If you’re looking to sell your used vehicle, turning to national retailers like Carvana or CarMax can be a great way to quickly get rid of your used car, truck, or SUV in a hassle-free, convenient manner.
However, if you’ve never worked with a large retailer and only have experience with local dealers known for their “We Buy Cars” banners, it can be overwhelming to make the leap to big car companies.
Deciding to sell your car to a large car-buying company is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Depending on your financial standing, your needs, and your level of patience, working with a large car company may be more convenient than with a local dealer or private seller. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what makes one option more practical than another and which is better suited for your needs.
On a Time Crunch? A Big Car Company Can Help
A big car company like CarMax, Carvana, or Vroom may be a better choice if you’re limited on time and want to get rid of your vehicle quickly. However, you should expect slightly lower offers on your vehicle than you would if you were to work with a local dealer or a private seller. Unlike local or private sellers, you’ll have more convenience in letting go of your used vehicle quickly and getting cash on hand almost instantly.
Looking To Trade-In? Work With a Local Dealer
Most car companies offer some sort of trade-in perk or incentive if you’re looking to sell your used car. If your goal is to trade in your used car for a newer, more modern vehicle, then it might be in your best interest to work with a reputable local car dealer with a “We Buy Cars” program.
Local car dealers typically offer better perks and incentives, such as complimentary maintenance for a predefined period of time. You’ll also be working with a team that’s local, allowing you to build a relationship with a dealership you can count on in the future.
Big Car Companies Make Selling a Used Car Hassle-Free
One of the biggest perks of working with a large auto retailer is the luxury of convenience. Often, you won’t have to bring your vehicle anywhere for an assessment, and either an adjuster comes out to your home, or there’s an online tool provided to give you an instant quote. If you do sell your car, someone will likely come to pick it up for an even more hassle-free experience.
Why Work with Local “We Buy Cars” Dealerships
Local dealerships that advertise “We Buy Cars” will offer you that family-friendly feel that you simply won’t get at those big car companies. Local dealers genuinely care about who you are as a customer, what your auto needs are, and how they can help you whether you’re looking to sell your used vehicle or get into a new one. More importantly, most local dealers are invested in continuing a relationship with you so that you can count on their expertise months and years down the line.
Bottom Line
Overall, it boils down to convenience, time, and patience. If you can wait to sell your used vehicle, working with a private seller or a local dealer could be a good option, as you’ll likely get a higher quote. On the other hand, if you’re looking to sell your vehicle fast, need quick cash, and aren’t totally concerned about getting the best deal, larger car companies may be for you.
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