Compare instant cash offers
CarMax and Carvana give online offers valid for 7 days and pay after a quick inspection; Peddle, Wheelzy and CarBrain pick the car up, which suits damaged or non-running cars. Get two or three and compare them with your car's trade-in range.
No email. No phone. No dealer calls.
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| Buyer | Best for | Offer valid | Pickup |
|---|---|---|---|
| CarMax | Selling in person at a store, with or without buying | 7 days | Some areas; fee may apply |
| Carvana | A fully online sale or trade-in | 7 days | Some areas; extra charge |
| Peddle | Old, damaged or non-running cars | About a week | Free |
| Wheelzy | Fast cash with towing included | not stated | Free towing |
| CarBrain | Damaged cars | Up to 7 days | Included |
CarMax
Best for: Selling in person at a store, with or without buying
- Get an offer online
- Book a store appointment or home pickup
- CarMax verifies the car and pays on the spot
- Offers are valid for 7 days and are not negotiable.
- Same offer whether or not you buy from CarMax.
- Some offers are adjusted after in-person verification.
- Home pickup is not available everywhere; distance limits and a fee may apply.
Source: CarMax public page, read 2026-10-23.
Carvana
Best for: A fully online sale or trade-in
- Enter plate or VIN and answer condition questions
- Upload ID, title and odometer photos
- Drop off or schedule pickup; quick on-site review, then payment
- Carvana says it makes a real offer in about 2 minutes, valid for 7 days.
- You can sell without buying from Carvana.
- Pickup costs an extra service charge and is only offered in some locations.
- The appointment takes about 15 minutes, per Carvana.
Source: Carvana public page, read 2026-10-23.
Peddle
Best for: Old, damaged or non-running cars
- Describe the car without creating an account
- Accept within a week and schedule free pickup
- The pickup partner inspects the car and hands you a check
- Instant offer without an account.
- You have a week to accept and schedule pickup.
- Free pickup; payment by check at pickup.
Source: Peddle public page, read 2026-10-23.
Wheelzy
Best for: Fast cash with towing included
- Answer a few questions online or by phone
- Set a pickup time
- Get paid when the car is picked up
- Free towing is included with every offer.
- Payment at pickup.
- Wheelzy handles transferring ownership.
Source: Wheelzy public page, read 2026-10-23.
CarBrain
Best for: Damaged cars
- Enter vehicle details (instant offer on some cars, otherwise they contact you)
- Accept within 7 days; provide keys, signed title and access
- Pickup and payment
- Offer can be accepted for up to 7 days without changing.
- Can help release a title held by a lienholder.
- Pickup and payment on average 24–48 hours after acceptance, per CarBrain.
Source: CarBrain public page, read 2026-10-23.
What about Kelley Blue Book Instant Cash Offer?
KBB's terms say its Instant Cash Offer is redeemed at participating dealers, can fall below the KBB trade-in range and can be adjusted after inspection (KBB terms of service). To get one you share contact details with those dealers.
Before you accept
- Check your car's trade-in and private-party ranges.
- Owe money? Run the negative equity calculator.
- Bring ID, registration and all keys. CarMax lists these; Carvana asks for ID, title and odometer photos.
Questions
Which instant cash offer is best?
Get two or three and take the highest firm one. CarMax and Carvana both say offers last 7 days and you can sell without buying from them; Peddle, Wheelzy and CarBrain focus on pickup, including damaged or non-running cars.
Are instant offers final?
Usually not until inspection. CarMax says some offers are adjusted after verification; Carvana and Peddle inspect at drop-off or pickup.
How do I know if an offer is fair?
Compare it with your car's trade-in and private-party ranges on its model-year page here. An instant offer is a trade-in-style sale, so expect it nearer the trade-in range.
Does Honest Car Value get paid?
We may earn a commission if you use some of these links in the future. It never changes the order or what we write, and we never share your details.