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The bottom line: Peddle buys cars in any condition and picks them up from your location for free, usually within 48 hours. However, their offers for newer, clean-title cars are much lower than what dealerships offer.
AutoNation is a dealership network with 300+ locations that typically offers more for newer cars in good condition. However, you must drive to one of their locations for an inspection that takes 2 to 3.5 hours, and final offers may differ from online quotes.
We tested both services with two vehicles in January 2026. AutoNation offered $12,800 for a clean-title 2018 Tesla Model 3, while Peddle offered $4,980. For a damaged 2008 Subaru Outback, Peddle offered $385 versus AutoNation’s $250.
Based on our tests, your car’s condition is the deciding factor. If you have a newer car in good shape, get a quote from AutoNation first. If your car has damage, high mileage, or mechanical problems, Peddle will likely offer more and pick it up for free.
Neither service works well if you don’t have a clear title in your name.
Compare offers from multiple services with Sell Car Advisor before deciding.
Newer Car? AutoNation. Damaged Car? Peddle.
AutoNation offered $12,800 for a clean Tesla versus Peddle’s $4,980. For a damaged Subaru, Peddle offered $135 more and picked it up for free.
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Peddle vs. AutoNation Offers
We requested quotes from both companies for two vehicles in January 2026. Here’s what each one offered:
| Vehicle |
|
|
Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Tesla Model 3 | $4,980 | $12,800 | AutoNation +$7,820 |
| 2008 Subaru Outback | $385 | $250 | Peddle +$135 |
2018 Tesla Model 3 with 73k miles and clean title:
2008 Subaru Outback 2.5 with 168k miles and rear damage:
Peddle vs. AutoNation: Detailed Comparison
Peddle quotes last 7 days. AutoNation officially says 7 days or 500 miles, but our quotes expired after just 3 days. Get quotes from both close to when you’re ready to sell.
Peddle handles everything online with free home pickup. AutoNation requires driving to a dealership for a 30 to 45 minute inspection, plus 2 to 3.5 hours total for paperwork. If your car has major damage, Peddle picks it up at your location no matter what.
AutoNation offered $12,800 for the clean-title Tesla versus Peddle’s $4,980. But for the damaged Subaru with 168k miles, Peddle offered $385 while AutoNation offered just $250. The gap between these two services grows with vehicle value.
Here are the main differences between the two services:
- Peddle picks up from your home for free. AutoNation requires a dealership visit.
- Peddle pays at pickup, usually within 48 hours. AutoNation may take weeks for full processing.
- AutoNation handles loan payoffs. Peddle only buys cars you own outright.
- AutoNation lets you negotiate in person. Peddle’s offers are take-it-or-leave-it.
AutoNation does accept damaged and non-running cars, but you need to arrange your own transport to their dealership. If your car doesn’t drive, that means paying for a tow truck on top of a lower offer. It’s still worth getting their quote, but check if there’s a location near you first.
Peddle pays at pickup by check or cash. AutoNation uses same-day electronic transfer or company check at many locations. If you have a loan on your car, AutoNation pays your lender directly, but the payoff process adds 2 to 3 weeks.
Peddle vs. AutoNation: Feature Comparison
Where to Sell Your Car
Peddle offered more for the damaged Subaru and includes free towing. If your car has mechanical problems, body damage, or high mileage, Peddle is the simpler choice. You won’t need to leave your home or arrange transport.
AutoNation offered $7,820 more for the clean-title Tesla. If your car is newer, runs well, and you have a dealership nearby, AutoNation will likely beat Peddle’s offer by a wide margin. They also handle loan payoffs, which Peddle won’t do.
| Your Situation | Better Option | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Your car doesn’t run and you can’t tow it yourself |
|
Free towing included. AutoNation accepts non-running cars but you arrange transport. |
| Newer clean-title car worth over $5,000 |
|
Offered $12,800 for the Tesla versus Peddle’s $4,980 |
| Need to sell within 24 to 48 hours |
|
Everything happens at your location, usually within 2 days |
| Still have a loan on your car |
|
Handles loan payoffs directly. Peddle only buys cars you own outright. |
| Damaged car with an AutoNation location nearby |
|
Worth getting their quote to compare. If it’s higher, a short drive could mean more money. |
| Want to sell from home without visiting a dealership |
|
100% online process with free pickup at your location |
| Want to negotiate for more money in person |
|
Face-to-face negotiation at dealership. Bring competing offers for leverage. |
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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 for newer cars, Peddle or AutoNation?
AutoNation offers much more for newer, clean-title vehicles. In our 2026 tests, AutoNation offered $12,800 for a 2018 Tesla Model 3 with 73k miles. Peddle offered $4,980 for the same car.
This gap makes sense because AutoNation resells cars through their dealership network, while Peddle focuses on lower-value vehicles. If your car is in good shape, always check AutoNation first.
Which offers more for damaged cars, Peddle or AutoNation?
Peddle offered more for the damaged vehicle we tested. For a 2008 Subaru Outback with rear damage and 168k miles, Peddle offered $385 while AutoNation offered $250.
Peddle specializes in problem vehicles, so they tend to offer more for cars with damage, high mileage, or mechanical issues.
AutoNation accepts damaged cars too, but their offers are typically lower for vehicles in poor condition.
How long do Peddle and AutoNation quotes last?
Peddle quotes last 7 days. AutoNation says 7 days or 500 miles, but when we tested it, our quotes expired after just 3 days.
Don’t wait too long after getting an AutoNation quote. Schedule your dealership visit within 2 to 3 days to be safe.
Does AutoNation buy damaged or non-running cars?
Yes. AutoNation accepts damaged cars and cars with mechanical problems. The offer will be lower based on repair costs, but they’ll still give you a quote.
The key difference is pickup. AutoNation does not offer home pickup, so you need to get your car to their dealership yourself. If your car doesn’t drive, you’ll have to arrange your own tow truck.
Peddle includes free towing no matter what condition the car is in.
Which company pays faster, Peddle or AutoNation?
Peddle gets you paid faster overall. You receive a check or cash when the tow driver picks up your car, usually within 24 to 48 hours of accepting the offer.
AutoNation gives you a check or electronic transfer the same day you visit. But if you have a loan, their payoff process takes 2 to 3 weeks to finish.
Title processing can also drag on for months at some locations.
Can I sell a financed car to Peddle or AutoNation?
Only AutoNation handles financed cars. They work directly with your lender to pay off the loan and give you whatever is left over. The loan payoff process adds 2 to 3 weeks.
Peddle requires clear titles only. If you still owe money on your car, you’ll need to pay off the loan first before Peddle will buy it.
Do Peddle and AutoNation change their offers?
Both can change their offers. With Peddle, the tow driver inspects your car at pickup and may adjust the price if the condition doesn’t match what you described online.
Being accurate about your car’s problems upfront helps avoid surprises.
AutoNation’s final offer comes after their in-person inspection at the dealership. Some reviewers on Trustpilot mention receiving lower amounts than the online estimate.
You can walk away at any point before signing paperwork.
Which has better reviews, Peddle or AutoNation?
Peddle has 4.7 stars on Trustpilot from 190,094 reviews and 4.5 stars on Google from 8,895 reviews.
Common complaints mention tow driver issues and offer changes at pickup.
AutoNation has 1.4 stars on Trustpilot from 284 reviews. Google ratings vary by location.
Common complaints include differences between online quotes and final in-person offers, and slow title processing.
Learn more: Best Online Car Buyers
Article Update History
We got new quotes from both services, checked customer ratings on Trustpilot and Google, and confirmed BBB status. How both services buy cars from sellers has not changed.
Originally posted and shared with our readers.