Which is Better for Selling the Car?
Selling your car to TrueCar and KBB is similar. With both companies, you can sell used and new cars, receive a free price quote online and receive your payment on the same day that you sell your car.
Overall, TrueCar is the better car-buying company to sell your car to. TrueCar does not charge any fees for using its services. TrueCar also has significantly higher customer ratings and experiences on both Trustpilot and BBB, while the majority of customer experiences with KBB are negative.
TrueCar Summary
- Enter VIN to instantly get a car estimate
- Offer is good for three days
- TrueCar pays through check
- Offer comes from one of Certified Dealers
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
TrueCar vs. KBB Comparison
| TrueCar | KBB | |
|---|---|---|
| Cars accepted | Used and new cars | Used and new cars |
| Fees | No fees | $49 per online listing fee |
| Requesting quotes | Online | Online |
| Offer validity | 3 days | 7 days |
| Payments offered | Check from a certified dealer | Check or trade-in credit |
| Payout | Same day | Same day |
| Car pick-up | No mention of car pick-up | No car pick-up |
| Physical locations | Various car dealership locations | Locations nationwide |
| Turnaround time | Same day | Same day |
| Customer service | Phone, email | Online form |
| Reviews | 4.1 | 4 |
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
TrueCar and KBB accept both new and used cars that are in drivable and running condition.
With KBB, there are some factors that make a car ineligible for sale which include:
- Taxis or limousines
- Low value due to age or condition
- Vehicle modifications
- Vehicle has been at an auction within 45 days
Fees
Both TrueCar and KBB offer free price quotes when you fill out an application form online. With KBB, you can also create an online listing for your car through AutoTrader. Each listing costs $49.
Requesting Quotes
All you need to request a quote with TrueCar is your car’s license plate and state in order to receive your free quote.
Truecar also accepts:
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Year, make, and model of the car
With KBB, all you need to provide is your car’s license plate and state to receive your free quote.
Offer Validity
With KBB, your offer is valid for 7 days from receiving it while with TrueCar, your offer is only valid for 3 days.
Payments Offered
If you sell your car to TrueCar or KBB, you will get a check in hand on the day that you sell your car. You may also choose to accept KBB’s trade-in option, where you can bring your car to the dealership to make a trade.
Payout
TrueCar and KBB will both give 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, depending on the check, some checks make take longer to clear and show up in your bank account.
Car Pick-up
Neither TrueCar nor KBB offers any car pick-up services.
Physical Locations
Once you receive your price offer, TrueCar will then connect you with one of their thousands of Certified Dealers. KBB has a list of participating dealers that you can choose from to find a KBB location near you.
Turnaround Time
Whether you choose to sell your car with TrueCar or KBB, both companies offer a very quick turnaround time for both 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 TrueCar customer service, you can call them at 1-888-878-3227 or email their customer support team at feedback@truecar.com. To contact KBB’s customer service you can fill out their online form.
Reviews
TrueCar has a 4.1-star rating on Trustpilot meanwhile, KBB has a 1.6-star rating on Trustpilot. Truecar has a 3.1-star rating on BBB while KBB has a 1-star rating on BBB.
Customers left reviews praising TrueCar for offering fair deals, honoring their rebate certificates, and providing excellent customer service. Some customers have raised complaints about Truecar not answering or returning phone calls, not honoring their price offers, and having misleading prices online.
Customers have praised KBB for providing an easy selling process and helpful customer service. Customers have raised complaints about KBB not honoring its instant cash offer, offering low prices for cars, and advertising false price offers on its website.
| TrueCar | KBB | |
|---|---|---|
| Trustpilot Rating | 4.1 | 1.6 |
| BBB Rating | 3.1 | 1 |