PrivateAuto vs the Competition
We’ve created the world’s first end-to-end platform that streamlines every aspect of the private vehicle transaction process. Let’s compare how we stack up against the leading vehicle marketplaces, auction sites, and online dealers.
PrivateAuto vs Auction Sites
Auction sites provide a valuable service by connecting a vehicle buyer and seller directly to one another. Unfortunately, many of them lack the infrastructure to see a transaction all the way through.
Where PrivateAuto provides in-app messaging, financing, and a payment gateway, most auction sites leave buyer and seller to figure out payments and other details on their own, outside of the auction site.
- PrivateAuto vs Bring a Trailer
- PrivateAuto vs CarsAndBids
- PrivateAuto vs eBay Motors
PrivateAuto vs Marketplaces
The proliferation of used vehicle marketplaces speaks to the advantages of private vehicle transactions over the dealership model.
Most online car marketplaces function similarly: they allow a seller to create a listing, and a buyer to buy the listed vehicle. What they don’t provide are all the other functionalities that make a transaction easy.
That’s where PrivateAuto comes in. Similarly to other marketplaces, we feature used vehicle listings—but go far beyond. Our tech stack includes in-app messaging and scheduling, financing, an instantaneous payment gateway, and much more. We lubricate every aspect of a used car transaction so that buyers and sellers avoid friction and have a safe and convenient experience.
- PrivateAuto vs CarGurus
- PrivateAuto vs KSL
- PrivateAuto vs Classic Cars
- PrivateAuto vs Cars.com
- PrivateAuto vs Craigslist
Selling Your Car Privately with PrivateAuto
Thinking about selling your car privately? We provide the easiest, safest, and the only self-service way to sell your car privately. The sales process consists of a few simple steps:
1. Gather necessary documentation
2. Register on PrivateAuto and get verified
3. List your car
4. Set your terms
5. Vet incoming offers
6. Choose a buyer
7. Schedule a test drive
8. E-sign documents
9. Get paid, instantly
10. Transfer title
11. Cancel Insurance
How to Sell My Used Car in Each State?
Different states have different requirements when it comes to issues such as:
PrivateAuto FAQ
How does PrivateAuto vet buyers and sellers?
Both buyers and sellers get verified using the latest facial recognition technology to create a safe experience. Buyers must provide drivers license information, an email address, and a phone number. This personal information is hidden from other buyers and sellers and is only used to verify the user’s identity.
Sellers must enter the VIN for the vehicle and create a profile before listing. A VIN is critical to investigating the ownership of a vehicle and determining whether the title is clean. Buyers and sellers can enjoy peace of mind on PrivateAuto knowing that both parties have been thoroughly vetted.
How secure is the PrivateAuto Pay feature?
Typical private-party used car sales require handling a large amount of cash or processing a cashier’s check.
Cash can be stolen, and cashier’s checks can be falsified. Cashier’s checks may appear legitimate, even after being deposited, only to be exposed weeks later after you’ve already signed over your vehicle.
Direct banking is a safer alternative to give both parties peace of mind.
PrivateAuto Pay is a direct banking integration that ensures payments are safely transferred without the risks associated with cash or cashier’s check sales. Payment information is also hidden from the seller, so a buyer doesn’t need to be concerned with bank information theft.
Who pays sales tax on a used car transaction?
In a state that charges sales tax—and most states do—the buyer will pay sales tax on the purchase of a used car, according to the state’s tax rate. The buyer may also pay additional taxes and fees as well. See our complete guide to used car sales tax for more info.
Is selling your car online a good idea?
Yes, selling your car online is a good idea. PrivateAuto connects you directly with private buyers while protecting your contact info. We give you a convenient and easy solution for selling your used car and getting top dollar.
Why are private vehicle sales better?
You can sell your used car to a private individual and make more money on the sale. A dealer can offer you a trade-in value or instant cash offer, but these are almost never as much as you can make in a private sale. Whether you’re selling the latest luxury vehicle or an old car with maintenance issues, you’ll almost always earn more in private sales.
Buying a used vehicle from a private party also has some benefits. Dealers not only charge dealer fees but they can be pushy and difficult to negotiate with. Whereas, an individual may be more flexible on pricing or more friendly when discussing the details of the vehicle. Because a private seller is often the individual who drove the car frequently, this seller may know more about the vehicle than a dealer.
Do I need a bill of sale if I have the title?
Some states require a bill of sale, while others don’t. On a more granular level, many states have specific counties that require a bill of sale, while others don’t. Whether required or not, a bill of sale is always a good idea, as it shows proof that a transaction occurred and can protect you.
When you buy or sell a car via PrivateAuto, we always generate an electronic bill of sale that buyer and seller electronically sign via our mobile app.