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The bottom line: Peddle and SellMax both buy cars in any condition with free towing. Peddle is the bigger company with better customer service and an A+ BBB rating. SellMax is not BBB accredited and has a smaller operation.
We tested both services with six vehicles across 2025 and 2026. Peddle offered more in 5 out of 6 tests. The one exception was a car that wouldn’t start, where both companies tied.
For newer cars in decent shape, neither service pays well. Both work best for junk cars, salvage titles, and vehicles with major mechanical problems.
If you want better odds of getting the highest offer plus reliable customer service, go with Peddle. If your car won’t start, get quotes from both since they may offer similar amounts on non-runners.
Compare offers from multiple services with Sell Car Advisor before deciding.
Peddle Offered More in 5 of 6 Tests
Peddle also has an A+ BBB rating. SellMax is not BBB accredited and has a smaller operation.
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Peddle vs. SellMax Offers
We requested quotes from both companies for several vehicles. Here’s what each one offered:
2026
2025
| Vehicle |
|
|
Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Honda Accord | $385 | $365 | Peddle +$20 |
| 2011 Audi Q5 | $580 | $465 | Peddle +$115 |
| 2008 Subaru Outback | $385 | $365 | Peddle +$20 |
2003 Honda Accord with 200k miles and salvage title
2011 Audi Q5 with 200k miles and salvage title
2008 Subaru Outback with 170k miles and rear damage
| Vehicle |
|
|
Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 Nissan Sentra | $655 | $615 | Peddle +$40 |
| 2014 Ford C-Max | $570 | $525 | Peddle +$45 |
| 2004 Buick LeSabre | $325 | $325 | Tie |
2014 Nissan Sentra with 96k miles and salvage title
2014 Ford C-Max with 210k miles and salvage title
2004 Buick LeSabre with 214k miles and clean title
Peddle vs SellMax: Detailed Service Comparison
In 2026, Peddle offered $385 for the Honda Accord while SellMax came in at $365. For the Audi Q5, Peddle offered $580 compared to SellMax’s $465. That’s a $115 difference on a single car. The Subaru Outback showed a smaller gap with Peddle at $385 and SellMax at $365.
Our 2025 tests showed similar results. Peddle offered $655 for the Nissan Sentra versus $615 from SellMax. The Ford C-MAX brought $570 from Peddle and $525 from SellMax. Only the Buick LeSabre got matching offers at $325 from both.
The process works almost the same with both companies. You fill out a form online, get an instant quote, accept it, and schedule pickup. Both let you see your offer before giving contact information.
The biggest difference is customer service. Peddle has a larger team and responds better when issues come up. SellMax reviews mention communication dropping off after the first call and last-minute pickup cancellations.
Where to Sell Your Car?
Peddle wins for most sellers. Higher offers, better reviews, better support. The A+ BBB rating means something if things go wrong.
SellMax can work for cars that won’t start. In our tests, both companies tied on non-running vehicles. If your car is completely dead, get quotes from both.
Neither service makes sense for newer cars in good shape. Check other online car buyers for those.
| Your Situation | Better Option | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Want the highest offer |
|
Peddle offered more in 5 out of 6 vehicles we tested |
| Need reliable customer support |
|
Larger team, A+ BBB rating, more responsive |
| Car won’t start at all | Get both quotes | Both companies tied on non-running vehicles in our tests |
| Lost your title |
|
Peddle sometimes buys without title; SellMax won’t |
| Have a salvage title | Get both quotes | Both buy salvage titles, but Peddle usually offers more |
| Newer car in good condition | Neither | Check other online car buyers for better offers |
| Need same-day pickup | Get both quotes | Both offer same-day in some areas; call to confirm |
| Worried about pickup cancellations |
|
SellMax reviews mention more last-minute cancellations |
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You can also compare instant cash offers across multiple services using our comparison tool:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which company offers more for cars?
Peddle offered more in 5 out of 6 vehicles we tested across 2025 and 2026. The differences ranged from $20 to $115 per car. They only tied on one vehicle that wouldn’t start.
Can I sell a non-running car to either company?
Yes. Both buy cars that won’t start and provide free towing. In our tests, they offered the same amount on a non-running vehicle. Get quotes from both if your car is dead.
Which company has better customer service?
Peddle. They have 4.7/5 on Trustpilot compared to SellMax’s 4.1/5. Peddle also has an A+ BBB rating while SellMax is not accredited. Sellers report that SellMax’s communication often drops off after the first call.
How fast can I sell my car?
Both can finish the sale in 24 to 48 hours. Same-day pickup is possible with either company if you call early and live in a major area. The actual pickup takes about 20 to 30 minutes once the driver arrives.
Do these companies buy cars with salvage titles?
Yes. Both Peddle and SellMax buy vehicles with salvage or branded titles. Most of the cars in our tests had salvage titles. Just be honest about the title status when you get your quote.
Learn more: How to Sell a Car with a Salvage Title?
What if my offer gets reduced at pickup?
This happens with both companies when the car doesn’t match what you described. SellMax reviews mention this more often. Be completely honest about damage, mechanical problems, and missing parts like catalytic converters to avoid surprises.
Can I negotiate the offer?
Peddle gives you slightly better odds. Some sellers report success mentioning competitor offers. SellMax has little room for negotiation. Don’t expect big changes from either one.
What documents do I need?
Both require your car’s title and a valid ID. If multiple people are on the title, everyone must be present to sign. Neither company buys cars with active loans.
One difference: Peddle can sometimes buy cars without a title in cases like deceased owners or lost titles. SellMax always requires a title.
How do they pay me?
Both pay cash or check at pickup. The payment method depends on which tow company shows up. You can ask about payment when scheduling if you have a preference.
Article Update History
In our 2026 update, we obtained fresh quotes from Peddle and SellMax on 3 new vehicles and verified their latest ratings on Google, Trustpilot, and the BBB. We cross-referenced pickup times, payment methods, and service details against official company data and real customer feedback. Peddle continued to offer more in all tests, with gaps of $20 to $115 per vehicle.
Originally posted and shared with our readers.