The bottom line: Peddle, Wheelzy and CashForCars all buy a car with a salvage title, which most private buyers won’t look twice at and dealerships usually turn away.
We got quotes from all three for 5 vehicles with salvage titles and over 100,000 miles each. Some have a salvage title option built into their quote form, and others need to check details by phone before giving you a number.
CashForCars, backed by Copart auction, is set up specifically for damaged and salvage vehicles. CarBrain is another buyer, and it lets you counter its first offer.
If you’re willing to do more work, eBay Motors and Facebook Marketplace can bring higher returns.
The winner changed from car to car, so get quotes from 2 to 3 buyers to find who offers the most for yours.
What would buyers pay for your salvage-title car?Fill in one form, answering “No, it has a salvage title”, and see which buyers make an offer for the car as it is.
Key Takeaways
- Who buys it: Peddle, Wheelzy and CashForCars all priced our five salvage cars, Wheelzy two of them by phone, while dealers usually turn the brand away and Carvana’s market is clean-title cars under 10 years old, so start with the three instant buyers.
- What buyers offered: Buyers offered $375 to $1,465 for our five salvage cars, 2001 to 2010 with 141,000 to 305,000 miles, and the two above $700 were a Silverado pickup and a Matrix, so expect a few hundred for an older salvage sedan and more for a truck.
- Who offered most: Wheelzy led on our three cheaper salvage cars, while CashForCars and Peddle each led a pricier one, by $209 and $416, so add both to Wheelzy’s quote on a pricier car.
- Watch out for: List the damage behind the salvage brand on each form, not only the title type, since the driver checks the car at pickup against what you said.
- Selling it yourself: eBay Motors and Facebook Marketplace can bring more from rebuilders, but you handle the buyers and the brand shows on any history report, so disclose it in the listing or let an instant buyer take it as it is and tow it free.
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Offer amount 30% 5/5
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Quote speed 20% 5/5
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Pickup speed 20% 4/5
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Vehicle acceptance 15% 5/5
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Process ease 15% 5/5
- Buys any car in any condition, running or not
- Free towing, with no fees taken off the offer
- You can cancel before pickup at no cost
- Pays by check on the spot at pickup
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Offer amount 30% 5/5
-
Quote speed 20% 5/5
-
Pickup speed 20% 5/5
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Vehicle acceptance 15% 4/5
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Process ease 15% 4/5
- Buys damaged cars, even ones that can't be driven
- The engine and transmission must still be in
- Free towing, included with every offer
- Picks up within 48 hours, sometimes the same day
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Offer amount 30% 4.5/5
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Quote speed 20% 5/5
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Pickup speed 20% 4/5
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Vehicle acceptance 15% 4/5
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Process ease 15% 2/5
- Owned by Copart, the salvage auction company
- Buys almost any vehicle with a motor, running or not
- Free towing, and it handles the title transfer
- Hands you a check at pickup, or mails it
Automated assistant: general info, not legal advice
Answers come from our state paperwork data and published guides. Confirm anything binding with your state DMV.
Compare Instant Offers
Best Places to Sell a Car With a Salvage Title
Best For Highest Overall Offers: Peddle
Peddle buys junk, salvage, and non-running cars
- Free towing
- Fast payment
- Buys non running cars
- Pays by check at pickup
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Offer amount 30% 5/5
-
Quote speed 20% 5/5
-
Pickup speed 20% 4/5
-
Vehicle acceptance 15% 5/5
-
Process ease 15% 5/5
Our take on Peddle: Peddle has a title type field in their quote form that includes salvage and rebuilt title as options. That means salvage title cars flow straight through to an instant quote without any interruption. What stood out in our test is how much their salvage pricing varies by vehicle type — the Silverado got $1,465 while sedans stayed near $380. They’re also one of the few buyers that can sometimes work with sellers who’ve lost the physical title on a salvage car.
Pros
- Gave instant quotes on all 5 salvage title vehicles we tested
- Free towing whether your salvage title car runs or not
- Can sometimes buy salvage title cars even without the physical title
Cons
- Offers can change at pickup if the salvage damage doesn’t match your description
- Won’t buy salvage title cars if you still owe money on them
- Pickup windows are 4 hours long, not a specific time
Why we picked it: Peddle offered the most for the 2005 Silverado, beating the next closest offer by $416. They gave instant quotes on every salvage title vehicle we submitted, and they can work with sellers who’ve lost the physical title on a salvage car.
How Peddle asks about salvage titles in their quote form:
Best For Quick Local Pickup: Wheelzy
Wheelzy buys cars in any condition, running or not
- Buys cars without keys
- Buys cars missing parts, engine and transmission in
- Pays cash or check at pickup
- Quote often needs a phone call
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Offer amount 30% 5/5
-
Quote speed 20% 5/5
-
Pickup speed 20% 5/5
-
Vehicle acceptance 15% 4/5
-
Process ease 15% 4/5
Our take on Wheelzy: Wheelzy specializes in buying damaged and salvage title vehicles fast. They offered the highest quote on 3 out of 5 vehicles in our test. Many locations offer same-day pickup, and the driver pays you cash or check when the tow truck arrives.
Pros
- Offered the most on 3 out of 5 salvage title vehicles we tested
- Same-day pickup available in many areas for salvage title cars
- Free towing whether your salvage title car runs or not
Cons
- Required a phone call for 2 out of 5 salvage title vehicles instead of an instant quote
- First offers may be low and need negotiation for salvage title cars
- Independent tow contractors handle pickups, not Wheelzy employees
Why we picked it: Wheelzy beat Peddle and CashForCars on the Avalon, Pilot, and Cube. Their pickup speed is hard to match, with many areas offering same-day service. The trade-off is that some vehicles required a phone call instead of getting an instant quote online.
What Wheelzy says about buying salvage title cars:
Best For Consistent Instant Quotes: CashForCars
CashForCars is owned by Copart and buys cars in any condition
- Free towing from nearly 200 locations
- Buys any vehicle with a motor, running or not
- Backed by Copart auction yards
- Pays a check right at pickup
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Offer amount 30% 4.5/5
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Quote speed 20% 5/5
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Pickup speed 20% 4/5
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Vehicle acceptance 15% 4/5
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Process ease 15% 2/5
Our take on CashForCars: CashForCars is owned by Copart, one of the largest auto auction companies. Their quote form has a dedicated salvage title option built in, so they’re set up to handle these vehicles from the start. They have nearly 200 locations, and pickup can be arranged in as little as 24 hours after you accept.
Pros
- Gave an instant quote on all 5 salvage title vehicles
- Their quote form has a dedicated salvage title option built in
- Nearly 200 locations means faster pickup for salvage title cars in most areas
Cons
- Payment is by check, so you wait for the funds to clear, and that wait varies
- You talk to different people for quotes, scheduling, and pickup
- Won’t buy salvage title cars if you still owe money on them
Why we picked it: CashForCars gave an instant quote on every single salvage title vehicle. They also offered the most for the Corolla Matrix XR at $774. Their Copart backing means they can price salvage vehicles more accurately than smaller buyers.
How CashForCars asks about salvage titles in their quote form:
Best For Negotiating Your Price: CarBrain
CarBrain specializes in wrecked and broken-down vehicles
- Pickup 24 to 48 hours after accepting
- Buys totaled and wrecked cars
- Buys cars with blown engines
- Handles bad transmission sales
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Offer amount 30% 3/5
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Quote speed 20% 4/5
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Pickup speed 20% 4/5
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Vehicle acceptance 15% 3/5
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Process ease 15% 5/5
Our take on CarBrain: CarBrain has been buying damaged and salvage title cars since 2007. Its quote form let us counter the first offer, so you can ask for more if you think your salvage car is worth it. They handle salvage titles, accident history, and high mileage vehicles that most dealers won’t touch.
Pros
- You can counter their first offer on your salvage title vehicle
- Buys salvage title cars that dealerships and other services reject
- Quotes are good for 7 days so you can compare other salvage title offers
Cons
- The title must be in your name before they’ll buy your salvage title car
- They won’t buy cars missing the engine or transmission, even with a salvage title
- Offers tend to run lower than some competitors for salvage vehicles
Why we picked it: CarBrain gives you a way to negotiate, a counter-offer step we saw on its quote form. If you get a low first offer on your salvage title car, you can push back. They also don’t pressure you to accept right away, and pickup usually happens within 24 to 48 hours.
Other Options For Selling a Car With a Salvage Title
The buyers above handle everything for you, but you’ll get less money. If you have time and don’t mind doing the work, these marketplaces can bring higher returns on salvage title cars.
Carvana isn’t one to try: its market is cars under 10 years old in good condition with clean titles, so a salvage title rules it out.
Best For Auction Style Sales: eBay Motors
eBay Motors lists your car to buyers nationwide
- Listing fee is $34 or $79
- 40 photos with either fee
- No percent fee on sale price
- 2.8% fee on deposits via eBay
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Buyer reach 25% 3/5
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Safety features 25% 4/5
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Listing cost 20% 3/5
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Time to sell 15% 4/5
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Ease of listing 15% 3/5
Our take on eBay Motors: eBay Motors puts a salvage title car in front of buyers nationwide. You pay $34 to list a salvage car priced at $15,000 or less, or $79 above that, with no percentage taken from your sale price. The auction format can work well for salvage title cars because bidders set the price based on demand.
The downside is you do everything yourself. You take photos, write the listing and answer buyer questions, and eBay expects the buyer to arrange pickup or shipping. Winning bids are not legally binding, so buyers can back out after winning.
Best For Free Local Listings: Facebook Marketplace
With Facebook Marketplace you sell your car directly to local buyers
- Sell directly to local buyers
- Buyers message you on Marketplace first
- Post in local buy/sell groups
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Buyer reach 25% 5/5
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Safety features 25% 3/5
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Listing cost 20% 5/5
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Time to sell 15% 4/5
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Ease of listing 15% 5/5
Our take on Facebook Marketplace: Facebook Marketplace is free to use and shows your listing to buyers near you. For salvage title cars, it can be a good way to find buyers who are looking for project cars or cheap transportation.
You handle photos, messages, test drives, and paperwork yourself. Be upfront about the salvage title in your listing to avoid wasting time with buyers who walk away once they find out.
Sell a Car With a Salvage Title: Feature Comparison
| Company | How It Works | Payment | Stands Out |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Instant quote online, free towing, pickup in 24 to 48 hours | Cash or check at pickup | Can buy some salvage cars without the physical title |
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Instant quote or phone call, free towing, same-day pickup possible | Cash or check at pickup | Same-day pickup in many areas |
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Instant quote online, free towing, nearly 200 locations | Check at pickup | Backed by Copart auctions, dedicated salvage title option |
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Instant quote online, free towing, pickup in 24 to 48 hours | Payment before car leaves | You can counter their first offer |
|
|
List your car, buyers bid or buy at your price | Through eBay’s checkout on most sales | Nationwide car shoppers, flat listing fee |
|
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List your car for free, sell to local buyers | Buyer pays you directly | Free to list, huge local audience |
Selling a Salvage Title Car: What Each Buyer Offered
We got quotes from Peddle, Wheelzy, and CashForCars on 5 vehicles with salvage titles. All quotes used the same zip code and honest condition details.
All Offers at a Glance
| Vehicle | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 Toyota Avalon XL | $375 | $428 | $402 |
| 2005 Chevrolet Silverado | $1,465 | Required call | $1,049 |
| 2005 Honda Pilot EXL | $380 | $462 | $402 |
| 2005 Toyota Corolla Matrix XR | $565 | Required call | $774 |
| 2010 Nissan Cube | $385 | $432 | $402 |
2001 Avalon
2005 Silverado
2005 Pilot
2005 Corolla
2010 Cube
2001 Toyota Avalon XL
141,000 miles · Salvage title
| $428 |
| $402 |
| $375 |
2005 Chevrolet Silverado
237,000 miles · Salvage title
| $1,465 |
| $1,049 |
| Required call |
2005 Honda Pilot EXL
182,000 miles · Salvage title
| $462 |
| $402 |
| $380 |
2005 Toyota Corolla Matrix XR
305,000 miles · Salvage title
| $774 |
| $565 |
| Required call |
2010 Nissan Cube
159,556 miles · Salvage title
| $432 |
| $402 |
| $385 |
We got these quotes with a Florida ZIP code. Your offers can be higher or lower, because they depend on where you live, your car’s condition and what buyers need in your area.
What This Tells Us
What this tells us:
- The gap between the highest and lowest offer grew on vehicles worth more. Sedans had tighter spreads, but the truck gap was large.
- Buyers backed by large auction networks can price salvage vehicles more accurately because they have more ways to resell them.
- Some buyers can handle salvage titles fully online. Others need to verify details by phone first, depending on the vehicle type.
- Older sedans with salvage titles got similar offers across all three companies, suggesting buyers treat them close to a floor price.
- Trucks with salvage titles brought much higher offers than sedans or SUVs, showing that vehicle type matters even with title issues.
- If your title is in someone else’s name, getting it transferred first can open up more buyers and potentially better offers.
- A salvage brand doesn’t erase a vehicle’s underlying value. The Silverado still drew over $1,000 because trucks hold parts and resale value that makes the title brand less of a barrier for buyers.
Compare instant offers before you accept one
Compare instant offers before you accept one
Frequently Asked Questions
Who buys salvage vehicles?
Peddle, Wheelzy, CashForCars, and CarBrain all buy cars with salvage titles. These companies specialize in damaged, high mileage, and problem vehicles that regular dealers won’t take.
You can also sell a salvage title car through eBay Motors or Facebook Marketplace if you want to try getting more money on your own.
How much less is a car with a salvage title worth?
By the industry rule of thumb that Kelley Blue Book gives, a salvage title takes 20% to 40% off the value of the same car with a clean title. The exact amount depends on the type of damage, your car’s age, and demand in your area.
In our test, salvage title offers ranged from $375 to $1,465. Getting quotes from multiple buyers is the fastest way to find out what yours is worth.
Can I sell a car with a salvage title if I don’t have the title?
Some buyers like Peddle can work with you if you’ve lost your title. You may need to get a duplicate title from your state’s DMV first.
Most online car buyers require you to have the title in your name before they can complete the purchase.
How do I sell a car with a salvage title privately?
List your car on Facebook Marketplace or eBay Motors with clear photos and an honest description.
Always mention the salvage title upfront in your listing to avoid wasting time with buyers who aren’t interested.
Price it below similar clean title cars. Meet in a safe public place, and consider using an escrow service for payment protection.
Do I have to disclose a salvage title when selling?
Yes. The salvage brand is permanently part of the title record, so buyers can also find it through a vehicle history report.
Failing to disclose a salvage title can result in legal trouble and the buyer could demand their money back.
What is the difference between a salvage title and a rebuilt title?
A salvage title means an insurance company declared the vehicle a total loss due to damage. A rebuilt title means someone repaired the vehicle and it passed a state inspection to be road legal again.
Rebuilt title cars are generally worth more than salvage title cars because they’ve been fixed and can be driven. Both types get lower offers than clean title vehicles.
How fast can I sell a car with a salvage title?
With an instant offer service like Peddle, Wheelzy, or CashForCars, you can sell your salvage title car in as little as 24 to 48 hours. You get a quote in minutes, accept it, and schedule a free pickup.
Selling through a marketplace like eBay Motors or Facebook Marketplace takes longer, up to 8 weeks or more, because you wait for a buyer who accepts a salvage title at your price.
Can I insure a car with a salvage title?
Most insurance companies won’t offer full coverage on a salvage title vehicle. You can usually get liability insurance, but collision and comprehensive coverage are hard to find until the car has a rebuilt title.
This is one reason salvage title cars are worth less. Buyers know they’ll have limited insurance options.
Methodology
We selected 5 vehicles with salvage titles for this test. The lineup included a 2001 Toyota Avalon XL with 141,000 miles, a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado with 237,000 miles, a 2005 Honda Pilot EXL with 182,000 miles, a 2005 Toyota Corolla Matrix XR with 305,000 miles, and a 2010 Nissan Cube with 159,556 miles.
We submitted each vehicle to Peddle, Wheelzy, and CashForCars using the same Florida zip code. We answered all condition questions honestly and selected “salvage title” when asked about title status. We took screenshots of every quote result.
Peddle and CashForCars gave instant quotes on all 5 vehicles. Wheelzy gave instant quotes on 3 out of 5 vehicles and required a phone call for the 2005 Silverado and the 2005 Corolla Matrix XR.
We did not accept any of the offers. Your results may differ based on your location, your car’s actual condition, and which buyers are active in your area.
Article Update History
Originally posted and shared with our readers.
Sources
"20% to 40%, salvage title deduction from the Blue Book value" Accessed Oct. 5, 2026
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