If you’re wondering how to sell a used car, you may be weighing between opting for selling a car through a private sale or using an online platform. In this blog we’ll outline the pros and cons of each method, grounded in recent statistics, and highlight what makes an online service like The Car Trackers a fast, convenient, reliable alternative. Whether searching for a used car sale near me or seeking the best way to sell a vehicle, this guide will help you decide.
The Private Sale Route – Benefits and Challenges
Control and Pricing
Selling privately gives you full control over price-you set the asking price. However, it often requires face‑to‑face meetings, negotiating with strangers, and handling paperwork yourself.
Effort and Exposure
You’re responsible for advertising, meeting buyers, screening inquiries. Many private sellers use local classified ads or social media (e.g. “used car sale near me”) but face high effort and spam. As one Redditor put it:
“Setting up an ad is a hassle … the lowballers come out in full force. … messages offering half … as if my car is worth nothing.”
Trust Issues & Paperwork
Private buyers may distrust condition claims. Some regions now propose mandatory road‑worthy certificates for private sales to combat scams.
Online Platforms & Services – What You Get
Market Reach and Research Trends
Online channels dominate today’s car‑selling process. Globally, online used‑car sales grew by over 25% between 2020 and 2023, now composing about 30% of transactions. Over 95% of buyers begin their search online, and more than 70% compare prices across third‑party platforms.
Convenience and Transparency
Online services offer virtual appraisal and paperwork. Carvana and CarMax each sold hundreds of thousands of vehicles online: Carvana ~412,000 in 2022; CarMax ~807,000 in FY2023.
Finance and Pricing Information
Platforms reduce information asymmetry: vehicle history reports, real‑time market pricing, certified pre‑owned options. Dealers using this data improve margins by up to 2%.
Comparing Private Sale vs Online Services
When comparing private sale vs. online services, several key differences stand out. In terms of convenience, private sales typically involve significant time and effort—meeting buyers, creating listings, and negotiating—whereas online platforms like The Car Trackers offer a simple video call from the comfort of your home. The cost to list is another factor; private listings may come with ad fees, while online services often provide a free quote and sell car free offers. When it comes to speed, private sales can take weeks or even months, while online platforms provide quick offers and seamless pickup scheduling. Security is also a major concern—private transactions carry a higher risk of fraud and trust issues, while professional services use licensed appraisers and documented offers. Lastly, the offer accuracy in private sales is often based on guesswork or vague estimates, whereas online services rely on market data to deliver fair, competitive pricing.
Why The Car Trackers Video Appraisal Excels
The Process Made Simple
- Submit your vehicle info online.
- Join a 10‑minute video call with a licensed appraiser.
- Walk around your vehicle via smartphone—show condition.
- Get paid instantly when we pick up the car.
Cost‑Free, No Obligation
Your virtual appraisal is completely free and you are under no obligation to accept if you’re not satisfied with the offer.
Faster and More Secure
Offers are often up to $1,000 higher than dealership offers because The Car Trackers operates with low overhead. Final same‑day payment occurs via wire or certified check at pickup, and all paperwork is handled by our team.
Learn more: How to Get the Best Price Selling Your Car Yourself
Nationwide Coverage (No matter your Year, Make, or Model)
Whether you search used car sale near me or located in a smaller city, our licensed appraisers can assess your vehicle anywhere you have a network—at home, work, or on location.
Industry Trends and Context (with Stats)
- The global online used‑car trading market reached ~$60 billion in 2024, projected to grow to $105.5 billion by 2033 (CAGR ~6.1%).
- In the U.S., nearly 60% of used car purchases involve first‑time buyers. Over 70% of used cars sold by dealerships, but online channels are the fastest‑growing.
- In markets like Australia and UK, 45–52% of buyers start and sometimes complete their purchase online.
- Marketing and video tools matter: about 75% of auto buyers use online research prior to dealership visits and 80% compare prices on mobile devices.
Pros and Cons Recap
Private Sale
Pros: Full control over the price, no middleman.
Cons: Time‑consuming, higher risk of scams, paperwork and face‑to‑face interactions.
Online / Car Trackers
Pros: Free appraisal, instant offers, professional appraisal, no obligation, same-day payment, secure.
Cons: Less personal negotiation, but data‑driven offers remove guesswork.
Which Is the Best Way to Sell a Vehicle?
If you prefer to sell car free, with minimal hassle, fast and reliable payment, and a secure process—even if you can’t drive to the dealership—then using a video appraisal service from The Car Trackers is clearly the best way to sell a vehicle today.
Private sale may work if you want full control and don’t mind extra time or effort—but statistical trends show online platforms dominate and continue growing fast.
Ready to skip the high‑pressure dealership visits? See how to sell a used car the modern way—book your free 10‑minute video appraisal with The Car Trackers now and get your instant offer, then arrange pickup and payment on the same day.
FAQ:
Is there any cost or obligation to get an offer?
No — our video appraisal is completely free, and you’re not obligated to accept the offer.
What happens after I accept the offer?
You’ll receive a purchase agreement. After signing, we schedule vehicle pickup, handle DMV paperwork, and pay you via same-day wire at pickup.
Do you buy all makes, models and years?
Yes The Car Trackers buy all Year, Make & Models, no matter the location.
CONCLUSION:
Deciding between a private sale and an online platform hinges on your priorities. While private sales offer control, they come with effort and potential risk. By contrast, online services—especially video appraisal models like The Car Trackers deliver convenience, transparency, and competitive offers quickly and securely. For most sellers seeking to know how to sell car efficiently, this is the superior choice.
