How to Find The Best Company That Buy Cars: COMPLETE Guide
Searching for the right company that buys cars can be a daunting task. With so many options to choose from in the UK car market – both online and offline – it can often take hours, or even days, of researching before you have the confidence to make an informed decision about which business is best for you.
But fear not!
This comprehensive guide is here to help you every step of the way; providing insider information on what to look out for as well as useful tips and tricks on how to get top value for your car.
So, keep reading…
Why Sell Your Car Through a Car Buying Company?
Before we move on to the process of finding and selecting the best company that buys cars, let’s take a look at why it might be a better option than selling privately.
Time-Saving and Avoid Hassles
Selling your car privately can be a real drain on your time and energy, especially when you’re juggling a busy schedule. The process involves several tedious tasks, such as:
- Advertising the car
- Arranging and managing viewings
- Negotiating prices
Not to mention the time you’ll need to invest in preparing your vehicle to appeal to potential buyers. And let’s not forget the tyre kickers – individuals who show interest but ultimately have no real intention of purchasing.
If you don’t have car sales expertise, you may even end up selling your car for a lower price than it’s worth.
On the other hand, some car-buying companies offer a streamlined, hassle-free experience. All you need to do is provide the necessary details about your vehicle online, and you’ll receive an instant quote. If the quote aligns with your expectations, simply schedule a pickup. This service eliminates the time-consuming elements typically associated with private car sales, providing a much-needed convenience in our busy lives.
Get Paid Instantly
Think of your car as a cash reserve that you can tap into when necessary. When you collaborate with a car-buying company, your vehicle essentially becomes an instant source of cash. Whether your car is old, damaged, or simply no longer necessary, it holds value that you can capitalise on. These companies assess your vehicle fairly and offer you a quote based on current market rates.
With this quick and efficient option, you can convert your car into cash almost immediately. It’s a win-win situation: you get a no-hassle sale, immediate payment, and the company gets inventory.
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Resale Values
While it’s true that selling your car privately could yield a higher resale value if you’re an expert, have sufficient time, and are willing to invest significant effort, the reality is that many people simply don’t have the necessary expertise or time.
As a result, they often end up selling their vehicle for less than its market value.
Car-buying companies, on the other hand, typically offer competitive prices that may even surpass what you might receive from a private sale. Exchange My Car, for instance, has an established broad network of potential buyers, enabling them to match your vehicle with the right buyer who is willing to pay a fair price. As such, they can maximise the resale value of your car while still ensuring quick and convenient service.
No Need for Repairs
When selling a car privately, you may feel obligated to invest in fixing minor blemishes or mechanical issues to make the vehicle more appealing to potential buyers.
These repairs can be costly and time-consuming, with no guarantee of return on your investment.
Conversely, car buying companies typically purchase vehicles “as is,” meaning they accept your car in its current condition without requiring any repair work on your part. Whether you’re selling an old, damaged vehicle or a relatively new one that’s simply no longer needed, these companies make it easy to convert your car into cash.
5 Key Factors to Consider in a Car Buying Company
Now that we’ve taken a look at why selling your car to a company that buys cars is often the better option, let’s move on to finding one. To ensure you find the best car-buying service for your needs, here are some key factors you should consider:
1. Fair Price Evaluation
In your search for the optimal car-buying company, fair price evaluation stands as a crucial factor. A reputable company employs professional, experienced evaluators to estimate the value of your car, ensuring you receive a competitive, fair-market price. Even if your car is old or damaged, new or rare, the company should still be able to gauge its worth based on factors such as make, model, age, mileage, and condition.
A well-structured evaluation process will ensure that you’re not short-changed and you receive the worth your vehicle truly deserves.
Remember, a fair price doesn’t necessarily mean the highest price. Instead, it’s a price that reflects the real value of your car in the current market.
2. Free Car Pickup Service From Home
An additional aspect that greatly enhances the convenience of selling your car is the availability of a free car collection service. This service eliminates the need for you to transport your car to a dealer or buyer, which can be particularly practical as you won’t need to book a cab or ask for a lift to get home. However, not all car buying companies offer this advantageous service.
For instance, WeBuyAnyCar, despite having over 300 branches throughout the UK, does not provide home pickup. This not only requires you to commute to their nearest branch but also arrange for your return journey after handing over your car.
In contrast, car buyers like Exchange My Car (EMC) provide a free home pickup service, saving you considerable time and effort and making the process of selling your car significantly smoother and more convenient.
3. Free Instant Valuation
One of the standout services offered by many car buying companies, including Exchange My Car (EMC), is the promise of a free instant car valuation. This means you can get an idea of how much your car is worth in the market in a matter of seconds, without spending a penny.
At EMC, our sophisticated system is specifically designed to provide a competitive offer for your vehicle in just 30 seconds. We leverage our extensive and reputable network of car buyers across the UK to ensure that the valuation you receive is not just quick, but also fair and representative of your car’s real market value. This speedy and transparent service can greatly streamline your car-selling process. However, it’s important to note that not all companies deliver on this promise of expediency. Some may have a lengthy valuation process that can add unnecessary delay to your car-selling experience.
4. Quick Payment
When you decide to sell your car, the last thing you want is to spend weeks waiting for payment. To ensure a swift turnaround time and maximum convenience, look for companies that can pay you instantly once they have evaluated your car.
At EMC, we understand how important it is for our customers to receive their money without delay. That’s why we only partner with buyers who provide instant payment via bank for your car during the appointment. This means you can expect the agreed-upon amount to be processed immediately during completion of the sale.
It’s worth noting this in contrast to certain companies like WeBuyAnyCar, who typically complete payment within four working days post-sale. And if you prefer an instant payment with them, it would entail an additional fee.
Therefore, prioritising a car-buying service that offers quick, fee-less payments can significantly enhance your car selling experience.
5. Consideration of Fee or Charges
When selling your car, it’s essential to be mindful of potential fees or charges that may be incurred. Not all services involved in selling a car are free, and even seemingly small charges can accumulate and affect your overall profit.
For instance, private selling platforms or classified websites often charge a fee for listing your car. While this cost may seem minimal in isolation, it can add up, particularly if your car takes a long time to sell or if you’re listing on multiple websites.
Furthermore, as we highlighted earlier, some car buying companies impose additional charges for specific services. Take WeBuyAnyCar as an example; they charge an additional fee of £24.75 for next-day payment. Such charges can affect your net proceeds from the sale.
Therefore, before you commit to a car selling method or company, it’s crucial to thoroughly understand the fee structure and how it could impact your total earnings from the sale. Scrutinising not only the selling charges but also those linked to payment receipts could save you from hidden costs and give you a clearer picture of the actual value you stand to gain from the sale.
The Bottom Line
Selling your car should be a smooth and transparent process that leaves you feeling satisfied and confident in your decision.
By considering the factors mentioned above, you can ensure that you’re getting the best deal that is reflective of your car’s true market value.
Always remember to do thorough research and make sure the company you choose aligns with your needs and expectations for a seamless and efficient car-selling experience.
