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AutoNation is a leading used car dealership with over 20 years of experience in the industry. To date, the company has over 300 locations across the US and offers a great way to get cash for your used car. AutoNation also provide online offers, enabling you to get an offer for your car in just 30 minutes. If you are satisfied with the offer, they will also buy your car and pay you on the same day.
Pros
Over 300 locations in the US available – you can get cash for your used car instantly by bringing it to any of the car dealership’s locations.Get an online offer – simply take 5 minutes to fill in a form with some basic details about your car and get an online offer within 30 minutes.Online offer valid for up to 7 days or 500 additional miles – this gives you time to shop around for other potentially better offers for your car.Get paid within 24 hours for your car – if you are in a hurry to sell your car, AutoNation will pay you for your car on the spot with a check.
Cons
Only 1 payment option – the company will only pay you via check, which means you may need to wait up to 5 days for it to clear and to get the money.Potentially high fees – you may need to pay delivery and handling fees of up to $599 when selling your car to AutoNation, plus any government fees.
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Compare to Other Car Buying Websites
Peddle
Get your free offer instantly via online form or call on (855) 925 4302
$0 fees + you don’t have to pay for towing – Peddle will take care of it
Get paid in check during the pick up for any car (damaged, junk, wrecked)
Wheelzy
Quick car evaluation without the hassle – sell your car within 30 min
Choose a convenient date and time for free pick-up, as soon as next day
Get cash in hand the same day the Wheelzy agent picks up your car
CarBrain
Get an offer within 2 minutes and sell your damaged car within 24 hours
Free vehicle towing and no fees to getting rid of your damaged car
The tow truck driver will arrive with your check (nationwide service)
How Does AutoNation Work?
How Much Can You Get for Your Car with AutoNation?
Who is AutoNation Best For?
How to Sell My Car through AutoNation?
Selling any car through AutoNation is pretty simple. If you’re using the AutoNation website, it only requires you to answer a set of questions about your car, providing information about its:
Make and model
Age
Mileage
Current condition
And only in less than 30 minutes after you submit your online application, you’ll get an offer from AutoNation.
For retail outlets, AutoNation claims that their car purchase plan follows an ABC plan:
A – Any AutoNation store (visit one)
B – Bring in your car
C – Check on the spot (they’ll use your VIN or license plate)
Once the inspection is done, you’ll receive an instant quote for your car. And if you accept it, you’ll get a deposit on the site.
What Types of Vehicles Does AutoNation Purchase?
AutoNation purchases new and used cars, such as trucks, or SUVs.
How Fast Can You Sell Your Car with AutoNation?
Once you provide your car details, AutoNation will give you a certified offer that is good for cash and guaranteed for 7 days or 500 miles. This means you can sell your car within the same day.
AutoNation Fees: How Much Does it Cost to Use AutoNation?
There are two types of fees you’ll encounter selling your car to AutoNation:
The dealer delivery and handling fee – usually around the $500 mark (generally $599)
The government fees – registration fees, tag, and other taxes aren’t included and are announced later on. Note that the amount of government fees you’ll need to pay will vary depending on the state you reside in.
Fees$500 – $599To be determined laterTypes of FeesDealer Delivery & Handling FeeGovernment Fees
AutoNation Payment Options
Once AutoNation inspects your vehicle and verifies its condition, they give you a check the same day.
AutoNation Reviews: Is AutoNation Legit?
AutoNation reviews on Trustpilot total 1.9 out of 5-star rating based on 38 reviews. An alarming number of reviews from both customers and ex-employees suggest that they have many areas to improve.
According to one reviewer, the AutoNation techniques to sell cars are “slimy” and aim at taking advantage of car sellers. AutoNation complaints also highlight that the initial buying/selling process goes smoothly as all the salespeople are sweet-talkers.
Additionally, there was also mention of hidden charges being sneaked in here and there, which took out more from customers than they bargained for.
To sum up, most people found their policies untrustworthy, conniving, and manipulative.
AutoNation doesn’t have a BBB accreditation either, but it has an B- rating with an overall customer rating score of 1.3 out of 5-star rating.
Even though AutoNation has been operating nationwide for a pretty long time, they aren’t the most reliable or efficient used car selling company in the industry.
What are the AutoNation Pros & Cons?
AutoNation Pros
Since there are 360 locations, finding an AutoNation store near you should be easy.
Haggle-free pricing, you will not have to bargain to sell your car.
All cars are serviced and repaired before being sold, which increases the chance of your car being sold quickly.
AutoNation doesn’t sell its customers’ information to third parties.
AutoNation Cons
A relatively high fee of about $500 when you’re selling your car.
You’ll also need to pay government fees – the amount to be determined after the sale.
How Good Is AutoNation Support?
AutoNation website has detailed information on how to buy and sell your car. You can also call them at (877) 253-4239 for more information.
AutoNation Review Verdict: Is it Worth Selling a Car with AutoNation?
After careful evaluation of AutoNation’s pricing strategy coupled with customer reviews and checking out the competition, I don’t think AutoNation is worth it.
According to customer reviews, if you want to sell your car through AutoNation, you’re allowed to feel skeptical about the company.
Clearly, there are many better alternatives out there that will provide better value for your money. Their operating procedure is sketchy, to say the least, and they don’t seem to value their customers or employees. You would be better off with Peddle, Wheelzy, CarMax, and others.
Sites Like AutoNation
AutoNation vs. Peddle
Peddle Summary
Sell used, damaged or junk car nationwideGet instant quote on (855) 925 4302Free towing within 48 hours after offerReceive payment upon car collection
Peddle is one of the most trustworthy car-selling platforms that will directly purchase any vehicle in any condition. And Peddle doesn’t charge you any fees – on the contrary, they pay you for your car and tow it for free.
With 4.8 stars on Trustpilot from over 65,000 reviews, Peddle is known for being customer-centric, mainly trying to make the entire buying and selling process as easy as possible for you. And they make a fair offer – no hidden charges.
Recent Peddle Offers:
ModelYearMileageOfferToyota (Camry)2011150,000$2,225Volvo (S40)200137000$430Mercedes-Benz (560)199192000$1,930BMW (528)2008126,000$1,140Kia (Forte)2010145,000$635Honda (CR-V)201167000$2,930Ford (Explorer Sport Trac)2004145,000$1,170Oldsmobile (Alero)2004162,000$400Audi (A6)2006106,000$530
AutoNation vs. Wheelzy
Wheelzy Summary
Wheelzy stores are open 7 days a weekGet offer in minutes – (855) 510-1108Free towing of your car from your locationInstant payment via cash or check
Wheelzy is a nationwide company that will purchase your car in any condition – including damaged, junk, and scrap – directly. Plus, unlike AutoNation, Wheelzy doesn’t charge you any fees for selling your car – they even provide a free towing service.
However, neither AutoNation nor Wheelzy has BBB accreditation, but Wheelzy has fantastic reviews on their social media pages as well as Trustpilot.
For instance, they have an impressive 4.8 stars on Trustpilot. Car sellers are happy with their excellent service and easy-to-follow guidelines on selling cars.
Plus, they also check in with their existing customers to make sure everything is running smoothly. It increases reliability and makes your potential buyers happier.
Recent Wheelzy Offers:
ModelYearMileageConditionOfferHyundai (Tucson)2006200,000Doesn’t start$400Mercury (Sable Sedan)2003150,000Doesn’t start$225Mercedes-Benz (C)2001150,000Starts$222Ford (Edge)2010200,000Doesn’t start$1,200Ford (Flex)2009150,000Starts$1,000Lexus (RX)2002300,000Doesn’t start$750Chevrolet (Cobalt Sedan)2007200,000Doesn’t start$200Toyota (Corolla)2003250,000Drives$555BMW (528)2008250,000Drives$1,487
AutoNation vs. CarBrain
CarBrain Summary
Get an online offer within 2 minutesGet cash for your car in under 48 hoursCarBrain buys cars in over 7 conditionsUp to 7 days to accept CarBrain’s offer
CarBrain is one of the best companies for selling used cars online. CarBrain will purchase a car in any condition, even if it is damaged, has missing or falling parts or has excessive mileage.
To get an online cash offer:
Provide your vehicle’s VIN or license plate number.
Provide basic information about the car and its condition.
Provide your zip code.
Accept the offer and schedule the car’s pickup.
Select the payment method and get paid.
CarBrain will give you seven days to accept the offer and will pick up your car from your specified location within 48 hours.
AutoNation vs. Carvana
Carvana Summary
Get an online quote within 2 minutesFree pickup wtihin 100 miles of a hubOffer valid for 7 days or 250 more milesHaggle-free process to sell your car
Carvana is well trusted car-buying service that can buy your car if it is in good condition and even purchases financed cars and takes care of all the paperwork for you.
Requirements to sell the car to Carvana:
Cars 1992 or newer
Working odometer
In running condition
No excessive damage
To get an offer form, Carvana fill out an online form and provide your car’s license plate number or VIN.
The company will send you a cash offer which will be valid for 7 days or additional 250 miles. If you accept the offer, Carvana will pickup up the car from your specified location for free if it’s within 100 miles of one of their hubs.
Carvana will pay you by check at the time of the car’s pickup and inspection.
AutoNation vs. CarGurus
CarGurus Summary
Receive payment within 3 working daysFind out the market value of your carList your car for sale in under 5 minutesUp to $75,000 in protection for your sale
Another great alternative to Autonation is CarGurus. This company can send you an offer within two minutes, or you can use the platform to list your car and sell it to a private buyer.
To get an offer, provide your car’s VIN or license plate number. You will get an instant cash offer, and after you accept, if CarGurus representative will arrive to pick up the car free of charge.
CarGurus’ offer will be valid for seven days, and you will be paid at the time of the car’s pickup.
Other Sites Like AutoNation
AutoNation FAQ
What is AutoNation?
Today, AutoNation is one of the largest car buying companies offering cash for cars – allowing you to sell car online.
Although it started as nothing more than buying existing car dealerships, it grew fast into a nationwide company in the late 1990s. AutoNation became a common company for car repairs, buying, and selling.
With its headquarters in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, AutoNation boasts outlets in 360 locations across 17 states today. Plus, AutoNation has a prominent online presence.
Does AutoNation allow you to negotiate?
The AutoNation Price on Used Vehicles is a no-haggle, one-price approach. Its Used Vehicle prices are based on market research to ensure you get a fair price every time.
How is AutoNation different?
AutoNation services 35 different makes of vehicles and offer multi-tiered service plans for those looking for an extended auto warranty.
What is AutoNation no-haggle free price?
AutoNation no haggle free means you get the price for the vehicle you want to sell upfront.
Where is AutoNation’s main office?
AutoNation is headquartered at Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States.
As one of the best car selling websites, AutoNation makes the bulk of its profit on used-car sales, financing and aftermarket parts and accessories.