2026 Peddle vs Wheelzy vs CashForCars (Sell Junk & Damaged)

CashForCars gives no set period, and it can change or withdraw an offer until you’re paid. Peddle gives you up to a week to accept its offer. Wheelzy publishes no window at all and says it holds an unaccepted offer for as long as it can. For a junk car it is worth knowing which clock you are on, since offer amounts can move with local buyer demand.

The quote process works differently depending on your car’s condition. Peddle gave an instant online quote for every car we tested, in about 2 minutes. CashForCars does the same for most cars but required a phone callback on flood and fire damage in our test.

Wheelzy’s website gave instant quotes on about 43% of the cars we tested and asked for a callback on the rest to confirm condition first. CashForCars is owned by Copart, the large vehicle auction company. You may see both brand names during the process, but they are the same company.

On specific problem types, Peddle consistently offered more than CashForCars. Here’s what the averages showed across our 145-car test:

• Cars that won’t start: Peddle averaged $800 vs $594 from CashForCars
• Bad transmission: Peddle averaged $924 vs $645 from CashForCars. Wheelzy required a callback for every transmission car we tested.
• Flood and fire damage: Peddle gave instant quotes every time. Both Wheelzy and CashForCars required callbacks on all 5 cars tested for each condition.
• When all 3 quote the same car: Wheelzy offered the most 73% of the time, with gaps up to $103 above the next best offer.

At pickup, all three may adjust the offer if the car’s condition doesn’t match what was described. Peddle names a missing catalytic converter, a car that won’t start at pickup, and more miles than you reported as reasons an offer can change at the door. Wheelzy has a similar policy, and CashForCars can cancel the sale if major parts are missing or there’s damage you didn’t mention. Describing your car accurately upfront is the best way to avoid a surprise when the driver arrives.

Payment works differently across all three. Peddle pays with a company check, and in cash only when the tow company chooses to. Wheelzy pays by cash or check depending on the tow company. CashForCars usually pays by check, and how soon the money is usable varies. If you need money in hand the same day, ask CashForCars how it will pay before you accept.

Also note that none of the three is a route for a car you still owe money on. Peddle says all liens and loans must be paid in full first, CashForCars says a current lien has to be paid off and the title obtained from the lienholder, and Wheelzy’s title pages say a title showing a lien needs the lienholder’s sign-off or a release letter. For cars without a title, Peddle and Wheelzy handle it depending on state rules, while CashForCars needs a title in your name at pickup.

• Peddle quotes valid: up to seven days to accept
• Wheelzy quotes valid: no published window
• CashForCars quotes valid: for a limited time, and open to change until you’re paid
• CashForCars also buys: Boats, motorcycles, and RVs in addition to cars