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The bottom line: Hemmings has been the classic car marketplace since 1954. But listing fees start at $99.95, and the platform works best for true collector cars worth $15,000 or more.
Six alternatives cover different needs. Cars & Bids charges sellers nothing and now accepts pre-1981 classics. eBay Motors reaches 7.4 million monthly car shoppers with flat fees as low as $19. Bring A Trailer hit $1.5 billion in 2024 sales by attracting serious collectors.
If your car isn’t a collector vehicle, Carvana buys newer cars directly with free pickup. Peddle handles junk and damaged cars that auction sites won’t accept. Cars.com lets you list for free and reaches about 25 million visitors a month.
Your best pick depends on your car’s age, condition, and how fast you want to sell.
Compare offers from multiple services with Sell Car Advisor to find who works best for yours.
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Best Sites Like Hemmings
1. Cars & Bids (Best for $0 Seller Fees)
Cars & Bids is the only major auction platform that charges sellers absolutely nothing. Founded by automotive YouTuber Doug DeMuro in 2020, the site originally focused on vehicles from the 1980s onward but expanded in 2025 to accept classic pre-1981 vehicles too.
You submit your car, they review it within 1 to 3 business days, and if accepted, your auction runs for seven days. Buyers pay a 5% fee (minimum $250, maximum $7,500), but you keep 100% of the sale price. More than 80% of cars that go to auction actually sell.
About 60% of submissions get rejected because they want cars with genuine enthusiast appeal. Regular commuter cars won’t make the cut. You can also only list the same car once per year, even if it doesn’t sell.
Similarities with Hemmings
- Both platforms create active bidding environments where buyers engage through comments and ask technical questions before bidding
- Both use buyer-fee structures where buyers pay the success fees, with Hemmings at 5% ($500 to $10,000 range) and Cars & Bids at 5% ($250 to $7,500 range)
- Both maintain quality through selective approval processes, with Cars & Bids rejecting about 60% of submissions and Hemmings screening vehicles through listing specialists
Differences from Hemmings
- Cars & Bids charges absolutely no seller fees, while Hemmings charges $99.95 to $149.95 in listing fees depending on the service level
- Cars & Bids expanded to accept pre-1981 vehicles but still leans toward modern enthusiasts, while Hemmings specializes in traditional classic car collectors
- Cars & Bids can typically list approved vehicles within a week, compared to Hemmings’ 2+ week approval timeline for auction listings
- Cars & Bids offers SafePay for secure payment processing at $99, while Hemmings leaves payment arrangements between buyer and seller
2. eBay Motors (Best for Maximum Exposure)
eBay Motors gives you access to the largest pool of car buyers online. A vehicle sells every 3 minutes across all categories, and the platform processes millions of automotive listings each year.
You’ll pay flat package fees from $19 to $79 depending on how many photos and features you want. Unlike regular eBay categories that charge 10% to 15% final value fees, eBay Motors vehicles have no percentage taken from your sale price.
The trade-off is you handle everything yourself: writing descriptions, taking photos, answering buyer questions, and arranging shipping or pickup. There’s no curation team or professional listing writers like Hemmings offers.
Similarities with Hemmings
- Both platforms offer tiered pricing packages, with eBay’s Basic, Plus, and Premium options similar to Hemmings’ Auction, Make Offer, and Classified options
- Both accommodate different selling preferences, with eBay’s auction vs “Buy It Now” options comparable to Hemmings’ auction vs “Make Offer” formats
- Both process buyer deposits for vehicle purchases, with eBay Motors charging buyers a 2.8% deposit processing fee while Hemmings facilitates deposits through their buyer fee system
Differences from Hemmings
- eBay Motors charges only flat listing fees ($19 to $79) with no percentage taken from the final sale price, while Hemmings has higher listing fees starting at $99.95
- You handle all photos, descriptions, and buyer communications yourself on eBay Motors, while Hemmings provides professional listing specialists and writers for auction listings
- eBay Motors reaches a general car-buying audience of 7.4 million monthly visitors, while Hemmings focuses on about 400,000 classic car enthusiasts
- eBay Motors listings go live immediately after posting, while Hemmings auction listings can take 2+ weeks to get approved and published
Compare in detail: eBay Motors vs Hemmings Comparison
3. Bring A Trailer (Best for Premium Results)
Bring A Trailer is the premier platform for selling rare and collector vehicles. The platform hit $1.5 billion in sales for 2024, averaging over 800 auction listings per week, with over 700,000 registered users.
Sellers pay $99 to $429 in listing fees depending on the service tier. Their team rewrites your listing in a consistent editorial style, and the knowledgeable community examines every detail during the seven-day auction. Rare specs or documented history can push prices 15% to 30% above market value.
The process is thorough and demanding. BaT requires extensive photo documentation and may require professional photography for their Classic plan. They also strongly push no-reserve auctions, which means there’s no safety net if bidding stays low. Some sellers have had issues with their payment partner, Caramel.
Similarities with Hemmings
- Both employ review teams that evaluate submissions based on vehicle significance, documentation quality, and market appeal before accepting listings
- Both assign professional writers to create detailed listings with standardized formats rather than using seller-provided copy directly
- Both foster community engagement through detailed comment sections where enthusiasts share knowledge and help verify vehicle authenticity during live auctions
Differences from Hemmings
- BaT strongly encourages no-reserve auctions to increase bidding activity, while Hemmings typically offers more flexibility with reserve pricing
- BaT charges buyers 5% with a $5,000 maximum compared to Hemmings’ $10,000 maximum buyer fee, though both use similar percentage structures
- BaT requires extensive photo documentation (200+ photos for top-tier listings), while Hemmings accepts seller-provided photos across all listing types
- BaT offers a White Glove service where their team handles comments and questions for you, while Hemmings expects sellers to manage buyer interactions after listing
4. Carvana (Best for Newer Cars)
Carvana buys cars directly instead of just listing them. You get an offer in about 2 minutes, schedule a pickup, and the whole sale takes about 20 minutes when the driver shows up. They handle paperwork and title transfer right there at your home.
They work best for newer vehicles under ten years old with lower miles and clean titles. Offers for newer cars often beat what dealerships give for trade-ins. You can also sell a car you still have a loan on, and they’ll work with your lender directly.
Pickup fees can run from $0 to $600 depending on your location, though dropping off at a Carvana vending machine is free. Offers only last 7 days. Older cars with high miles or accident history tend to get very low offers, so this isn’t the best choice for every car.
Similarities with Hemmings
- Both require honest condition descriptions upfront, with Carvana checking against CarFax and AutoCheck at pickup, similar to how Hemmings requires accurate photos and descriptions for listings
- Both give you a set time window to act, with Carvana offers lasting 7 days and Hemmings auctions running for 7 days
- Both serve nationwide audiences, with Carvana covering most major US cities and Hemmings reaching collectors across the country through online and print listings
Differences from Hemmings
- Carvana buys your car directly at a set price, while Hemmings is a marketplace where you wait for buyers to bid or make offers
- Carvana handles the entire sale in about 20 minutes at pickup, while selling on Hemmings can take weeks or months between listing approval, auction, and completing the sale
- Carvana focuses on newer everyday vehicles in good condition, while Hemmings specializes in classic and collector cars regardless of age
- Carvana pays you directly by check or bank transfer, while Hemmings connects you with a buyer and you arrange payment between yourselves
See what Carvana would offer for your car.
5. Peddle (Best for Damaged Cars)
Peddle buys cars in any condition, including vehicles that won’t start, have salvage titles, or need major repairs. They operate nationwide and typically pick up your car for free within 48 hours of accepting an offer.
You can get a quote online in minutes or call them at (833) 391-2352. There are no listing fees, no waiting for buyers, and no back-and-forth negotiation. They can even buy cars without a title in some cases. Payment is usually cash or check at pickup.
Offers can change at pickup if the driver finds the car wasn’t described accurately. Pickup windows are usually 4-hour blocks rather than a specific time. This service is best for cars worth under $2,000 that auction sites won’t accept.
Similarities with Hemmings
- Both require you to describe your car’s condition accurately upfront, with Peddle adjusting offers if the car doesn’t match what you reported, similar to how Hemmings relies on honest seller descriptions
- Both offer nationwide service, with Peddle covering all 50 states through their tow partner network and Hemmings reaching buyers across the country through their online and print platform
- Both give quotes that are valid for a set period, with Peddle offers lasting 7 days and Hemmings auction listings running for 7 days before converting to Make Offer format
Differences from Hemmings
- Peddle buys your car directly at a guaranteed price, while Hemmings is a marketplace where you list and wait for buyers to bid
- Peddle specializes in junk, damaged, and non-running cars, while Hemmings focuses on classic and collector vehicles in presentable condition
- Peddle completes the entire sale within 48 hours including free towing, while Hemmings listings can take weeks to months and you arrange your own shipping
- Peddle charges no fees at all, while Hemmings charges $99.95 to $189.95 in listing fees plus buyers pay a 5% commission
Get a free offer for your car in any condition.
6. Cars.com (Best for Free Listings)
Cars.com lets you list your car for free with no time limit. About 25 million people visit the site each month looking for cars. You can also get a quick dealer offer through their Instant Offer program if you want speed over money.
Their partnership with Caramel handles all the DMV paperwork and holds payment in escrow at no cost to sellers for cars worth over $1,000. You can upload up to 30 photos and use their built-in pricing tools to set a fair asking price.
Sellers on Trustpilot report that some messages from buyers can be suspicious or spammy. The Instant Offer option only lasts 3 business days, and dealers may offer less after inspecting the car in person. Cars worth under $1,000 or older than 17 years can’t use the Instant Offer program.
Similarities with Hemmings
- Both platforms let you set your own asking price and negotiate directly with buyers, giving sellers control over the final sale terms
- Both connect sellers with buyers rather than buying cars directly, meaning you deal with the buyer for payment, inspection, and delivery
- Both offer long listing windows, with Cars.com private listings having no time limit and Hemmings Make Offer and Classified listings staying active for up to 6 months
Differences from Hemmings
- Cars.com private listings are completely free, while Hemmings charges $99.95 to $189.95 depending on the listing type
- Cars.com reaches about 25 million monthly visitors looking for all types of cars, while Hemmings draws about 400,000 monthly visitors specifically interested in classics
- Cars.com’s Caramel partnership handles DMV paperwork and escrow for free on cars over $1,000, while Hemmings leaves all paperwork and payment to the buyer and seller
- Cars.com caters to everyday car buyers, while Hemmings attracts classic car collectors willing to pay premium prices for the right vehicle
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Why Look for Alternatives to Hemmings?
Potential Drawbacks of Hemmings
Listing fees add up quickly. At $99.95 to $189.95 per listing, Hemmings charges more upfront than most alternatives. If your car doesn’t sell and you relist on another platform, these costs stack up before you see any results.
Auction approval takes time. Auction listings can take 2+ weeks to go live after you submit. For sellers who want to move quickly, this timeline can be frustrating compared to platforms that list within days or buy your car the same week.
Limited help after the sale starts. Hemmings connects you with buyers but steps back after that. You handle payment, title transfer, and shipping yourself. About 15% of initial sales fall through because buyers back out, and Hemmings offers limited support in disputes.
Smaller audience than general platforms. Hemmings draws about 400,000 monthly visitors who are specifically classic car fans. That’s great for rare collector cars, but general platforms like eBay Motors and Cars.com reach millions more potential buyers.
Not ideal for non-collector vehicles. If your car isn’t a true classic worth at least $15,000, the listing fees and collector-focused audience may not work in your favor. Everyday cars, newer models, and damaged vehicles are better suited for other platforms.
Benefits of Shopping Around
You can save money on fees. Cars & Bids charges sellers nothing, eBay Motors caps costs at $79, and Cars.com private listings are completely free. These savings mean more money in your pocket compared to Hemmings’ $99.95+ listing fees.
Different platforms attract different buyers. Modern enthusiasts flock to Cars & Bids, serious collectors frequent Bring A Trailer, and bargain hunters browse eBay Motors. Matching your car to the right audience often leads to better results.
Some platforms buy your car directly. If you don’t want to wait for auction bids, Carvana buys newer cars in about 20 minutes at pickup. Peddle handles damaged and junk cars within 48 hours. No listing, no waiting, no buyer negotiations.
Faster sale timelines are possible. eBay Motors auctions go live immediately. Cars & Bids gets approved cars live within about a week. Carvana and Peddle can complete the entire sale in days. That’s much faster than Hemmings’ 2+ week approval process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Hemmings alternative is best for selling classic cars?
For true collector classics, Bring A Trailer is the strongest alternative. They hit $1.5 billion in 2024 sales and attract serious collectors willing to pay premium prices for rare vehicles with great documentation.
Cars & Bids now accepts pre-1981 vehicles too and charges sellers nothing. It’s a good option if you want to avoid listing fees while still reaching enthusiast buyers.
Learn more: Best Places to Sell a Classic Car
Can I list the same car on multiple platforms at once?
Most auction platforms require exclusive listings during the auction period. Cars & Bids requires you to remove your car from all other sales platforms, and Bring A Trailer has similar exclusivity rules.
You can try different platforms one after another if your first attempt doesn’t work out.
Cars.com’s free listing can run alongside instant offers from Carvana or Peddle since those are direct purchases, not listings.
What if my car isn’t a classic or collector vehicle?
If your car is newer and in good condition, Carvana can give you a direct offer in about 2 minutes. For damaged or non-running cars, Peddle buys vehicles in any condition with free pickup.
If you want to list it yourself and wait for the best price, Cars.com offers free private listings that reach 25 million monthly visitors. eBay Motors also works well for all types of vehicles.
Which Hemmings alternative gives sellers the most control?
eBay Motors offers the most control. You write your own descriptions, take your own photos, set your pricing, and handle all buyer communications.
Cars.com gives similar control with its free private listing option.
Cars & Bids works with you on presentation but has final say. Bring A Trailer and Hemmings both rewrite listings in their own editorial style.
What happens if my car doesn’t sell at auction?
Hemmings automatically converts failed auctions to 6-month “Make Offer” listings at no extra charge, and about 60% of cars that don’t sell at auction end up selling during this period.
Cars & Bids works with you and the high bidder to negotiate a deal. eBay Motors lets you relist right away. BaT offers limited post-auction negotiation.
If none of that works, direct buyers like Carvana and Peddle are always available as a backup.
Are these Hemmings alternatives safe for high-value transactions?
Cars & Bids offers SafePay for secure payment processing. Bring A Trailer uses Verified Checkout for eligible sales.
Cars.com’s Caramel partnership handles escrow and title transfer at no cost for cars over $1,000.
For eBay Motors and Hemmings, you arrange payment directly with the buyer. For expensive cars on any platform, consider using an escrow service for added protection.
How fast can I sell my car using a Hemmings alternative?
Carvana and Peddle are the fastest options. Carvana can pick up your car the same day in some cities, and Peddle typically completes sales within 48 hours including free towing.
For auctions, eBay Motors, Cars & Bids, and Bring A Trailer all run 7-day auctions. Add 1 to 3 weeks for approval on curated platforms. Cars.com private listings have no time limit but depend on buyer interest.
Learn more: How to Sell a Car Privately
Article Update History
Similarities and differences were reviewed against current company policies and features, including Cars & Bids' 2025 expansion to pre-1981 vehicles and Bring A Trailer's updated listing fee tiers.
Originally posted and shared with our readers.