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Best Way to Sell a Car in Michigan
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)
How to Sell a Car in Michigan?
There are three main ways to sell your car in Michigan:
Jump to: Sell Car Privately
Jump to: Sell Car to Car Buying Website
Jump to: Sell Car to Dealership
TurnaroudEffort NeededBest ForPrivately52 days (on average)Multiple stepsUsed carsCar Buying Website1-2 daysFill online formOld and junk carsDealership5-7 daysVisit officeNewer cars
Sell Car Privately in Michigan
Requirements to Sell a Car in Michigan
Certificate of Title
Odometer Reading
Bill of Sale
Your Signature
Signature of any Lienholder(s)
Signature of the Buyer
Report Sale
Step 1: Pre-sale Car Inspection
Most private car buyers prefer to have licensed and qualified auto mechanics help them with presale car inspections. Even though presale car inspection is not required in Michigan, having your car checked before proceeding with vehicle sale clears doubts and increases buyer confidence.
In most cases, buyers pay for a private car inspection. Therefore, you all need to agree on the venue and date when the inspection will be held. If your vehicle has issues after inspection, Michigan laws suggest that you keep the reports for your records.
Step 2: Prepare Car for Sale
To prepare your car for sale, you need to:
Fix damages if the vehicle has mechanical, electrical, or physical injuries you need to fix that before proceeding with the sale. Also, you can change car oil, adjust brake pads or change car tires.
Remove all your personal belongings from the vehicle and trash from the back seats.
Thoroughly wash your cash to remove dust and debris.
Step 3: List Your Car for Sale
Once you have cleaned your car, create a listing for your car on different platforms to reach potential buyers. Some websites and platforms you can use to list your car include:
When creating your listing, ensure you give detailed and comprehensive descriptions of your car to potential buyers. Include information like car model, make, color, and current condition. Additionally, you can also include if the vehicle has scratches or dents.
Step 4: Gather Vehicle Documentation
Vehicle documentation that you should collect and put in one place include:
Owner’s manual
Vehicle history reports
Maintenance records
Vehicle registration details and information
Providing your potential buyer with detailed vehicle documents boosts buyers’ confidence that the vehicle is properly maintained.
Step 5: Bill of sale
Bill of Sale is not required in Michigan but having it is important because it helps solve disputes that might arise when the buyer transfers title. It also indicates that the vehicle was legally transferred.
According to Michigan laws, a Bill of Sale should have:
Date of sale
Vehicle purchase price
Car model, make, and year of manufacture
Name and signature of the buyer and seller
Addresses of the buyer and seller
Additionally, Michigan laws require that all documents must be signed in the presence of a notary at the office of the Secretary of State. Like other states, Michigan also charges a sales tax of 6% of the total purchase value of the vehicle.
Step 6: Transfer of Title
If your title is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can fill out and submit a replacement title form along with any fee associated with it. In Michigan, the transfer of title document contains information such as
Date of vehicle purchase
Buyers name, signature, and address
Sellers name, signature, and address
Car year of manufacturer, make, and models.
Moreover, in case of death of the car owner, you can follow the procedure outlined in the Michigan DMV to inherit the vehicle. Also, if one co-owner passes away, the surviving partner should fill out a transfer of title to transfer the vehicle into their names.
In addition, if more than one person owns the title, all owners must sign the documents. Furthermore, if title owners are not in a position to sign the document at a DMV branch office, Michigan law allows them to fill out the Appointment of Agent form provided by the Secretary of state.
Once the sale of the vehicle is finalized, Michigan motor laws suggest that the seller possess the title until the buyer fills out and submits the seller’s assigned title.
Step 7: Remove Vehicle Plates
You need to remove your vehicle plate after the sale of the vehicle is finalized. If you don’t remove the license plates, you might be held accountable for crimes or violations committed by the buyer.
After removing the license plates, you can return them to Michigan DMV offices or transfer them to your own vehicle. Michigan motor laws allow buyers of a recently purchased car to drive home as they wait to process the vehicle title.
Step 8: Notify DMV
After the sale of the vehicle is finalized, you need to notify the Michigan DMV that you have sold the vehicle.
Sell Car to Car Buying Website in Michigan
Peddle, CarBrain and Wheelzy are legitimate car-selling websites that helps you sell your car quickly for the most cash. These car buying sites make selling simple, fast, and easy. In addition, they offer you free towing after buying your car.
Besides, they provide you with instant quotes within minutes after submitting your online application. Once you receive the quotes, you have 7 days to accept or decline the offer. In case you accept the offer, respective company agents will contact you to schedule car pick-up within 48.
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
How Much Peddle Will Pay for Your Car in Michigan?
The table below shows few of the cars Peddle has recently purchased in Michigan
MakeYearOffer ValueSaan (9-5)2011$1305Dodge (Grand Caravan)2013$695Toyota (Sienna)2004$1165
Recent Peddle 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
Wheelzy
Wheelzy Summary
Wheelzy stores are open 7 days a weekGet offer in minutes – (855) 510-1108Free towing of your car from your locationInstant payment via cash or check
How Much Wheelzy Will Pay for Your Car in Michigan?
Here are a few examples of Wheelzy’s recent purchases:
MakeMileageYearOffer ValueFord (Escape)Under 150,0002008$350Chevrolet (Impala)150,0002001$248Honda (Civic Coupe)Unknown2000$250
Recent Wheelzy 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
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
How Much CarBrain Will Pay for Your Car in Michigan?
The table below shows a few of the cars CarBrain has recently purchased in Michigan.
MakeMileageYearConditionOffer ValueHonda (Odyssey)100,0002014Mechanical Damage: Engine$3,250BMW (X5)92,0752012Mechanical Damage: Engine$2,750BMW (X3)136,0002011Mechanical Damage: Engine$2,350
Recent CarBrain 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
Carvana
Carvana Summary
Get an online quote within 2 minutesFree pickup wtihin 100 miles of a hubOffer valid for 7 days or 250 more milesHaggle-free process to sell your car
Another option to sell your car quickly in Michigan is to use Carvana. This is one of the most popular online car-buying companies in the USA allowing you to sell cars 100% online for free.
However, Carvana only buys cars in good condition. This means the car must have a working odometer and be free of any major body damage or mechanical issues.
Fill out an online form and add your VIN or license plate number and you will get a cash offer from Carvana within two minutes.
If you live within 100 miles of one of their hubs, Carvana will pick up your car for free.
CarGurus
CarGurus Summary
Receive payment within 3 working daysFind out the market value of your carList your car for sale in under 5 minutesUp to $75,000 in protection for your sale
CarGurus is another company you should consider if selling cars in Michigan.
You can get an offer from CarGurus in a few minutes and all you need to do is to provide your car’s VIN or license plate number and answer some basic questions about the condition.
CarGurus also offers a free car tow service and will pay you by check or direct deposit within two business days.
You can also list your car on the CarGurus website and sell it to a private buyer. However listing a car isn’t free and will cost you $4.95 per listing.
Sell Car to Dealership
Another way to sell your car quickly and fast for the most cash is by selling it to dealerships.
Most car dealerships are known to provide fair and competitive car selling prices to sellers. Nonetheless, you must conduct a background investigation to know the cost of your vehicle.
Many dealerships will inspect your car and provide a quote depending on your vehicle’s make, model, mileage, and current condition.
Once you receive the offer, you will have some time to review it before accepting or declining the offer. If you accept the offer, you need to drop your car and receive your payments at dealership offices.
How to Sell a Car to a Dealership in Michigan?
Selling a car to a dealership in Michigan involves several steps. First, prepare your vehicle by cleaning it and making minor repairs.
Determine the car’s value using resources like Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds.
Gather necessary documentation, including the title, odometer reading, and maintenance records.
Visit multiple dealerships to get quotes, negotiate the sale price, and complete the sale with the dealership handling paperwork.
Afterward, handle post-sale paperwork such as title transfer and removal of license plates.
Be cautious of scams and deal with reputable dealerships.
Best Dealerships in Michigan
Michigan is home to many well-known car dealerships representing a wide range of automakers:
Suburban Collection: Suburban Collection is one of the largest dealership groups in Michigan, with multiple locations throughout the state. They offer a variety of brands, including Chevrolet, Ford, Toyota, BMW, and many others.
Feldman Automotive: Feldman Automotive has several locations in Michigan and sells various brands such as Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Hyundai, and Genesis.
LaFontaine Automotive Group: LaFontaine is another prominent dealership group in Michigan, offering brands like Ford, Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Toyota, and more.
Serra Automotive: Serra Automotive has locations in Grand Blanc, Traverse City, and other cities in Michigan, selling brands like Honda, Toyota, Acura, and more.
Fox Motors: Fox Motors is a dealership group with locations across Michigan and sells brands like Audi, Volkswagen, Subaru, Nissan, and more.
Golling Auto Group: Golling Auto Group has been serving Michigan customers for decades and offers brands such as Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, and Alfa Romeo.
Germain Motor Company: Germain Motor Company has a presence in Michigan and sells brands like Honda, Ford, and BMW.
Buff Whelan Chevrolet: Located in Sterling Heights, Buff Whelan Chevrolet specializes in Chevrolet vehicles.
Victory Automotive Group: This dealership group has locations in Michigan and offers a variety of brands, including Chevrolet, Ford, Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge.
Hodges Subaru: Hodges Subaru in Ferndale, Michigan, is known for its Subaru vehicles.
People Also Asked
How many cars can I sell in Michigan without a dealer license?
In Michigan, you are allowed to sell up to four vehicles in a 12-month period without a dealer license.
The law specifically states that a person must not engage in the business of buying, selling, brokering, leasing, negotiating a lease, or dealing in five or more vehicles of a type required to be titled under the act within a 12-month period unless they obtain a dealer license from the secretary of state.
How much is Michigan plate transfer fees?
Michigan plate transfer fee varies based on the registration fee of the vehicle. Generally, you will pay between $10 to $15 for plate transfers in Michigan.
How long should I take before transferring vehicle title in Michigan?
In Michigan, you have 15 days from the date of sale to transfer the title of a vehicle into your name.
If this period is exceeded, you will be charged a $15 late fee. Additionally, you will be responsible for paying the title transfer fee and use tax.
How can I transfer vehicle titles in Michigan?
To transfer a vehicle title in Michigan, visit a Secretary of State office with the completed title certificate, proof of Michigan car insurance, a completed Application for Vehicle Title and Registration (Form TR-11L), and, if applicable, an Appointment of Agent form (Form TR-128) and proof of lien satisfaction.
The title transfer fee is $15, and the plate transfer fee ranges from $10 to $15. The process varies slightly for vehicles bought from dealerships or private sellers. Ensure all owners are present or represented by the Appointment of Agent form if multiple owners are listed on the new title.