Sell a Car with Mechanical Problems: 18 Best Companies

18 Best Companies to Sell a Car with Mechanical Problems

Peddle

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Peddle offers the most convenient way to sell a car with mechanical problems quickly and easily online. Peddle accepts all types of cars, including damaged, nonrunning, and missing parts.

The process of selling a car to Peddle:

• Fill out the online form and provide the car’s basic details.
• Accept the offer (valid for 7 days).
• Schedule car tow (can be arranged within 24-48 hours).
• At the time of the car’s pickup, provide the car’s keys and signed Title.
• Get paid (Peddle pays by check only).

Peddle is available nationwide and offers free towing service and there are no additional fees.

Peddle has a 4.6 rating on Trustpilot and an A+ rating on BBB.

2. Wheelzy

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Wheelzy is one of the top online car-buying companies operating since 2014. Similar to Peddle, Wheelzy buys all types of cars, including ones with mechanical problems.

How to sell a car to Wheelzy:

1. Fill out the online form: enter the car’s make, model year, and mileage.
2. Wait for the offer (takes less than 30 minutes) and accept the offer.
3. Schedule a free pickup.
4. At the time of the car’s inspection, receive payment (cash or check).

Wheelzy will take care of the process of Title transfer for you, and there are no additional fees. Moreover, the company operates in all states and usually completes the sale within 24-48 hours.

Related: 8 Places that Buy Used Cars Running or Not

3. CarBrain

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CarBrain is known for a quick and convenient way to sell damaged cars. CarBrain operates nationwide and enables selling a car with mechanical problems in under 48 hours.

To sell your car to CarBrain, simply provide car details on their website or call (844) 407-2200 to get an offer within 2 minutes.

After you accept the offer, you’ll be able to schedule free towing. CarBrain will inspect the vehicle and you will get paid by check.

Types of cars you can sell to CarBrain:

• Water damaged cars
• Non-running cars
• Accident damaged cars
• Old cars
• Junk cars
• High-mileage cars
• Cars with missing parts

CarBrain has a 4.8 Trustpilot rating and an A+ rating on BBB.

4. CarGurus

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CarGurus is another great place where you can sell a car with mechanical problems. The company provides two options for selling a damaged vehicle – listing it for sale on its site or getting a direct cash offer.

Selling a car to a private buyer via CarGurus:

• Upload car add (car details, photos, detailed description, price)
• Pay listing fee ($4.95)
• Screen potential buyers
• Schedule test drives
• Complete the sale
• Take care of paperwork

Selling a car directly to CarGurus:

• Fill online form (provide VIN or license plate number)
• Get an instant cash offer
• Consider and accept the offer (valid for 7 days)
• Schedule car’s pickup
• Get paid (within two business days via check or direct deposit)

CarGurus also offers a free car valuation tool to estimate your car’s cash offer, private sale, and trade-in values.

CarGurus may not provide an offer for your car if it possesses a branded title, substantial damage, excessive mileage, is of considerable age, or is in a condition that renders it non-drivable.

Related: 6 Places to Sell Car Parts

5. eBay Motors

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eBay Motors, a segment of the popular online auction site eBay, stands out as a place for selling cars with mechanical issues, connecting sellers to a vast pool of potential buyers.

As of 2023, eBay boasts an impressive 134 million active buyers, enhancing the likelihood of finding interested parties for even mechanically challenged vehicles.

Selling Process on eBay Motors:

1. Create a listing: detail the car’s specifics (make, model, year, mileage) and its mechanical faults, supported by high-quality photos.
2. Set pricing terms: opt for a fixed price or an auction. Remember to account for possible shipping or delivery expenses.
3. Interact with buyers: use eBay’s messaging for discussions and to clarify buyer queries.
4. Finalize the sale: carry out the transaction through eBay, offering varied payment methods and some degree of security.
5. Organize car transfer: determine the method of pickup or delivery with the buyer.

Although eBay Motors incurs listing and sale fees, its extensive user base can lead to better selling opportunities. Cars with unique appeal, even with mechanical issues, often attract higher bids in eBay’s auction format.

eBay Motors fees:

Package	Price	Number of images	Auction time	Vehicle price
Basic	$19	20	up to 7 days	up to $10,000
Plus	$49	30	up to 7 days	up to $20,000
Pro	$79	40	up to 10 days	unlimited

6. CarMax

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CarMax is a great way to sell a car with mechanical problems, including those with transmission trouble, engine trouble, blown head gaskets, and bad clutches.

However, it’s important to note that while CarMax will buy almost any vehicle, they typically focus on lower mileage, clean cars that can be resold at their lots with a warranty.

Cars with serious mechanical issues are not their primary market, and this may reflect in the offer you receive for your vehicle.

How to sell a car with mechanical problems to CarMax:

1. Get an appraisal: obtain an appraisal from CarMax, either online or by visiting a local CarMax store for an in-person appraisal. This offer is valid for 7 days.
2. Gather required documents: prepare necessary documents including the car’s title or payoff information, valid and current registrations, state-issued photo ID for all title holders, and all car keys and remotes.
3. Handle financial matters: If the car has outstanding finance, CarMax will contact the lien holder for a payoff. If the sale price doesn’t cover the loan, you’ll need to pay the difference.
4. Finalize the sale: take your car to CarMax with all the paperwork. They will verify the car’s condition and finalize the sale, issuing a bank draft on the spot if you accept their offer.

7. DamagedCars

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DamagedCars is a specialized online platform designed to sell vehicles with various issues, including those with mechanical problems.

The process of selling a car on DamagedCars is straightforward:

1. Online quote: begin by filling out an online form on their website, providing details about the car’s make, model, year, and specific information about the damage or mechanical issues.
2. Instant offer: DamagedCars typically responds quickly with an offer, which is based on the provided details and the current market value of similar cars.
3. Free towing: if you accept their offer, the company arranges for free towing of the vehicle, which is a significant convenience and cost-saving for sellers.
4. Fast payment: upon car pickup, payment is usually made promptly, often on the spot.

DamagedCars‘ instant cash offer will be valid for 7 days, and you can expect to complete the sale within 48 hours.

Related: 14 Places to Sell a Car Online

8. The Clunker Junker

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The Clunker Junker specializes in buying cars in less-than-perfect condition. This platform is ideal for individuals looking to sell broken cars quickly and hassle-free.

How to sell a car to The Clunker Junker:

1. Apply for an offer: start by filling out an online form on the website detailing the car’s make, model, year, and the nature of its mechanical issues.
2. Consider and accept the offer: you should get the offer instantly.
3. Schedule pickup: towing is free and usually can be arranged within 1-3 business days.
4. Receive payment: payment is usually made during the pickup of the vehicle via cash or check.

The Clunker Junker process is designed to be fast, efficient, and straightforward, ensuring sellers can easily and quickly convert their clunker cars into cash.

9. We Buy Any Car USA

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We Buy Any Car USA is one of the places where you can sell a car with mechanical problems. We Buy Any Car USA is known for its straightforward and transparent approach to car buying, offering a no-obligation valuation and a hassle-free selling experience.

Types of cars you can sell to We Buy Any Car USA:

• Cars with mechanical problems
• Cars with mechanical problems
• Non-running cars
• Cars in a state of disrepair

The selling process is very simple: apply for online valuation, book an appointment for a physical car inspection, and accept the offer.

If you accept the offer, We Buy Any Car USA often completes the sale quickly, sometimes on the same day, and handles all the necessary paperwork.

10. Pick-n-Pull

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What sets Pick-n-Pull apart is its focus on recycling cars for parts, making it an excellent choice for those with older or more severely damaged vehicles.

By selling to Pick-n-Pull, car owners not only receive compensation for their vehicles but also contribute to the recycling and reuse of auto parts, aligning with environmentally friendly practices.

If you decide to sell a car with mechanical problems to Pick-n-Pull:

1. Get an offer: fill out the online form or call (866) 520-9750.
2. Schedule towing service: the company offers free towing if it’s located within their towing zone. Also, you can drop the vehicle off at the nearby Pick-n-Pull store.
3. Quick payment: you will get paid by check. It can be delivered by the tow truck driver, mailed to your home address, or you can pick it up at one of their stores.

11. Junk My Car

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Junk My Car is a specialized service dedicated to buying cars in almost any condition, particularly targeting vehicles that are damaged, non-operational, or otherwise considered ‘junk’.

This platform is ideal for individuals seeking a hassle-free way to dispose of their unwanted vehicles, especially those that are not viable for repair or are too costly to maintain.

Junk My Car selling process:

1. Sellers should fill out an online form on the Junk My Car website, providing details about their vehicle, such as make, model, year, and a description of its condition, including any known mechanical problems.
2. Based on the information provided, Junk My Car quickly generates an offer. This offer reflects the vehicle’s condition and the current scrap and parts market values.
3. After the offer is accepted, Junk My Car arranges free towing. This service removes the burden of transporting a non-operational or problematic vehicle from the seller.
4. Payment is usually issued at the time of vehicle pickup, offering immediate financial compensation for the car.

12. USJunkCars

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USJunkCars offers a straightforward and efficient way to sell vehicles that are otherwise challenging to offload due to their condition.

The selling process is very simple: USJunkCars, you only need to complete an online form on the USJunkCars website or make a phone call at 1-888-871-4488. Specify the car’s make, model, year, and condition.

The company will provide you with an instant cash offer. After you accept the offer you can arrange free towing, which can be arranged as soon as within the same day.

Payment is typically made on the spot during the vehicle pickup, enabling sellers to quickly gain financial returns from their car.

13. Junk Car Medics

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Junk Car Medics is a well-known service in the junk car buying industry, offering a streamlined solution for owners looking for a place where to sell their cars with mechanical problems.

Key Features of Junk Car Medics:

• Free towing
• No hidden fees
• 100% Free
• Smooth process
• No paperwork hassles

Junk Car Medics is known for its efficient process and competitive pricing, making it a convenient option for those needing to dispose of cars with mechanical issues with minimal effort.

14. Junk Car Master

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Junk Car Master offers a specialized service for selling junk cars, focusing on providing a hassle-free experience for car owners.

Junk Car Master is ideal for those looking for a quick, easy way to turn a junk car into cash. You only need to fill out an online form, accept the offer, schedule pick-up time, and simply get paid.

The selling process will take no more than 24-48 hours and you only need to provide the car’s Title.

15. JunkCarsUS

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JunkCarsUS caters to a wide range of vehicles, including those severely damaged, broken down, or simply aged beyond practical use.

Features of JunkCarsUS:

• Simple online procedure: fill out a form on their website with car details.
• Rapid offers: instant online offers, reflecting the car’s current condition and market value.
• Free removal service: free towing, removing the burden of car transportation.
• Immediate payment: payment is typically issued at the time of pickup, offering convenience and immediacy.

16. Cash For Clunkers

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Cash For Clunkers is a notable car-buying service where you can sell car with mechanical problems or older and less desirable vehicles. It’s particularly aimed at car owners who have vehicles that are environmentally unfriendly or costly to maintain due to their age or condition.

How Cash For Clunkers Works:

• Online inquiry: submit your car’s details on their website.
• Offer: you’ll get an offer within 2 minutes.
• Free towing: schedule free towing.
• Instant payment: you’ll get paid by check.

Cash For Clunkers is an excellent option for those looking to responsibly dispose of their older, less efficient vehicles and receive compensation in the process.

17. Craigslist

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Craigslist, a widely recognized online classifieds website, offers an extensive platform for individuals looking to sell a variety of items, including cars with mechanical problems.

Craigslist Pros:

1. Wide Reach: Craigslist has a large user base, which can increase the visibility of your car listing to a broad audience.
2. Direct Negotiation: direct communication with potential buyers, allowing for immediate negotiations and potentially faster sales.
3. Control Over Pricing: set and adjust the price of your car as you see fit, based on interest and offers.
4. No Listing Fees: Craigslist does not charge for listing a vehicle.
5. Local Transactions: deals are usually done locally, making it convenient to arrange test drives and inspections.

Craigslist Cons:

1. Scams and Security Risks: Craigslist is known for scams, so sellers need to be cautious and vigilant about potential fraudulent buyers.
2. No Seller Protection: the platform does not offer any form of seller protection, unlike more specialized car-selling services.
3. Time-Consuming: dealing with inquiries, negotiations, and no-shows can be time-consuming and sometimes frustrating.
4. Limited Reach to Serious Buyers: while Craigslist has a large user base, it may attract less serious buyers compared to dedicated car-selling platforms.
5. No Assistance in Paperwork: unlike professional car buying services, Craigslist does not assist in any paperwork, leaving all legal and DMV-related processes to the seller.

18. CashForCars

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CashForCars is a reputable car-buying service that offers a quick and convenient way to sell your vehicle, particularly beneficial for those looking to sell without the hassle of private sales.

Key Aspects of CashForCars:

1. Easy Process: Selling your car involves a simple online form submission or a phone call to provide details about your vehicle.
2. Instant Offers: CashForCars is known for providing immediate offers, helping you understand the value of your car quickly.
3. Free Towing Service: They offer free towing, which is a significant advantage, especially for non-operational or difficult-to-move vehicles.
4. Fast Payment: Payment is usually made on the spot when your car is picked up, ensuring a swift transaction.
5. Nationwide Service: With a wide network, CashForCars services are accessible across various locations, making it convenient for sellers in different regions.

CashForCars is ideal for those seeking a hassle-free car-selling experience. Their streamlined process, quick payment, and additional services like free towing make them a popular choice for many car sellers.