13 Best Car Selling Websites You Need to Know in 2024

The Online Car Marketplace in 2024

Selling your car has never been easier, with the growth of online car-selling platforms transforming the process. In 2024, over 80% of used car sales will be initiated online, making it crucial to choose the right platform for your specific needs, whether you're looking for a fast sale, maximum profit, or convenience .

Whether you’re a first-time seller or a seasoned pro, this guide will help you understand the key factors involved in selling your car online. After researching the most trusted platforms, we've compiled a detailed review of the 13 best websites to sell your car in 2024. Each platform has its strengths, and we'll show you how to use them to your advantage.

What to Consider When Selling Your Car Online

Before listing your vehicle, it's important to evaluate platforms based on several key factors, including audience reach, ease of use, fees, security, and the time it takes to sell.

13 Best Websites to Sell Your Car in 2024

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the top platforms:

1. CarGurus

CarGurus is a leader in online car listings with millions of visitors each month, making it one of the best platforms for selling your car quickly and at a fair price.

• Key Features: Free listings, pricing insights, and a large national audience.

• Expert Insight: "CarGurus offers excellent transparency with its pricing tool, allowing sellers to get a competitive edge," says experts at Kelley Blue Book.

• Best For: Sellers looking for price accuracy and access to a broad audience.

2. Autotrader

Autotrader has long been trusted by car buyers and sellers. Its comprehensive listings and dealer network make it ideal for those looking to sell professionally or privately.

• Key Features: Paid listings, dealer exposure, and detailed car history options.

• Expert Insight: According to industry reports, vehicles listed on Autotrader often sell for 10-15% more than on some free platforms due to its professional exposure.

• Best For: Sellers who want to maximize exposure through professional-grade listings.

3. Craigslist

Craigslist remains a fast and simple way to connect with local buyers. However, sellers need to be cautious of potential scams and take the necessary precautions.

• Key Features: Free to list, local buyers, and no commissions.

• Best For: Sellers who want to sell locally and avoid fees.

4. Facebook Marketplace

With Facebook's massive user base, Marketplace offers an easy way to sell cars locally or nationally. Messaging is built into the platform, making communication with potential buyers seamless.

• Key Features: Free listings, easy communication, local and national audience.

• Best For: Sellers looking for a quick, casual sale with an easy user interface.

5. eBay Motors

eBay Motors combines the global reach of eBay with a platform designed specifically for cars. The auction format can result in a higher sale price, especially for rare vehicles.

• Key Features: Auction or fixed-price listings, buyer protection, international audience.

• Expert Insight: "For rare and specialty vehicles, eBay Motors can often fetch 15-20% more than a traditional local sale," says an expert at J.D. Power.

• Best For: Sellers comfortable with auctions and shipping vehicles nationally or internationally.

6. Vroom

Vroom buys cars directly from sellers, offering a quick and convenient alternative to private listings. Simply fill out a form, get an instant offer, and have your car picked up.

• Key Features: Instant offers, nationwide reach, free pick-up.

• Best For: Sellers seeking a quick sale without dealing with private buyers.

7. Carvana

Carvana is known for its seamless car-selling process, offering contactless pickup and instant cash offers. It’s a great option for those who want a stress-free transaction.

• Key Features: No need to list or negotiate, transparent pricing, and contactless pick-up.

• Best For: Sellers who prioritize convenience and speed.

8. Cars.com

Cars.com provides access to millions of buyers and offers comprehensive tools for sellers, including pricing insights and advertising options for greater visibility.

• Key Features: Free listings, premium ads, pricing insights.

• Best For: Sellers who want access to a large audience with professional-level pricing support.

9. Shift

Shift goes a step further by providing vehicle inspections and guaranteed offers. Sellers can also choose to have Shift handle all buyer interactions.

• Key Features: Free inspections, test-drive options for buyers, guaranteed offers.

• Best For: Sellers who want hands-off assistance with selling.

10. Peddle

Peddle is designed for sellers with older or non-running cars. It provides instant offers and free towing, making it a great option for quick sales of less desirable vehicles.

• Key Features: Instant offers, fast payment, free towing.

• Best For: Sellers with damaged or inoperable vehicles.

11. TrueCar

TrueCar connects sellers with verified buyers and dealerships, offering transparent pricing based on market data. This can help sellers get the best price for their car.

• Key Features: Pricing transparency, dealer network, and free listings.

• Expert Insight: TrueCar sellers often achieve 10-15% higher sales prices due to the platform’s real-time pricing tools.

• Best For: Sellers who want to price competitively and reach dealerships.

12. OfferUp

OfferUp is a mobile-first platform that focuses on local sales. It’s easy to use and allows you to post your vehicle for free, with options to boost visibility through paid features.

• Key Features: Free to list, easy communication with local buyers.

• Best For: Sellers seeking a local, mobile-friendly selling experience.

13. Kelley Blue Book (KBB)

KBB is well-known for its accurate car valuations, and now it offers an instant cash offer feature where dealerships buy cars based on KBB values.

• Key Features: Trusted vehicle valuations, instant cash offers.

• Best For: Sellers who want to ensure they’re getting a fair price and prefer working with dealers.

Comparison Table: Best Websites to Sell Your Car

Car Preparation Guide: How to Prepare Your Car for Sale

Making sure your car is properly prepared for sale can significantly boost your chances of attracting buyers and getting a good price. A well-presented vehicle not only catches more attention but also instills confidence in potential buyers. Here’s how to get your car ready for listing:

1. Clean Your Car Thoroughly

Buyers often decide based on the first impression your car makes, so ensure it’s spotless inside and out. Here’s a checklist to follow:

• Exterior: Wash, wax, and polish your car. Clean the wheels and tires thoroughly.

• Interior: Vacuum the seats and carpets, wipe down all surfaces, and remove any personal items.

• Engine Bay: Clean up the engine bay as well—this shows potential buyers that you’ve taken care of the vehicle.

Pro Tip Video: Watch our step-by-step video on "How to Clean Your Car for Maximum Appeal" for expert cleaning tips that can make your vehicle shine, even in photos.

2. Take High-Quality Photos

Great photos can set your listing apart. Here’s how to take them:

• Lighting: Shoot during the day, but avoid harsh direct sunlight. Early morning or late afternoon is ideal for natural lighting.

• Angles: Take pictures from multiple angles—front, rear, side, and interior. Don’t forget close-ups of key features (wheels, dashboard, etc.).

• Background: Choose a clean, neutral background. Avoid cluttered settings like driveways with multiple cars.

Bonus Video: Watch this quick video on "How to Take Stunning Photos for Your Car Listing" to capture the perfect shots that will attract buyers.

3. Gather and Present Service History

A complete service history is a great selling point. Organize your records and be ready to show any maintenance or repairs done. Buyers value transparency, and showing that your vehicle has been well-maintained will build trust.

Tip: If possible, upload a photo of the service records to the listing.

Premium Listing Tips: Boosting Your Visibility with Paid Promotions

If you’re looking to sell your car faster or reach a wider audience, many platforms offer premium listing options. These paid services can increase your visibility and help you stand out from the competition.

1. Autotrader’s Featured Ads

Autotrader offers several premium packages that boost your listing’s exposure:

• Basic Listing: $25 for a standard 30-day listing.

• Featured Listing: $90 for a 45-day listing with premium positioning.

• Premium Featured Ads: A top-tier listing that guarantees your car will be seen by more buyers.

2. Facebook Marketplace Boosts

Facebook Marketplace allows you to promote your car listing for a small fee, which can increase its visibility to a larger audience:

• Boost Option: Boost your listing for as little as $3/day to increase your post’s reach beyond your immediate friends and network.

• Tip: Use professional photos and a detailed description when promoting the listing to get the best return on your investment.

3. Craigslist Paid Options

While Craigslist is known for its free listings, some areas charge a small fee for posting cars for sale. This fee is typically around $5 to $10, but it’s a small price to pay to reach a large local audience.

Expert Tip: If your listing isn't getting much traction after a week, try upgrading to a featured ad. Data from platforms like Autotrader show that featured ads can increase your car's visibility by up to 50% .

Tips for Maximizing Your Car Sale Value

To get the best price for your vehicle, follow these expert tips:

• Price Your Car Competitively: Use platforms like Kelley Blue Book or TrueCar to research the current market value of your vehicle. Setting the right price from the start can help you attract serious buyers.

• Stay Responsive: According to a survey by Autotrader, sellers who responded to inquiries within 24 hours had a 30% higher chance of closing the deal .

• Highlight Key Features: In your description, be sure to mention any additional features like a recent oil change, new tires, or a transferable warranty.

• Use Paid Promotions if Necessary: As noted above, premium listing services can help your vehicle get noticed faster, especially on competitive platforms like Autotrader or Facebook Marketplace.

Conclusion: Choose the Right Platform for You

With so many websites available, the best platform for you depends on your specific goals. Whether you're after speed, price, or convenience, the platforms reviewed here offer excellent options to match your needs.

AmeriFreight: Ship Your Car Safely

Once your car is sold, consider shipping it with AmeriFreight. With years of experience in the car shipping industry, AmeriFreight will ensure your vehicle reaches its destination safely and on time. Get an instant quote here .

FAQs

Which is the best site to sell a car quickly?

Sites like Vroom and Carvana offer instant cash offers, allowing you to sell your car in just a few days .

Is selling on CarGurus better than Craigslist?

If you’re looking for a broader audience and price transparency, CarGurus may be a better option than Craigslist. However, Craigslist could be faster for local, no-fee transactions .

How can I get the most money for my car?

Using platforms like Autotrader with premium listing options, and setting a competitive price based on Kelley Blue Book values, can help you maximize the sale price.