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The bottom line: Driveway buys newer clean-title cars online and picks them up from your home for free. But in our 2026 tests, they didn’t always offer the most.
We compared Driveway against five alternatives across three vehicles. Carvana offered $14,200 for the 2018 Tesla Model 3, which was $3,200 more than Driveway’s $11,000 quote for the same car.
Driveway did better on trucks and SUVs. They offered $23,450 for the 2022 Ford F-150 and $25,650 for the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime, putting them near the top for both. CarMax consistently offered the least among clean-car buyers in every test.
Some alternatives are faster, some take cars Driveway won’t touch, and some offer more money depending on what you’re selling. Getting quotes from a few services only takes a few minutes and can mean hundreds or thousands more in your pocket.
Compare offers from multiple services with Sell Car Advisor to find who pays the most for yours.
Compare Instant Offers
Best Sites Like Driveway
Best for Newer Cars
Buys newer, low-mileage cars
Offers pickup or free drop-off
Competitive trade-in value
Best for Used Cars
Instant offer in 2 minutes
Instant offer and free pickup
Get paid on the spot
Best for Junk Cars
Sell your car in 30 minutes
Easy-to-use
Buys non-running cars
1. Carvana (Best for Newer Cars)
Carvana works best if you own a newer vehicle and want to sell quickly. They offered $14,200 for the Tesla Model 3, which was $3,200 more than Driveway’s quote for the same car.
You get a quote in about two minutes and can finish the whole sale in 1 to 3 days. Their pickup takes around 20 minutes, and they pay by check or direct deposit right there. Same-day pickup is available in some cities, and you can drop off at a vending machine location for free.
The catch is pickup fees that range from $0 to $600 depending on where you live. Cars with accident history get low offers. We saw a quote as low as $100 for a car with an accident on its record.
Similarities with Driveway
- Online quotes come fast. Both give you instant estimates after you enter your car’s details without talking to anyone.
- They handle loan payoffs. If you still owe money on your car, both work directly with your lender and give you the difference if your car is worth more.
- 7-day offer window. Your quote stays good for a week with both companies, giving you time to shop around.
Differences from Driveway
- Pickup fees. Carvana charges between $0 and $600 depending on where you live. Driveway’s pickup is free everywhere. You can avoid the fee by dropping off at a Carvana vending machine.
- Much faster timeline. Carvana wraps up in 1 to 3 days. Driveway takes 1 to 3 weeks because you work with several departments for documents and scheduling.
- Quick pickup. Carvana’s pickup takes about 20 minutes. Driveway uses third-party tow companies that sometimes reschedule or run late.
- Higher Tesla offer. Carvana offered $3,200 more for the Tesla Model 3 in our tests. But Driveway offered $1,050 to $1,450 more on the F-150 and RAV4.
Get a fast online offer from Carvana and skip the multi-week wait.
Compare in detail: Carvana vs Driveway Comparison
2. Peddle (Best for Older Cars)
Peddle makes sense if you have a car Driveway won’t even consider. They buy vehicles in any condition, including ones that won’t start, have salvage titles, or have major damage.
Most sales finish within 24 to 48 hours of accepting their quote. You get free towing from wherever your car sits, and they hand you a check when they pick it up. They offered $4,980 for the Tesla Model 3 in our tests, which makes sense since they focus on cars other buyers turn down.
Peddle won’t buy financed cars, so you need to own yours outright. Their pickup windows are usually 4-hour blocks rather than a specific time, so plan to be around for a while.
Similarities with Driveway
- Free pickup anywhere. Both send someone to get your car at no cost. You don’t need to drive anywhere.
- They handle the paperwork. Both take care of title transfers and documents. Just have your title ready when they arrive.
- Instant online offers. Enter your car’s details and see what they’ll offer within minutes. No waiting for callbacks.
Differences from Driveway
- Buys problem cars. Peddle accepts non-running vehicles, salvage titles, and cars with major damage. Driveway only buys clean-title cars in drivable condition under 20 years old with less than 180,000 miles.
- Much faster sales. Peddle picks up your car within 24 to 48 hours. Driveway’s process takes 1 to 3 weeks while documents get processed and pickup gets scheduled.
- No financed cars. Peddle only buys cars you own outright. Driveway works with cars that still have loans, handling the payoff for you.
- Lower offers on newer cars. Peddle offered $4,980 for the Tesla Model 3 versus Driveway’s $11,000. Their strength is buying cars that Driveway won’t touch at all.
Peddle gives you an instant offer and free towing for cars in any condition.
3. ALGO (Best for Virtual Process)
Algo does everything virtually and works in all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii. They offered $12,100 to $14,200 for the Tesla Model 3 in our tests, which could match or beat Driveway’s $11,000.
You do a 10 to 20 minute video call where you show them your car, get your final offer, then mail your title using their prepaid label. Once they get your title, they schedule a pickup and bring a check. The whole thing takes 3 to 5 business days.
They charge a $125 admin fee plus $25 if you have a loan. Their offers only last 24 hours, which gives you much less time to decide than Driveway’s 7-day window. Some sellers also report drops between the online estimate and final offer.
Similarities with Driveway
- Virtual inspection. Both let you avoid in-person inspections. Algo uses video calls while Driveway verifies through photos and phone calls.
- Nationwide home pickup. Both come to your location anywhere in the US. No driving your car somewhere or meeting strangers.
- Loan payoff handling. Both work with your lender to pay off what you owe. If your car is worth more than the loan, you get the difference.
Differences from Driveway
- Mail title first. Algo requires you to send your title before they schedule pickup. Driveway takes your title when they pick up the car.
- Admin fees. Algo charges $125 plus $25 for loans. Driveway doesn’t charge any fees.
- 24-hour deadline. Algo’s offer expires in one day. Driveway gives you a full week to decide, which helps if you’re comparing multiple quotes.
- Check-only payment. Algo pays by check from PNC Bank. Driveway offers instant Real-Time Payment transfers if you want your money right away.
4. WeBuyAnyCarUSA (Best for Drop-Off Sale)
WeBuyAnyCarUSA works best if you want everything done in under an hour. They have over 140 branches where you can drive in, get inspected, sign papers, and walk out with a check the same day.
They offered $12,076 for the Tesla, $21,501 for the F-150, and $24,441 for the RAV4. Their mobile service also comes to your home in some areas. You get a $20 Uber voucher to get home after selling at a branch.
Online quotes can drop after the in-person inspection. Some sellers on Trustpilot mention the final price coming in lower than expected. They also charge paperwork fees up to $100 at some locations.
Similarities with Driveway
- Mobile buying option. Both offer at-home service where they come to you. You can sell without leaving your home if their mobile service covers your area.
- Free inspection. Neither charges you for looking at your car. You only commit if you accept their final offer.
- Same-day payment. Both pay you on the spot when the deal is done. No waiting weeks for checks to arrive in the mail.
Differences from Driveway
- Physical branches. WeBuyAnyCarUSA has 140+ locations where you can sell in under an hour. Driveway is online-only, so you’re always dealing with scheduled appointments.
- Offer adjustments at inspection. According to Trustpilot reviews, WeBuyAnyCarUSA’s in-person offers sometimes run lower than their online quotes. Driveway honors their original quotes most of the time unless you didn’t disclose major issues.
- Speed. The whole WeBuyAnyCarUSA transaction takes 30 to 45 minutes. Driveway’s process takes 1 to 3 weeks, including document submissions, processing, and third-party pickup.
- Possible paperwork fees. Some WeBuyAnyCarUSA locations charge fees up to $100. Driveway has no fees at all.
5. CarMax (Best for Same-Day In-Person Sale)
CarMax makes sense if you want to get paid today and don’t mind driving to one of their 250+ locations. They’ve been around since 1993 and now offer at-home pickup in most markets too.
Their offers came in lowest among clean-car buyers in our tests. They offered $11,400 for the Tesla, $18,400 for the F-150, and $22,400 for the RAV4. That’s $5,050 less than Driveway on the F-150 alone. Their Offer Watch tool does let you track your car’s value over time.
CarMax only pays by check, and your bank might hold it for 5 to 10 business days. Wait times at busy stores can hit 4 hours. Service quality varies a lot depending on which location you visit.
Similarities with Driveway
- 7-day offer window. Both give you a week to think about their offer, letting you compare what other services will offer.
- Loan handling. Both work with your lender to pay off what you owe. CarMax’s loan payoff process can take up to 18 days.
- Nationwide service. Both operate nationwide with 250+ CarMax stores and Driveway’s pickup network covering the whole country.
Differences from Driveway
- In-person option. CarMax has 250+ stores for walk-in sales, plus at-home pickup in most markets. Driveway is online-only with scheduled pickup.
- Lower offers in our tests. CarMax offered $5,050 less on the F-150 and $3,250 less on the RAV4 compared to Driveway.
- Check-only payment with holds. CarMax pays by check, which your bank may hold for 5 to 10 business days. Driveway offers instant Real-Time Payment transfers.
- In-store offer adjustments. Sellers on Trustpilot mention CarMax’s in-person offers sometimes dropping from the online quote. Driveway sticks to their original price most of the time.
Compare in detail: CarMax vs Driveway Comparison
You can compare instant cash offers across multiple services using our comparison tool:
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Why Look for Alternatives to Driveway?
Potential Drawbacks of Driveway
Long timeline with multiple departments: You work with different representatives for quotes, documents, and pickup scheduling. This multi-department approach means the process takes 1 to 3 weeks instead of a few days.
Document system issues: Some sellers on Trustpilot mention their system losing paperwork that was already sent. You might need to submit the same documents more than once, and there’s no clear way to track if they received everything.
Third-party pickup delays: Driveway uses third-party tow services instead of their own drivers. Some scheduled pickups get delayed or rescheduled, creating communication gaps between you and the company.
Limited vehicle acceptance: Driveway won’t buy cars over 20 years old, vehicles with more than 180,000 miles, or anything with major damage or title issues. In our tests, they couldn’t quote four out of nine vehicles that other buyers accepted.
Not always the highest offer: Driveway offered $3,200 less than Carvana on the Tesla Model 3 in our tests. They did well on the F-150 and RAV4, but you won’t know who offers the most without getting multiple quotes.
Benefits of Shopping Around
You’ll likely get more money: Different companies value cars differently based on their inventory needs. In our tests, the gap between the highest and lowest offer for the Tesla Model 3 was over $9,000 among all buyers. Getting 3 to 4 quotes takes a few minutes and can mean thousands more.
Speed options open up: Driveway takes 1 to 3 weeks. WeBuyAnyCarUSA finishes in under an hour. Peddle wraps up in 24 to 48 hours. Carvana takes 1 to 3 days. If you need cash fast, knowing your alternatives matters.
Problem cars have buyers: If Driveway won’t take your car because it’s too old, has high mileage, or has damage, Peddle will still make you an offer. You’re not stuck with a car nobody wants.
Payment methods vary: Driveway offers instant Real-Time Payment transfers. CarMax and WeBuyAnyCarUSA pay by check the same day. Carvana gives you a choice of check or direct deposit. Different services match different needs.
How Do Driveway Alternatives Compare for Different Cars?
Tesla Model 3
Ford F-150
Toyota RAV4
2018 Tesla Model 3
73,000 miles · Clean title
| $14,200 |
|
| $12,100 – $14,200 |
|
| $12,076 |
|
| $11,400 |
| $11,000 |
| $4,980 |
2022 Ford F-150 XL
72,500 miles · Clean title
|
| $23,450 |
| $22,000 |
|
| $21,501 |
|
| $19,200 – $23,200 |
|
| $18,400 |
2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime SE
61,505 miles · Clean title
|
| $25,650 |
| $24,600 |
|
| $24,441 |
|
| $22,000 – $24,700 |
|
| $22,400 |
Keep in mind: We got these quotes using a Florida zip code. Offers can change depending on where you live, your car’s condition, and what buyers need in your area. You might get higher or lower offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Driveway alternative offers the most for cars?
No single company always offers the most. In our 2026 tests, Carvana offered $3,200 more than Driveway for the Tesla Model 3. But Driveway offered $1,450 more than Carvana for the Ford F-150.
Your best bet is getting quotes from at least three services. It only takes a few minutes per quote, and the differences can be thousands of dollars.
Learn more: Best Rated Online Car Buyers
How fast can I sell my car with these Driveway alternatives?
WeBuyAnyCarUSA is fastest at under an hour if you visit a branch. Peddle wraps up in 24 to 48 hours. Carvana takes 1 to 3 days. Algo needs 3 to 5 business days. CarMax is same-day if you drive to a store.
Driveway takes the longest at 1 to 3 weeks. If you need cash quickly, any of the alternatives above will be faster.
What if I still owe money on my car?
Carvana, Driveway, Algo, WeBuyAnyCarUSA, and CarMax all handle cars with loans. They pay your lender directly and give you the difference if your car is worth more than you owe.
Peddle won’t buy financed cars. You’d need to pay off your loan first before selling to them.
Do these services buy cars in any condition?
Peddle and Algo buy cars in the worst shape, including non-running vehicles and salvage titles. WeBuyAnyCarUSA accepts most conditions with some limits.
Carvana, Driveway, and CarMax mainly buy clean-title cars without major damage. Driveway is pickiest, rejecting vehicles over 20 years old or with more than 180,000 miles.
Can I negotiate offers from these Driveway alternatives?
Most say their offers are final, but you can sometimes push back. Try mentioning that another service offered more and see if they budge. Algo is known for matching competitor offers if you ask.
Your best negotiating tool is having multiple quotes. Companies know you’re shopping around and may improve their number to win your business.
Learn more: How to Handle Car Selling Negotiations
What documents do I need to sell my car?
Every service requires your car’s title, your driver’s license, and all keys. If you have a loan, bring your lender’s contact info and your current payoff amount.
Some states need extra paperwork like emissions certificates. The company you choose will tell you exactly what they need for your state.
How quickly will I get paid by these services?
Driveway offers instant Real-Time Payment transfers if you want immediate access. Their ACH option takes 24 to 48 hours.
Peddle, Algo, WeBuyAnyCarUSA, and CarMax give you a check at pickup or completion. Your bank might hold large checks for 5 to 10 business days. Carvana lets you choose between a check or ACH transfer that takes 2 to 5 business days.
What if a Driveway alternative lowers the offer after seeing my car?
This happens most with CarMax and WeBuyAnyCarUSA, where in-person offers can come in lower than the online quote. Driveway honors their quotes most of the time unless you didn’t disclose major problems.
Be honest about your car’s condition in your initial quote to avoid surprises. If you don’t like the final number, you can walk away from any of these services. None force you to sell.
Article Update History
We got quotes for three vehicles: a 2018 Tesla Model 3, a 2022 Ford F-150 XL, and a 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime SE. Customer ratings were checked on Trustpilot and Google. Similarities and differences were reviewed against current company policies and features.
Originally posted and shared with our readers.