically within 1-2 days. All reputable companies offer free towing – you should never pay for this.
4. Get Paid
When the tow truck arrives, they’ll quickly verify your car matches the description you provided, handle the paperwork, and pay you on the spot. The entire pickup process usually takes less than 30 minutes.
Getting Paid: What to Expect?
How Much Can You Get?
- Most junk cars sell for $100-$500 depending on their condition and current scrap metal prices
- Cars that still run can bring $1,000 or more
- Newer models with usable parts typically fetch higher prices
Payment Methods
Most companies will pay you in one of these ways:
- Cash (immediate, no waiting)
- Check (most common method)
- Digital payments through apps like Venmo or PayPal (some newer companies)
Note: The important thing is that payment happens at pickup – never agree to be paid later!
Paperwork Made Easy
You typically only need two things:
- The car’s title (proof you own it).
- Your photo ID
If you don’t have the title, some companies can still buy your car with alternative proof of ownership, such as registration documents, though the price might be lower. The buyer will handle all the transfer paperwork for you.
Read More – How to Sell a Car Without a Title? (In Each State)
After the sale, most states require you to notify the DMV that you’ve sold the vehicle. The buyer can explain exactly what’s needed in your state – it’s usually a simple online form.
Choosing the Right Buyer
Not all junk car buyers are created equal. Here’s what to look for:
National Online Services vs. Local Junkyards
- National services (like Wheelzy, Peddle, or CashForCars) often pay more because they connect you with multiple potential buyers who compete for your car
- Local junkyards might offer faster pickup but typically pay less
Red Flags to Watch For
Avoid any buyer who:
- Wants to charge for towing
- Won’t pay you until after they take the car
- Seems vague about their business details
Preparing Your Car for Sale
Take these simple steps before the pickup:
- Remove all personal belongings (check everywhere!)
- Take off license plates (you’ll need to return these to the DMV in many states)
- Cancel your insurance after the sale is complete
- Gather any paperwork (title, registration, maintenance records)
Quick Tips for a Smooth Sale
- Get multiple quotes – prices can vary by hundreds of dollars between buyers
- Be honest about your car’s condition – surprises at pickup can lead to price adjustments
- Confirm free towing – this should always be included
- Get paid before signing over your title – no exceptions!
- Keep it simple – reputable buyers don’t need complicated arrangements
What Affects Your Car’s Value?
A few key factors determine how much your junk car is worth:
- Current scrap metal prices (these fluctuate regularly)
- Your car’s weight (heavier cars = more metal = more money)
- Working parts that can be resold
- Demand for your specific make and model
Remember, even cars in terrible condition are worth something for their metal content alone!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do online car buyers purchase vehicles without titles?
Yes, many do, but with some limitations. Most legitimate buyers prefer vehicles with titles, but understand that titles can get lost. If you don’t have a title, you’ll typically need to provide alternative proof of ownership (like registration documents and your ID).
Expect a somewhat lower offer for a car without a title, and know that some states have stricter requirements than others.
What if my car doesn’t run at all?
No problem! This is actually very common. Junk car buyers specifically deal with non-running vehicles regularly. Just be sure to mention this when getting your quote so they’ll bring the right equipment for loading.
Non-running cars typically bring less money than running ones, but they’re still valuable for parts and metal.
How quickly can I sell my junk car?
Most online junk car buyers can complete the entire process within 24-48 hours from your initial quote to having the car picked up and payment in your hand. Some even offer same-day service in major metropolitan areas.
If you’re in a hurry, mention this when speaking with the buyer.
Are online quotes binding?
Reputable companies stand by their quotes as long as your description of the vehicle was accurate. The final price should only change if the actual condition of the car differs significantly from what you reported.
This is why it’s important to be honest when describing your vehicle’s condition.
Do I need to be present for the pickup?
Yes, you or someone you authorize needs to be present to handle the paperwork and receive payment. The pickup person will need to verify your ID and have you sign the title transfer documents.
The good news is that the pickup process itself usually takes less than 30 minutes.
Can I sell a car that’s been in an accident or has flood damage?
Absolutely! Junk car buyers regularly purchase vehicles with all types of damage including accident, fire, and flood damage. These cars still have value for their parts and metal content.
Just be upfront about the type and extent of damage when getting your quote.
What about cars with existing loans?
This is trickier. To sell a car, you generally need a clear title without any liens. If you still owe money on the car, you’ll typically need to pay off the loan first.
Some buyers might work with you if the loan balance is less than the car’s value, but most junk cars aren’t worth enough to cover outstanding loans.
Can I back out after accepting an offer from a junk car buyer?
Most junk car buyers allow cancellations before the pickup occurs, though policies vary by company. Once you’ve signed over the title and the car has been towed, the transaction is typically final.
Quotes Received in April, 2025
Peddle Offers
2015 Kia Optima with 100k mileage and salvage title: $835
2014 VW Toureg with 120k mileage and salvage title: $2795
2014 FORD C-MAX with 210k mileage and salvage title: $570
Wheelzy Offers
2004 Buick Lesabre with 214k mileage and clean title: $351
2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara with 160k mileage and clean title: $466
2008 Dodge Avenger with 310k mileage and salvage title: $351
CashForCars Offers
2003 Buick Regal LS with 214k mileage and clean title: $375
2008 Dodge Dakota with 167k mileage with salvage title: $300
2014 Nissan Sentra with 96k milage and salvage title: $556.06
CarBrain Offers
2014 Nissan Sentra with 96k milage and salvage title: $270
2003 Buick Regal LS with 214k mileage and clean title: $190
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 40k mileage and a clean title: up to $8875
