Which is Better for Selling the Car?
There are many similarities when selling your car to both Edmunds and KBB. Both companies offer a free online price offer and 7 days to consider and accept your offer. Edmunds and KBB will hand you a check on the same day of your sale.
However, a few key differences set these two companies apart.
Overall, Edmunds is the better car-buying company to sell your car to as it’s completely free to sell your car to Edmunds, while it costs $49 to list your car to KBB. However, if you don’t mind selling your vehicle to a private buyer, you can expect a better deal through KBB.
KBB Summary
- Provides an Instant Cash Offer
- Helps to determine your car’s value
- It’s free to use the KBB valuation tool
- Check your car for any recalls
Edmunds Summary
- Edmunds will buy a car directly from you
- Free car appraisal tool
- Offer is valid for 7 days
- Bring in your vehicle for inspection and get paid
Edmunds vs. KBB Comparison
| Edmunds | TrueCar | |
|---|---|---|
| Cars accepted | Used and new cars | Used and new cars |
| Fees | No fees | $49 per online listing |
| Requesting quotes | Online and in-person | Online |
| Offer validity | 7 days | 7 days |
| Payments offered | Check | Check or trade-in credit |
| Payout | Same day | Same day |
| Car pick-up | No car pick-up | No car pick-up |
| Physical locations | Various car dealerships | Locations nationwide |
| Turnaround time | Same day | Same day |
| Customer service | Online Form and e-mail | Online form |
| Reviews | 3.9 | 1.6 |
Consider Best Alternatives
Best for Older & Damaged Cars
Buys used, damaged or junk cars
Free tow and no hidden fees
Pays by ACH trasfer or check
Top Pick for Junk Cars
Free, no-obligation cash offers
Offers free paperwork service
Pays on the spot upon pick up
Highly Rated by Customers
Excellent customer service ratings
Honors guaranteed offer for 7 days
Can pick up a car within 48 hours
Great for Low-Mileage Cars
Gives a real offer in 2 minutes
100% hassle-free online process
Free car’s Value Tracker available
Cars Accepted
Edmunds and KBB will accept both new and used cars that are in drivable conditions. With KBB, there are some factors that make a car ineligible for sale which includes:
- Taxis or limousines
- Low value due to age or condition
- Vehicle modifications
- Vehicle has been at an auction within 45 days
Fees
Both Edmunds and KBB provide a free quote when you fill out an application form online. With KBB, you can create an online listing for your car through AutoTrader for $49 per listing.
Requesting Quotes
With Edmunds and KBB, you need only provide your car’s license plate and state to receive your free quote.
Edmunds also accepts:
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Year, make and model of the car
Offer Validity
Edmunds and KBB’s price offers are both valid for 7 days after you receive them. This means you can either accept or decline your offer within this timeframe.
Payments Offered
If you sell your car to Edmunds, the company will provide you with a check on the same day that you bring your car in to a participating dealership. KBB also provides you with a check in hand on the day that you bring your car in to a dealership and make the sale.
You may also choose to accept KBB’s trade-in option, which involves bringing your car to the dealership to make a trade.
Payout
Both companies offer you a check in hand on the day that you sell your car. A check will usually take up to 2 business days to clear however, some checks make take longer to clear and show up in your bank account.
Car Pick-up
Both Edmunds and KBB require you to drop off your car at one of their dealership locations. Neither Edmunds nor KBB offers car pick-up services.
Physical Locations
Before dropping your car off at Edmunds, you can find a list of participating dealerships to find a dealership near you.
KBB has a list of participating dealers that you can choose from to find a KBB location near you.
Turnaround Time
Both Edmunds and KBB offer a quick turnaround time for quoting and buying your car from you. It typically takes 24 hours to sell your car with both dealerships as quoting and selling your car can be done all on the same day.
Customer Service
To contact Edmunds customer service, you can contact them through their online form or email them regarding your price offer at offers@edmunds.com.
You can contact KBB’s customer service through their online form.
Reviews
Edmunds has a 3.9-star rating on Trustpilot, while the overall KBB rating is a 1.6-star rating on Trustpilot. Edmunds has a 1-star rating on BBB, while KBB also has a 1-star rating on BBB.
| Edmunds | TrueCar | |
|---|---|---|
| Trustpilot Rating | 3.9 | 1.6 |
| BBB Rating | 1 | 1 |
Customers have praised Edmunds for having detailed reviews of each car, providing extensive information about each car, and for having an easy to use online platform. Some customers have complained of receiving multiple unwanted ads, not receiving a fair offer online, and experiencing problems getting information on the website.
Customers have left reviews praising KBB for providing excellent customer service, accurate pricing on cars for sale, and a seamless and quick selling process. Some customers have raised complaints about having to negotiate their price offer with KBB, providing unfair price offers and not receiving offers when arriving to the dealership.