The bottom line: The closest AutoNation alternatives are Driveway, Carvana and CarMax. Like AutoNation, they buy newer cars in good condition and pay off your loan. Driveway comes to your home, and Carvana collects in some areas (sometimes for a fee) or takes a free drop-off, so either way you skip the long dealership visit.
If you live near one of its locations, try Driveo, which offered more than AutoNation in our tests. If your car is damaged or won’t start, Peddle buys the cars AutoNation may turn away.
AutoNation was outbid on every car we quoted, so get a few offers before you drive to a dealership. Sell Car Advisor’s comparison tool gets you several instant offers at once.
- 2018 Tesla Model 3 $12,800
- 2022 Ford F-150 XL $15,950
- 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime SE $23,700
We took every quote in 2026 with a Florida zip code, so your offers will move with your location and your car's condition.
- Offered more than AutoNation
- Offered less
- Range either side
- Not quoted
Best for Convenience
Offered more on all 3 cars
-
Offer amount 35% 5/5
-
Process ease 20% 5/5
-
Offer validity 15% 4/5
-
Pickup / drop-off 15% 4/5
-
Payment speed 15% 4/5
Similarities, differences and offers
Similarities
- Online quote in about two minutes
- Pays off your loan
- Best for newer cars in good condition
Differences
- Picks up at home in some areas, which may cost a fee depending on location, $0 to $600 in our tests
- Pickup takes about 15 minutes at your home, where AutoNation needs a dealership visit
Offers vs AutoNation
- Model 3+$1,400
- F-150+$6,050
- RAV4+$900
Best for In-Person Sales
Offered more on 1 of 3 cars
-
Offer amount 35% 3/5
-
Process ease 20% 3/5
-
Offer validity 15% 4/5
-
Pickup / drop-off 15% 4/5
-
Payment speed 15% 2/5
Similarities, differences and offers
Similarities
- Stores nationwide
- Free inspection before the final offer
Differences
- At-home pickup in most areas
- Inspection takes 30 to 45 minutes
- Free Lyft ride home within 60 miles
- Pays by check only
Offers vs AutoNation
- Model 3−$1,400
- F-150+$2,450
- RAV4−$1,300
Best for Higher Offers
Offered more on all 3 cars
-
Offer amount 35% 5/5
-
Process ease 20% 3/5
-
Offer validity 15% 5/5
-
Pickup / drop-off 15% 1/5
-
Payment speed 15% 4/5
Similarities, differences and offers
Similarities
- You drive to a location for the inspection
- Pays off your loan
- Buys cars with mechanical problems
Differences
- 30 days to decide, against AutoNation's 3 to 7
- Free ride home
- 29 locations, against more than 250
Offers vs AutoNation
- Model 3+$850
- F-150+$6,600
- RAV4+$1,450
Best for Online Sales
Offered more on 2 of 3 cars
-
Offer amount 35% 5/5
-
Process ease 20% 3/5
-
Offer validity 15% 4/5
-
Pickup / drop-off 15% 5/5
-
Payment speed 15% 5/5
Similarities, differences and offers
Similarities
- Online quote in minutes
- Pays off your loan
- Best for newer cars in good condition
Differences
- Free home pickup
- Pays into your bank account at pickup
- Takes 1 to 3 weeks, against same day
Offers vs AutoNation
- Model 3−$1,800
- F-150+$7,500
- RAV4+$1,950
Best for Problem Vehicles
Offered less on the one car quoted
-
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
Similarities, differences and offers
Similarities
- Works nationwide
- Takes the signed title and transfers ownership
Differences
- Buys cars that don't run or are badly damaged
- Free towing and no fees
Offers vs AutoNation
- Model 3−$7,820
- F-150Not quoted
- RAV4Not quoted
Best for Home Service
More on the F-150; ranges on the others
-
Offer amount 35% 4/5
-
Process ease 20% 4/5
-
Offer validity 15% 3/5
-
Pickup / drop-off 15% 4/5
-
Payment speed 15% 3/5
Similarities, differences and offers
Similarities
- Pays off your loan
- Inspects before the final offer
Differences
- Phone or chat condition check, then free pickup
- $125 fee, plus $25 with a loan
- Takes 3 to 5 business days
- Region list names 18 states and DC
Offers vs AutoNation
- Model 3−$700 to +$1,400
- F-150+$3,250 to +$7,250
- RAV4−$1,700 to +$1,000
Best for Quick Sales
Offered more on 2 of 3 cars
-
Offer amount 35% 4/5
-
Process ease 20% 3/5
-
Offer validity 15% 4/5
-
Pickup / drop-off 15% 3/5
-
Payment speed 15% 4/5
Similarities, differences and offers
Similarities
- Branches where you finish the sale
- Pays the same day
- Handles the paperwork
Differences
- Mobile service comes to your home or work
- Sale takes about an hour
- Some cars get a 7 Day Offer
- Doesn't try to sell you a car
Offers vs AutoNation
- Model 3−$724
- F-150+$5,551
- RAV4+$741
Best for Comparing Dealer Offers
Offered more on 1 of 2 cars
-
Offer amount 35% 3/5
-
Process ease 20% 2/5
-
Offer validity 15% 3/5
-
Pickup / drop-off 15% 1/5
-
Payment speed 15% 3/5
Similarities, differences and offers
Similarities
- Online number in minutes
- A dealer inspects the car before you're paid
Differences
- Doesn't buy the car itself; it sends you to a dealer in its network
- Offer lasts 3 days
Offers vs AutoNation
- Model 3−$4,450
- F-150+$3,350
- RAV4Not quoted
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 Sites Like AutoNation
1. Carvana (Best for Convenience)
Carvana buys newer running cars, with pickup in some areas
- Accepts cars with active loans
- Trade-in can save on sales tax
- License plate starts the quote
- Direct deposit option available
-
Offer amount 35% 5/5
-
Process ease 20% 5/5
-
Offer validity 15% 4/5
-
Pickup / drop-off 15% 4/5
-
Payment speed 15% 4/5
Carvana buys cars online, and in some areas it picks them up from your home, which may cost a fee depending on where you live. You get a quote in about two minutes, and the whole sale takes about 15 minutes once the driver shows up. You sign the sale papers and hand over the title right there, then report the sale to your DMV yourself, because Carvana can’t do it for you.
Carvana offered $14,200 for the 2018 Tesla Model 3, which was $1,400 more than AutoNation’s $12,800. Same-day pickup is now available in some cities. Drop-off at a vending machine location is free if there’s one near you.
The downside is a pickup fee in some areas, which depends on where you live. Checks can also take a few days to clear at your bank. Older cars with high miles or accident history often get very low offers.
Similarities with AutoNation
- Both provide online quotes that take about two minutes
- Both handle loan payoffs if you still owe money on your car
- Both work best for newer vehicles in good condition
Differences from AutoNation
- Carvana picks up at home in some areas, possibly for a fee, or takes a free drop-off, vs AutoNation requiring you to drive to a dealership
- Carvana offered $1,400 more for the Tesla Model 3
- Carvana’s pickup takes about 15 minutes, while AutoNation needs you to drive to a dealership
- Carvana runs drop-off hubs and vending machines instead of dealerships, while AutoNation has more than 250 stores to drive to
2. CarMax (Best for In-Person Sales)
CarMax inspects and buys your car at 250+ stores
- Buys your car even if you don't buy one there
- Offer holds seven days and is not negotiable
- At-home pickup, though not everywhere and a fee may apply
- Quote in about 2 minutes online
-
Offer amount 35% 3/5
-
Process ease 20% 3/5
-
Offer validity 15% 4/5
-
Pickup / drop-off 15% 4/5
-
Payment speed 15% 2/5
CarMax is the largest used car retailer in the U.S. with over 250 stores. They buy vehicles directly and now offer at-home pickup in most areas. You get an online quote in about two minutes, and the offer stays good for seven days.
The inspection takes 30 to 45 minutes, and you get paid the same day. CarMax also gives you a free Lyft ride home within 60 miles after you sell. They handle cars with loans and pay off your lender directly.
CarMax pays only with a bank draft, and your bank sets how soon the money is yours to spend. Results were mixed across vehicles. CarMax offered $18,400 for the Ford F-150, beating AutoNation’s $15,950, but offered $11,400 for the Tesla Model 3, which was $1,400 less than AutoNation.
Similarities with AutoNation
- Both have large networks of physical locations nationwide
- Both offer 7-day offer validity periods
- Both complete free vehicle inspections before making a final offer
Differences from AutoNation
- CarMax now offers at-home pickup in most markets vs AutoNation requiring a dealership visit
- CarMax provides a free Lyft ride home within 60 miles after selling
- CarMax’s inspection takes 30 to 45 minutes
- CarMax pays only by bank draft, while AutoNation pays by check or Zelle on the spot
3. Driveo (Best for Higher Offers)
Driveo buys at its drop-off locations and pays at the visit
- Quote valid for a month
- Drive the car to a drop-off location
- Paid at the visit
- Free local ride after the sale
-
Offer amount 35% 5/5
-
Process ease 20% 3/5
-
Offer validity 15% 5/5
-
Pickup / drop-off 15% 1/5
-
Payment speed 15% 4/5
Driveo aims to pay more than traditional dealerships and big names like CarMax or Carvana. Your quote stays valid for 30 days, though the price drops about 3% after the first 10 days or so. After the sale, they give you a free Uber or Lyft ride home.
Driveo offered $13,650 for the Tesla Model 3, $22,550 for the Ford F-150, and $25,150 for the RAV4. All three beat AutoNation’s quotes. Inspections take about 30 minutes, and sellers describe whole visits of 30 to 90 minutes. With the title in hand, you leave with a check that day.
The catch is limited availability. Driveo only has 29 locations, each run by a local dealer, so you need to live near one. You also have to drive to them since they don’t come to you. A real person reviews your car details and sends the offer within about an hour.
Similarities with AutoNation
- Both require you to visit a physical location for the inspection
- Both handle loan payoffs and title paperwork
- Both buy cars with mechanical problems
Differences from AutoNation
- Driveo gives you 30 days to decide vs AutoNation’s 3 to 7 day deadline
- Driveo provides a free ride home after the sale
- Driveo offered more than AutoNation on all three test vehicles
- Driveo has 29 locations vs AutoNation’s 250+
4. Driveway (Best for Online Sales)
Driveway buys cars online, collects them and pays into your bank
- Offer valid for 7 days
- Photo inspection on your phone
- Paid by bank transfer after pickup
- Picks up anywhere in the U.S.
-
Offer amount 35% 5/5
-
Process ease 20% 3/5
-
Offer validity 15% 4/5
-
Pickup / drop-off 15% 5/5
-
Payment speed 15% 5/5
Driveway buys used cars online and picks them up from your home for free. They focus on newer cars with clean titles, and in reviews some sellers say Driveway offered more than the dealers they tried. Payment starts when they pick up the car and lands right away if your bank takes real-time payments, or within 1 to 3 business days by ACH.
Driveway led our quotes on the Ford F-150 at $23,450 and the RAV4 at $25,650. That’s $7,500 and $1,950 more than AutoNation offered for the same vehicles. Still, some sellers say Driveway lowered the price at pickup or turned the car down after they had accepted.
The downside is speed. It takes one to three weeks from start to finish, which is slower than they advertise. Some sellers have trouble with their document system losing paperwork, and pickup times can get moved around at the last minute.
Similarities with AutoNation
- Both provide online quotes in a few minutes
- Both handle loan payoffs and work directly with your lender
- Both work best for newer vehicles in good condition
Differences from AutoNation
- Driveway picks up from your home for free vs AutoNation requiring a dealership visit
- Driveway pays directly to your bank account vs AutoNation’s check or electronic transfer
- Driveway offered $7,500 more for the Ford F-150
- Driveway takes 1 to 3 weeks to complete vs AutoNation’s same-day process
5. Peddle (Best for Problem Vehicles)
Peddle buys junk, salvage, and non-running cars
- Free towing
- Fast payment
- Buys non running cars
- Pays by check at pickup
-
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
Peddle buys cars in any condition, including vehicles that won’t start, have body damage, or carry salvage titles. Towing is free and they arrange it. The driver brings the payment at collection. No fees, no hidden costs.
Peddle offered $4,980 for the Tesla Model 3, which is much less than AutoNation’s $12,800. But Peddle is designed for cars that other buyers reject. If your car has major damage or doesn’t run, Peddle may be your only option.
You can get a quote online or by phone, and you have up to seven days to accept it. Peddle pays by company check at pickup, or ACH within three business days. The tow company contacts you within a business day to book, then picks the car up within 24 to 48 hours of scheduling, sometimes the same day.
Similarities with AutoNation
- Both pay you when the transaction is complete
- Both operate nationwide
- Both transfer the title, though with Peddle you sign it at pickup and file any release of liability your state requires
Differences from AutoNation
- Peddle accepts cars that don’t run or have major damage, while AutoNation only buys cars that run and have two working keys
- Peddle tows your car for free vs AutoNation requiring you to drive it to a dealership
- Peddle charges zero fees
- Peddle offers less for clean, newer cars since they focus on junk and damaged vehicles
6. ALGO (Best for Home Service)
Algo checks your car by phone or chat and collects it from your home
- Condition check by phone call or chat
- Picks up from your home within days
- Handles loan payoff paperwork
- A $125 admin fee comes off the offer, $150 with a loan
-
Offer amount 35% 4/5
-
Process ease 20% 4/5
-
Offer validity 15% 3/5
-
Pickup / drop-off 15% 4/5
-
Payment speed 15% 3/5
ALGO lets you sell your car without leaving your home. They check the car’s condition on a short phone call or chat, then arrange free pickup at your door. Their region menu lists 18 states and Washington, DC, and leaves out Alaska and Hawaii.
ALGO offered $12,100 to $14,200 for the Tesla Model 3 and $19,200 to $23,200 for the Ford F-150. The final amount depends on your car’s actual condition after inspection. They also handle financed vehicles and lease buyouts.
There’s a $125 fee taken from your payment, plus $25 if you have a loan. You also have to mail your title before they schedule pickup, which makes some sellers nervous. The whole process takes 3 to 5 business days.
Similarities with AutoNation
- Both handle loan payoffs and work with your lender
- Both provide phone support to walk you through the process
- Both require an inspection before finalizing the offer
Differences from AutoNation
- ALGO does virtual inspections from your home vs AutoNation’s in-person dealership appraisal
- ALGO charges a $125 fee while AutoNation does not list a specific fee
- ALGO takes 3 to 5 business days vs AutoNation’s same-day completion
- ALGO comes to your home, with 18 states and Washington, DC on its region list, vs AutoNation’s coverage limited to areas near their stores
7. WeBuyAnyCar USA (Best for Quick Sales)
WeBuyAnyCarUSA buys cars face-to-face at their branches
- Appraisal at a branch or at home
- Check handed over on the spot
- Paid same day by Zelle, ACH or check
- Mobile appraiser comes to you
-
Offer amount 35% 4/5
-
Process ease 20% 3/5
-
Offer validity 15% 4/5
-
Pickup / drop-off 15% 3/5
-
Payment speed 15% 4/5
WeBuyAnyCar USA has 86 branches in 12 states and also offers mobile service that comes to your home in some areas. You can finish the sale in about an hour and leave with a check the same day. They explain exactly how they came up with your price during the inspection.
They offered $12,076 for the Tesla Model 3 and $21,501 for the Ford F-150. Both were less than Carvana but the F-150 offer beat AutoNation by $5,551. You can cash their check at any of 3,000 Truist Bank locations.
The online quote you see first may drop after they inspect your car in person. Some cars get a 7 Day Offer, which holds only if the odometer reads less than 1,000 miles over what you entered. WeBuyAnyCar works best when you need to sell fast and don’t want to deal with strangers showing up for test drives.
Similarities with AutoNation
- Both have physical locations where you can complete the sale
- Both handle the title transfer paperwork
- Both pay you the same day you complete the sale
Differences from AutoNation
- WeBuyAnyCar has mobile service that comes to your home or work in many areas
- WeBuyAnyCar’s sale takes about an hour
- WeBuyAnyCar gives some cars a 7 Day Offer vs AutoNation’s 3 to 7 days
- WeBuyAnyCar focuses only on buying cars without trying to sell you a replacement
8. TrueCar (Best for Comparing Dealer Offers)
With TrueCar you get an instant offer and drop off at a local location
- See an estimated value in minutes
- Price tools show recent comps
- Walk away with a check in hand
- Offer is good for three days
-
Offer amount 35% 3/5
-
Process ease 20% 2/5
-
Offer validity 15% 3/5
-
Pickup / drop-off 15% 1/5
-
Payment speed 15% 3/5
TrueCar doesn’t buy cars itself. It collects offers from dealers in its network and shows you a True Cash Offer, which you then take to a local certified dealer to complete the sale. You get the number online in a few minutes, and it stays valid for three days.
TrueCar’s one offer, $8,350 for the 2018 Tesla Model 3, was $4,450 below AutoNation’s $12,800. For the Ford F-150 it showed only an estimated value, $19,300, which isn’t an offer.
The catch is that the online number is a suggestion, not a firm offer. The dealer sets the final price after inspecting the car in person, and older seller reviews report it coming in lower at the counter.
Similarities with AutoNation
- Both send you to a dealer for an in-person inspection before you get paid
- Both give you an online number in a few minutes
- Both work with dealers who handle loan payoffs and title paperwork
Differences from AutoNation
- TrueCar doesn’t buy the car itself, while AutoNation buys it directly
- TrueCar’s offer lasts 3 days vs AutoNation’s stated 7
- TrueCar routes you to whichever dealer is in its network, while AutoNation buys at its own 250+ stores
You can compare instant cash offers across multiple services using Sell Car Advisor’s comparison tool:
Compare instant offers before you accept one
Why Look for Alternatives to AutoNation?
Potential Drawbacks of AutoNation
Lower offers on some vehicles: AutoNation had the lowest offer on the Ford F-150 at $15,950, while six alternatives offered between $18,400 and $23,450 for the same truck.
Online quotes may change: Reviews on Trustpilot and Google show that in-person offers sometimes drop from the online quote after the dealership inspection.
Short quote validity: AutoNation says 7 days, but when we checked, quotes expired after just 3 days. That gives you less time to compare offers from other buyers.
Problems after the sale: Some sellers report a loan payoff that came up short or a DMV notice months later.
Benefits of Shopping Around
Higher offers: The spread between AutoNation and the highest alternative ranged from $1,400 on the Tesla Model 3 to $7,500 on the Ford F-150. Getting quotes from multiple buyers is the best way to find the highest price.
Free home pickup: Driveway, Peddle and ALGO all pick up your car from your home for free, though ALGO takes a $125 admin fee from its offer. Carvana picks up in some areas, sometimes free and sometimes for a fee depending on location, and dropping off with Carvana is free. That saves you the trip to an AutoNation dealership and the hours spent waiting.
Cars AutoNation may reject: Peddle buys vehicles that won’t start, have major damage, or carry salvage titles. If AutoNation turns you away, a junk car buyer can still make you an offer.
Faster completion: WeBuyAnyCar finishes a sale in about an hour. Carvana’s home pickup takes about 15 minutes. Both are much quicker than AutoNation’s multi-hour dealership process.
How Do AutoNation Alternatives Compare for Different Cars?
Tesla Model 3
Ford F-150
Toyota RAV4
2018 Tesla Model 3
73,000 miles · Clean title
| $14,200 |
|
| $13,650 |
|
| $12,800 |
|
| $12,100 – $14,200 |
|
| $12,076 |
|
| $11,400 |
|
| $11,000 |
| $4,980 |
2022 Ford F-150 XL
72,500 miles · Clean title
|
| $23,450 |
|
| $22,550 |
| $22,000 |
|
| $21,501 |
|
| $19,200 – $23,200 |
|
| $18,400 |
|
| $15,950 |
2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime SE
61,505 miles · Clean title
|
| $25,650 |
|
| $25,150 |
| $24,600 |
|
| $24,441 |
|
| $23,700 |
|
| $22,000 – $24,700 |
|
| $22,400 |
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.
Compare instant offers before you accept one
Frequently Asked Questions
Which AutoNation alternative offers the most money?
It depends on the vehicle. Driveo offered more than AutoNation on all three cars we quoted, and Driveway on two.
Driveway offered $7,500 more for the Ford F-150 and $1,950 more for the RAV4. Getting quotes from multiple services gives you the best shot at the highest price.
Can I sell a car with a loan to AutoNation alternatives?
Yes. Carvana, CarMax, Driveo, Driveway, and ALGO all handle loan payoffs. They work directly with your lender and take care of the title transfer, though at CarMax you still report the sale to your DMV in most cases.
Peddle won’t buy a car until the loan is paid in full, but WeBuyAnyCar USA buys financed vehicles and pays off your lender for you. If you still owe money on your car, stick with one of the services that handles payoffs.
Which AutoNation alternative is fastest?
WeBuyAnyCar USA finishes a branch sale in about an hour, payment included. Carvana’s home pickup takes about 15 minutes once the driver arrives.
Both are much faster than AutoNation’s dealership process.
Driveway is the slowest, taking 1 to 3 weeks from quote to pickup. ALGO takes 3 to 5 business days.
What if AutoNation won’t buy my damaged car?
Peddle specializes in cars that won’t start, have body damage, or need expensive repairs. They pick up for free and pay you right there. WeBuyAnyCar USA also accepts vehicles in most conditions.
AutoNation won’t make an offer on a car that doesn’t run, lacks two working keys or has a salvage title. Carvana prefers vehicles in good condition. If your car has major issues, a junk car buyer will likely make a better offer.
Do AutoNation alternatives charge fees?
Most alternatives charge no fees at all. Peddle, CarMax, Driveo, and Driveway are all free to use, apart from CarMax’s home pickup, which can carry a fee. WeBuyAnyCar USA may charge a documentation fee when you sell.
Carvana charges for pickup in some areas, and you see the fee when you book. In our test offers it ran from $0 to $600.
ALGO charges a $125 fee plus $25 if you have a loan.
Which AutoNation alternative has the best customer reviews?
Carvana has 4.1/5 on Trustpilot with 16,239 reviews.
Peddle has 4.7/5 with 214,087 reviews.
AutoNation has 1.2/5 on Trustpilot with 318 reviews.
Can I get a ride home after selling to an AutoNation alternative?
Driveo offers a free Uber or Lyft ride home after your sale, within 30 miles of the dealer. CarMax provides a free Lyft ride within 60 miles.
Driveway, Peddle and ALGO pick up from your home, so you don’t need a ride at all. Carvana picks up only in some areas, and pickup may cost a fee depending on location; if you drop off instead, you arrange your own ride home.
Article Update History
New quotes from each service, ratings from Trustpilot and Google, and fees, pickup and payment checked against current company policies.
Originally posted and shared with our readers.
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