DollarBreak is reader-supported, when you sign up through links on this post, we may receive compensation. Disclosure.
Quick Answer:
The best way to get rid of a car is to sell it online to car-buying companies like Peddle, Wheelzy, or CarBrain.
Selling online allows you to get paid within 24 hours of leaving your home.
Moreover, selling cars online is a totally free and secure way to get rid of the car.
Key Takeaways:
Find out your car’s value before selling it. Use online tools like Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds.
Request multiple quotes online to choose the best offer.
To get rid of the car, you will need to provide a Certificate of Title.
Sign a Bill of Sale to disclose any problems and protect yourself.
Best Way to Get Rid of the Car
Peddle
Get a legit offer in minutes – provide VIN, mileage and condition
$0 fees + you don’t have to pay for towing – Peddle will take care of it
Get paid in check during the pick up for any car (damaged, junk, wrecked)
Wheelzy
Quick car evaluation without the hassle – sell your car within 30 min
Choose a convenient date and time for free pick-up, as soon as next day
Get cash in hand the same day the Wheelzy agent picks up your car
CarBrain
Get an offer within 2 minutes and sell your damaged car within 48 hours
Free vehicle towing and no fees to getting rid of your damaged car
The tow truck driver will arrive with your check (nationwide service)
When is it Time to Get Rid of the Car?
Deciding when it’s time to part with your car involves assessing its condition, cost of maintenance, and the value it brings to your life. Key indicators suggesting it might be time to say goodbye to your vehicle include:
High Maintenance Costs: If the vehicle’s repair and maintenance costs over a period, such as the past two years, significantly outweigh its current value or impact your monthly budget negatively, it could be time to consider alternatives.
Mechanical Failures and Safety Concerns: Frequent breakdowns or safety issues that compromise your driving experience are strong signs that your vehicle may no longer be worth keeping.
Inefficiency: Older cars often have poorer fuel efficiency and higher emissions compared to newer models, which can lead to increased running costs and environmental impact.
Lifestyle Changes: A change in your lifestyle or needs, such as an expanding family, might render your current vehicle impractical.
Advancements in Technology: You might be missing out on improved safety features, fuel efficiency, or technological advancements offered by newer models.
Cost-Benefit Analysis: Consider the residual value of your car against the cost of keeping it running. A diminishing return on investment indicates it’s time for an update.
3 Best Places to Get Rid of a Car
The best way to get rid of a car is by selling it online.
To initiate, simply submit a request for a cash offer by completing an online form, which entails providing details such as the car’s make, model, trim, title type (whether clean, salvage, or rebuilt), mileage, zip code, and the car’s condition.
Shortly after, you’ll receive an instant cash offer, typically valid for up to seven days.
1. Peddle
Peddle Summary
Sell used, damaged or junk car nationwideGet instant quote on (855) 925 4302Free towing within 48 hours after offerReceive payment upon car collection
Peddle offers a convenient solution for selling cars in any condition, including those with water damage, non-running, accident-damaged, missing parts, high mileage, and salvage or junk status.
They provide instant quotes over the phone and offer free towing within 48 hours after accepting an offer, ensuring sellers receive payment upon car collection.
Peddle recent offers
ModelYearMileageOfferToyota (Camry)2011150,000$2,225Volvo (S40)200137,000$430Mercedes-Benz (560)199192,000$1,930BMW (528)2008126,000$1,140Kia (Forte)2010145,000$635Honda (CR-V)201167,000$2,930Ford (Explorer Sport Trac)2004145,000$1,170Oldsmobile (Alero)2004162,000$400Audi (A6)2006106,000$530
2. Wheelzy
Wheelzy Summary
Service is completely free – no hidden feesGet offer in minutes – (855) 510-1108Free towing of your car from your locationInstant payment via cash or check
Wheelzy operates seven days a week and specializes in purchasing used and damaged cars from 1981 onwards, excluding motorcycles, two-wheeled vehicles, ATVs, campers, and RVs.
They emphasize a hassle-free process, providing offers within minutes and offering free towing from the seller’s location, with instant payment made via cash or check.
Wheelzy recent offers
ModelYearMileageConditionOfferHyundai (Tucson)2006200,000Doesn’t start$400Mercury (Sable Sedan)2003150,000Doesn’t start$225Mercedes-Benz (C)2001150,000Starts$222Ford (Edge)2010200,000Doesn’t start$1,200Ford (Flex)2009150,000Starts$1,000Lexus (RX)2002300,000Doesn’t start$750Chevrolet (Cobalt Sedan)2007200,000Doesn’t start$200Toyota (Corolla)2003250,000Drives$555BMW (528)2008250,000Drives$1,487
3. CarBrain
CarBrain Summary
Call for a free quote – (844) 407-2200Get cash for your car in under 48 hoursCarBrain buys cars in over 7 conditionsUp to 7 days to accept CarBrain’s offer
CarBrain focuses on a quick and secure selling process, buying cars in more than seven conditions, including broken, parted, non-running, junk, salvage, scrap, and those with mechanical issues or damaged by falling objects.
They promise a fast cash offer after filling out an online form, with the possibility of receiving cash for the car in under 48 hours and up to 7 days to accept their offer.
CarBrain recent offers
ModelYearMileageConditionOfferMitsubishi Outlander Sport201150,000Collision damage, starts, doesn’t drive$1,270Jeep Grand201543,000Collision damage, starts, doesn’t drive$8,000Chevrolet201350,000Collision damage, does not start$1,335Dodge Charger2011143,448Collision damage, does not start$1,000Nissan Altima201382,000Collision damage, starts and drives$1,725Chevrolet Silverado2008250,000Engine damage, starts, doesn’t drive$1,750
How to Estimate a Car’s Value?
By analyzing data from different sources and considering the intrinsic factors that influence a car’s value, sellers can not only set a competitive price but also maximize the returns.
Factors like the car’s make, model, year, condition, and even your location will impact the market value.
1. Car Valuation Websites
Platforms like Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, and J.D. Power collect data from numerous sources, including dealership sales, private transactions, and auction outcomes.
By inputting specifics about your vehicle, such as make, model, year, mileage, and condition, you’ll receive estimates tailored to your car’s details, reflecting its trade-in value, private sale potential, and retail price.
2. Online Car Listings
Websites such as CarGurus and AutoTrader offer a real-time glimpse into the market.
By comparing your vehicle to similar ones listed, based on criteria like age, mileage, and condition, you can gauge how your car stacks up and adjust your pricing strategy accordingly.
The listing duration of similar cars can also offer clues about pricing effectiveness.
3. Online Car Buying Companies
Fast and increasingly popular companies like Peddle, Wheelzy, and CarBrain provide immediate cash offers, giving you a baseline for what you might expect in a quick sale scenario.
To get an offer, you only need to provide basic car details: make, model mileage, and description of condition. The offer includes free car towing, waiting 48 hours, and paperwork handling.
How Do You Get Rid of a Car Without a Title?
If you wonder how to get rid of a car without a Tilte, keep in mind that selling or donating such a car is illegal in all states.
Nonetheless, there are a few ways to navigate through this:
Apply for a Duplicate Title: Visit your local DMV office or their website to apply in person or online. You will need to provide your driver’s license or ID, VIN, and license plate number. The cost for a duplicate title varies by state, with fees ranging from $5 to $60. The processing and delivery of the duplicate title typically require 7-10 business days.
Contact the Previous Owner: In case the car Title was not transferred to your name due to oversight or error, reach out to the previous owner. Arrange to meet at the DMV to complete the title transfer application together.
Apply for a Replacement Title: If you’ve received a car as a gift or through inheritance, request the original owner to transfer the Title to your name. Alternatively, you can use an inheritance document to prove the ownership. Replacement Titles can cost anywhere from $15 to $40.
Utilize a Bill of Sale: some states allow you to provide a bill of sale as proof of ownership instead of a Title for vehicles over a certain age (usually 15+ years).
Paperwork Needed to Get Rid of a Car?
The paperwork needed to sell a car varies on the state, but a Certificate of Title is always required.
Depending on your state, additional documents such as a signed and notarized bill of sale, a VIN inspection, and a current emissions test report might be necessary.
1. Certificate of Title
A Certificate of Title is a state-issued document verifying a vehicle’s ownership and is necessary for its legal sale and ownership transfer.
To sell a vehicle, the seller must complete and sign the “Seller’s section” on the back, including the buyer’s details, odometer reading, sale price, and date.
The seller signs in the “owner’s signature” area, and the buyer must sign their section to finalize the ownership transfer.
In case of a lost Title, submit a “Duplicate Title Application” at your local DMV. The fee for a replacement title ranges from $5 to $60, depending on the state, and you should expect to receive it within 7-10 business days.
2 Bill Of Sale
In some states, a bill of sale is required to transfer vehicle ownership. Although not always obligatory, it’s recommended to sign one to protect both the seller and buyer against future disputes.
Moreover, in some states, for older vehicles, a bill of sale may be accepted in place of a Certificate of Title if the original document is missing or has been lost.
This exemption is specific to these states:
Alabama – 35 years or older
Connecticut – 20 years or older
Georgia – the year 1986 or older
Kansas – the year 1949 or older
Maine – year 1994 and older
Maryland – 20 years or older
Massachusetts – year 1980 and older
New Hampshire – year 1999 or older
Ohio – 25 years or older
Rhode Island – year 2001 and older
Vermont – 15 years or older
3 Emissions Test
In some states, a valid emissions test certificate is necessary for transferring a vehicle’s title. This test usually takes about 20 minutes and costs between $10 and $30.
If the vehicle fails the emissions test, it can still be sold, but the buyer might face registration challenges.
To avoid disputes, any failed inspections should be noted in the bill of sale, clarifying that the vehicle is sold “as is” or as “non-operational.”
4. VIN inspection
The need for a VIN inspection for used cars being sold varies by state; it might be mandatory for all used vehicles or just for certain types, like those from another state or reconstructed or salvaged cars.
To determine if your car needs a VIN inspection for sale, contact your state’s DMV or visit their website for specific VIN inspection criteria.
5. Report the Sale
In certain states, sellers are required to notify the DMV of the vehicle sale.
Most states offer the option to submit this notification online or through mail, though some situations may necessitate a visit to the DMV office.
The required details for this process include:
Your name and contact details
The buyer’s name and contact information
Vehicle’s license plate number
Make, model, year, and color of the car
VIN
Odometer reading at the time of sale
Date of title transfer
Is it Worth Selling the Car for Parts?
Selling your car for parts can be a financially wise decision if the parts’ value exceeds the car’s value as a whole.
This approach might be particularly lucrative if you’re able to sell the parts individually. Working with a local salvage yard could maximize your earnings.
Generally, if your car is only fetching offers between $300-$500, selling it for parts is considered worthwhile.
How Do You Get Rid of a Car With a Loan?
Getting rid of a car with a loan on it involves a few steps and options, depending on your situation and goals.
Here are the main steps to sell a car with a loan:
Find out your payoff amount.
Find out your car’s value.
Find out your car’s equity.
Disclose loan status to the buyer.
Take care of the paperwork.
Selling the car or paying off the loan can have minimal to positive impacts on your credit, assuming all goes smoothly.
How Long Does it Take to Get Rid of a Car?
Selling a used car typically takes around 52 days when selling to a private buyer.
The process involves several steps, including cleaning the car, taking high-quality photos, researching the vehicle’s market value, listing it online with a detailed description, responding to inquiries, arranging test drives, and handling the paperwork.
The time it takes to sell a car varies on the following factors:
Car’s condition
Mileage
Market demand
Selling platform
Selling privately might yield a higher price but takes longer, whereas online services offer a quicker sale at possibly lower prices.
How to Get Rid of a Deceased Person’s Car?
Selling the car of a deceased person involves a multi-step legal process, primarily focused on ensuring the lawful transfer of ownership.
Here are the condensed steps:
Locate the will
Initiate probate
Settle unpaid fees
Transfer the Title
Gather required paperwork
Choose a selling method
Cancel insurance
Throughout this process, it’s crucial to comply with legal requirements and consult professionals as needed to avoid complications.