Cargurus vs. Autotrader Review & Comparison 2024

Which is Better for Selling the Car?

If you’re looking to sell your car, CarGurus is your better option compared to Autotrader. You can sell any car to them as long as you can provide a valid VIN or license plate number. 

CarGurus also offers two ways to sell your car: by claiming an instant offer or selling it to private buyers. 

Requesting a quote from CarGurus is pretty straightforward and listing your car on their website costs $4.95. This price is a total bargain compared to Autotrader’s listing fee of $49. 

Claiming CarGurus’s instant offer is also hassle-free since you don’t need to bring your car anywhere. You only need to set up a pick-up time for their representative to pick it up. And when it comes to payment, you’ll have two options to receive it. 

If you have questions about selling your car, CarGurus offers more support options through chat, phone, and social media.

CarGurus vs. Autotrader Comparison

CompanyCarGurusAutotraderLogo

Cars acceptedAny cars, subject to restrictionNew and used carsFees$0 for instant offers, $4.95 listing fees$0 for instant cash offer, $49 listing feesRequesting quotesOnline applicationOnline applicationOffer validity7 days or an additional 250 miles7 days or an additional 50 milesPayments offeredCash via bank transfer or checkCheckPayoutWithin 2 business daysSame dayCar pick-upFree pick-upDrop-offPhysical locationsNoneParticipating dealers across the USTurnaround timeUp to 3 business daysUp to 48 hoursCustomer serviceChat, phone, and social mediaPhone and social mediaReviews2.41.9

Cars Accepted

CarGurus can purchase your vehicle as long as it has a valid Vehicle Identification Number or a license plate number. Furthermore, the company will determine your car’s eligibility for sale through its age, aftermarket customizations, and other relevant factors. 

Autotrader, meanwhile, can only purchase cars in used or new condition. It also specifies conditions that might affect the eligibility of your vehicle for sale. These include the available market data, modification, title issues, and unresolved recalls.  

Fees

Selling your car to CarGurus or Autotrader through their instant cash offers is completely free of charge. 

If you’re looking to list your car to sell on their website, you might need to pay a $4.95 listing fee at CarGurus. At Autotrader, listing costs around $49.

Requesting Quotes

Requesting a quote with CarGurus is fairly easy. Just go to its website and navigate to its Sell My Car webpage. Then, enter your car’s Vehicle Identification Number, and if you don’t have it, the license plate number and state registration.

Once you click the Get Started button, the website will take you to another page where you can enter more details about your car, such as:

Mileage 

Condition

History

If you only provided your car’s license plate number, you’ll also need to enter the details on its trim, transmission, and color. To complete the online application, you will need to enter your email address. This allows CarGurus to contact you with their offer.

You can also sell your car to Autotrader by completing an online form. However, the company connects you to Kelly Blue Book to get an instant offer.

The process is pretty similar to CarGurus, as you will need to provide essential vehicle details, such as VIN, condition, and history. 

You’ll also need to provide your contact details, so Autotrader can connect you with local dealerships where you can claim their instant offer. 

Offer Validity

CarGurus offers are good for 7 days or additional 250 miles, while Autotrader offers are valid for up to 7 days or additional 50 miles. 

Payments Offered

CarGurus offers two payment options, which are check and bank transfer. Meanwhile, Autotrader pays in checks only.  

Payout

After completing the sale, CarGurus normally takes up to 2 business days to process payments. If you’re selling to an Autotrader, you can get the check payment within the same day. 

Car Pick-up

Only CarGurus offers free pick-up. You can schedule for their tow team to get your car once you accept their instant offer.

Physical Locations

Autotrader has physical stores across the country where you can sell your car. You can use their store locator to find one near you. CarGurus, on the other hand, doesn’t have any physical stores.  

Turnaround Time

Selling to CarGurus can take up to 3 days. This includes getting an instant offer, having your car picked up and waiting for payment. 

With Autotrader, car-selling typically takes up to 48 hours. Its process is quite faster since you schedule an appointment with one of their stores right after accepting an instant offer. 

Then, you can complete the sale during your appointment and get your payment before leaving their store. 

Customer Service

CarGurus has the following options to reach their customer service:

Autotrader’s customer service team is available through their hotline at 866-288-6872. You can also send them a message through their Facebook or Twitter accounts.

Reviews

CarGurus customers praised the company for its

Straightforward process

Zero charges when claiming instant offers

Several customer support channels

In contrast, the company received complaints from private sellers who claimed they were charged high fees for listing their cars on the platform.

Autotrader customers, meanwhile, like that they were able to get high offers for their vehicles. 

Some complaints mention listing fees as well, which Autotrader was able to address. In fact, the company was A+ accredited by the Better Business Bureau for its legit and reliable services.

CarGurus & Autotrader Alternatives

Peddle

Similar to CarGurus and Autotrader, Peddle is a car-buying company where you can get an instant offer for your vehicle. You only need to complete an online form on their website, providing details about your car. 

Compared to CarGurus and Autotrader, you can sell vehicles in any condition to Peddle, including damaged, non-running or junk vehicles.

Peddle will pick up the car within 48 hours free of charge and will pay you on the spot.

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

Wheelzy

Sites like Wheelzy offer a streamlined car-selling process that lets you skip local dealerships. You only need to complete their online application to request a quote, and once you’re okay with their offer, schedule a time for pick-up. 

Wheelzy makes the process hassle-free by working with local tow service partners. So, no matter where your car is, they’ll always have someone to pick it up and hand your check payment before towing your vehicle away.

And, unlike CarGurus and Autotrader, Wheelzy can purchase cars in most conditions, including junk and damaged. The only requirement they have is that your vehicle should not be older than the 1981 models, which is quite reasonable.

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

CarBrain

One of the best alternatives to CarGurus and Autotrader if you’re looking for a hassle-free way to sell your car, is CarBrain. Like Peddle, it buys cars in most conditions, letting you sell accident-damaged, wrecked, or even junk vehicles. 

Additionally, CarBrain offers free pick-up, like CarGurus, and will pay in check, like Autotrader. As for its customer ratings, the company boasts of 4.8 average at Trustpilot and 4.91 at the Better Business Bureau. 

Carvana

Carvana is one of the most reliable used car dealerships and, like CarGurus and Autotrader, offers a simplified, haggle-free car-selling process that includes an instant online quote. All you need to do is input basic information about your vehicle on their platform’s calculator.

Carvana also provides free pickup if your car is located within 100 miles of their hub, but beyond this range, you’ll have to shoulder the pickup cost.

Their unique selling proposition includes a no-obligation offer, giving you ample time – up to seven days or an additional 250 miles – to decide whether you want to accept the initial offer.

Carvana buys a wide range of vehicles, including those with salvage and rebuilt titles, as long as it’s in running condition and is no older than 1992.