Companies That Buy Cars: Your Options Compared

Summary

• Quick and easy: Online car buying services offer convenience but typically pay 10-20% less than private sale value.
• Dealers vary: Some match online services, others offer more. Always get multiple quotes.
• Know your value: Check your car's market value before getting quotes so you know if offers are fair.

Need to sell your car quickly? Don't want the hassle of private buyers? There are companies that will buy your car directly - but how much will you actually get?

This guide compares the different types of car buying companies, what they typically pay, and helps you choose the right option.

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Online Car Buying Services

These companies provide instant online valuations and buy cars directly from owners. They're the fastest option but rarely pay top prices.

How They Work

1. Enter your car details online
2. Get an instant valuation
3. Book an appointment or arrange collection
4. They inspect the car
5. Receive payment (usually same day)

Major Online Car Buyers

Company	Pros	Cons
WeBuyAnyCar	Largest network of branches, quick process	Final price often lower than online quote
Motorway	Dealers bid on your car, potentially higher prices	Dealer collects, may take longer
Cazoo	Home collection available, simple process	Not all cars accepted
cinch	Part of major dealer group, reliable	Prices can be conservative
Arnold Clark Buy	Large dealer network, collection available	Regional focus

What to Expect on Price

Online car buyers typically offer:

• 10-20% below what you'd get selling privately
• Similar to or slightly below dealer trade-in
• Final offer may be lower than online quote after inspection

Tip: Get quotes from at least 3-4 services. Prices can vary by hundreds or even thousands of pounds.

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Car Dealerships

Most car dealerships buy used cars, even if you're not buying from them.

Franchise Dealerships

Official brand dealerships (Ford, BMW, etc.) often buy used cars:

• May pay more for their own brand (e.g., BMW dealer paying more for a BMW)
• Quality of offer depends on the individual dealer
• Often looking for specific stock they can resell

Independent Dealers

Non-franchise dealers buy and sell used cars:

• May offer competitive prices for desirable cars
• Often more flexible on condition and age
• Smaller overheads can mean better offers

Supermarket Car Dealers

Large used car supermarkets (like Big Motoring World, Carzam) buy at scale:

• Quick valuations and purchases
• May offer home collection
• Prices typically similar to online services

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Auction Houses

Car auctions sell vehicles to trade buyers (dealers). They're less common for private sellers but can work for certain cars.

How It Works

• You enter your car for auction
• Dealers bid on it
• You pay fees (entry fee + percentage of sale price)

Major Auction Houses

• BCA (British Car Auctions)
• Manheim
• G3 Remarketing

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Competitive bidding can drive up price	Fees reduce your take-home amount
Good for unusual or high-value cars	No guarantee of sale
Quick sale if it sells	Reserve price might not be met

Auctions work best for desirable cars that will attract dealer interest. Common everyday cars may not fetch good prices.

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Scrap and Salvage Buyers

If your car isn't worth repairing or has major issues, scrap dealers are an option.

Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs)

Licensed scrap dealers who legally dispose of end-of-life vehicles:

• Issue a Certificate of Destruction
• Handle DVLA notification
• Often collect for free
• Pay based on scrap metal value

What You'll Get

Scrap value depends on:

• Weight of the vehicle
• Current metal prices
• Typically £100-400 for a standard car

See our car scrappage schemes guide for more details.

Salvage Buyers

Some companies buy damaged or non-running cars that have more value than just scrap:

• Cars with salvageable parts
• Repairable write-offs
• May pay more than pure scrap value

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Comparison: What Can You Expect?

Method	Typical Price vs. Private Sale	Speed	Hassle
Private sale	100% (baseline)	Weeks	High
Dealer trade-in	80-90%	Immediate	Low
Online car buyer	80-90%	Days	Very low
Auction	Variable (minus fees)	1-2 weeks	Medium
Scrap dealer	Scrap value only	Days	Very low

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How to Get the Best Price

1. Know your car's value: Check valuations before approaching any buyer
2. Get multiple quotes: Prices vary significantly between companies
3. Be honest about condition: Lies get discovered at inspection and reduce the offer
4. Time it right: March and September (plate change months) can mean better prices
5. Present well: A clean car photographs better and impresses at inspection

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Common Questions

• Why is the final offer lower than the online quote?
  Online quotes are based on what you tell them. At inspection, they'll find issues you didn't mention or didn't know about. Be accurate online to avoid surprises.
• Can I sell a car with finance owing?
  Yes, but the finance must be settled. Most car buying companies can arrange this - the outstanding amount is deducted from your payment.
• Do I need an MOT?
  Not necessarily, but cars with MOT are worth more. See our selling without MOT guide.
• How quickly do they pay?
  Most pay same day or within a few days by bank transfer. Cash is rare for larger amounts.
• What paperwork do I need?
  V5C logbook, all keys, MOT certificate (if applicable), and service history. See our V5C guide.

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Final Thoughts

Companies that buy cars offer convenience at the cost of getting slightly less money. For many people, the speed and simplicity are worth the trade-off.

The key is getting multiple quotes. Prices vary significantly, and a few minutes of comparison can mean hundreds of pounds extra in your pocket.

Know your car's value, be honest about its condition, and choose the option that best balances price and convenience for your situation.

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