FlipDisclosure: Some links on this page may be affiliate links. If you sign up or buy through them, FlipTheBid may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our Affiliate Disclosure.
Instant-offer sites ask for your VIN or plate, mileage and condition, then show a number in minutes. The offer is conditional: it is confirmed after a photo or in-person inspection, and it usually expires after several days or a set number of miles.
How to get the best instant offer
- Request offers from at least three sites on the same day with identical answers.
- Be honest about warning lights, damage and keys. Surprises at inspection lead to price cuts.
- Have the title or lender payoff info, registration, both keys and the owner's manual ready.
- Clean the car and fix cheap things (bulbs, wipers) before photos; skip big repairs.
- Ask whether pickup is free, whether they pay the lender directly, and how and when you are paid.
Where to sell
- Carvana: Online instant offer for clean, running cars; pickup or drop-off, offer typically valid for a few days.
- CarMax: Online or in-store appraisal; useful as a second opinion against other instant offers.
- Kelley Blue Book Instant Cash Offer: Generates an offer redeemable at participating local dealers; good benchmark.
- CarGurus Sell My Car: Instant offer from CarGurus or its dealer network, or list it yourself.
- Peddle: Instant offers on cars in any condition, including non-runners, with free towing.
- Cars.com: Private listing and instant-offer options.
Get three numbers before you sell
- Instant offer (fastest, lowest effort).
- Dealer trade or appraisal (may save sales tax on your next car in some states; SC caps sales tax/IMF at $500).
- Private sale or auction (usually the most money, most work).
Enter the same mileage, condition and options everywhere, then compare what you net after fees, towing and your time.
Safety and scam checklist
- Meet in daylight at a public place; many police departments offer safe exchange spots.
- Accept cash you can verify at your bank, or a cashier's check confirmed by calling the issuing bank directly. Never accept overpayment "refunds".
- Do not sign the title until funds are cleared. Remove your plate and personal data (garage remote, phone pairing, toll tag).
- Pay off or get a payoff letter from your lender first if there is a lien.
South Carolina paperwork: SCDMV buying or selling a car · SCDMV license plate return.
Frequently asked questions
- Is an instant cash offer negotiable?
- Usually not online, but a higher competing offer can be useful at a local dealer or CarMax-style appraisal.
- Can I sell a car with a loan?
- Yes on most sites. They pay the lender and send you any positive equity; if you owe more than the offer, you pay the difference.
More selling guides
- Sell a junk, damaged or salvage car
- Consign a Hellcat, Demon or 392
- Sell a work truck, box truck or fleet
- Spartanburg / SC selling guide
- Buying at vehicle auctions
Not legal or financial advice. Offers, fees and DMV rules change; confirm with each company and the SCDMV.