Companies that buy cars – the ultimate guide
With so many companies that buy cars, the hard choice is how to pick the right buyer. Even for car experts, finding the right business to buy a car can be an enormous challenge. So just who will buy your car?
At Motorway, you can sell your car and get a great price. We’ll find your best offer from our nationwide network of 5,000+ verified dealers, but it’s not the only way.
Different kinds of companies that buy cars explained:
There are various ways to sell. But ultimately as a seller you want to sell your car quickly and conveniently. To help you pick the best option, this guide will be looking at:.
- Local or franchised dealers
- Car dealerships that buy cars
- Independent car dealerships
- Franchises car dealerships
- Instant car buying companies
- Scappage schemes
- Companies that buy cars for scrap
Let’s explore the options in more detail…
Car dealerships that buy cars
Car dealerships have been the automatic go-to option for decades. There are two types: independent local car dealerships, and franchised or chain dealerships.
Motorway works with both. Our nationwide network of 5,000+ verified dealers compete to give you the highest offer. It’s a quick, convenient way to sell your car to a dealer.
Independent car dealerships
Local car dealerships have been a popular way of selling your car for decades. However, there are several things to consider when selling this way.
With a lack of transparency, dealers seem to know everything about your car, and you know nothing about the service they offer.
It’s an old cliche, but car dealers have a reputation for being untrustworthy. Sellers often worry about getting ripped off. Will the dealer buy your car for far below its true market value, only to sell it as soon as possible for a much higher price?
Franchised car dealerships
Unlike their independent counterparts, franchised car dealerships often have more financial power.
Their direct links to the car manufacturers mean they have a better reputation than the independents. They buy the cars from the public that they think they can sell for more. They can also offer you a financial incentive to buy a new car as a part exchange.
However, they also have a reputational problem with transparency and trustworthiness. Once they buy your car, there’s little information given to the seller about how much they sell it for.
Just like the independent dealerships, there are numerous things to consider before selling your car to a franchised dealer.
Online companies who buy cars
Many of the fastest-growing companies are online car buying sites of various kinds. These companies have made a significant impact on the used car market.
WeBuyAnyCar was the first nationwide online car buyer, launching in 2006.
Since then other online car buyers have joined the market including: WeWantAnyCar, The Car Buying Group and Best Car Buyer.
All offer a quick and relatively hassle-free service. If you want money for your car quickly, they can help.
If you’re thinking of selling your car online, Motorway works directly with verified dealers to get the best deals for our customers.
Companies that buy cars for scrap
Does your car have significant damage that would cost more than it’s worth to repair? Or maybe it’s been labelled a Category D write off by your insurance company? Is it nearly worthless on the second-hand car market?
If any of the above questions ring true, then companies that buy cars for scrap may be your best solution. They offer a quick and easy way of getting your car scrapped.
It may not be the most profitable, and you may be able to get more if you sold your car as parts. However, this can take time and isn’t convenient for everyone. Companies who buy cars for scrap, like Motorway’s partner CarTakeBack, offer an easy solution.
Car scrappage schemes
Car scrappage schemes provide another way for people looking to upgrade their cars. These schemes are often initiated by either governments or car manufacturers, to fight falling sales figures but also for many other reasons including to get polluting cars off our roads .
Fears about high levels of air pollution, resulted in diesel prices falling dramatically several years ago approaching the electric switchover announced for 2035.
With the UK government taking steps to reduce NO2 pollution and improve air quality, many diesel drivers were unsure over what to do with their vehicles. Many diesel drivers discovered the value of their cars had been reduced significantly.
As a response to the market trend, several car manufacturers quickly launched new scrappage schemes. These aim to encourage drivers to trade in their old cars, and get money off a new one.
For those worried about the declining value of their cars, these offer a possible solution.
Some of these schemes have now come to an end. However, there are still several schemes available. Check out our full guide to scrappage schemes here.
Is it time to sell your car?
Want to learn more about owning, maintaining, and selling your car? Check out more of our guides here, covering everything from finding buyers, to negotiating a good price, and completing payment safely.