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Best Way to Sell a Car in Texas
Peddle
Get a legit offer in minutes – provide VIN, mileage and condition
$0 fees + you don’t have to pay for towing – Peddle will take care of it
Get paid in check during the pick up for any car (damaged, junk, wrecked)
Wheelzy
Quick car evaluation without the hassle – sell your car within 30 min
Choose a convenient date and time for free pick-up, as soon as next day
Get cash in hand the same day the Wheelzy agent picks up your car
CarBrain
Get an offer within 2 minutes and sell your damaged car within 24 hours
Free vehicle towing and no fees to getting rid of your damaged car
The tow truck driver will arrive with your check (nationwide service)
How to Sell a Car in Texas?
There are three main ways to sell your car in Texas:
Jump to: Sell Car Privately
Jump to: Sell Car to Car Buying Website
Jump to: Sell Car to Dealership
TurnaroudEffort NeededBest ForPrivately52 days (on average)Multiple stepsUsed carsCar Buying Website1-2 daysFill online formOld and junk carsDealership5-7 daysVisit officeNewer cars
Sell Car Privately in Texas
Requirements to Sell a Car in Texas
Certificate of Title
Odometer Reading
Emissions Test
Bill of Sale
Your Signature
Signature of any Lienholder(s)
Signature of the Buyer
Step 1: Check Insurance
By Texas law, you must have your car insured when you sell it. Moreover, it’s your responsibility to provide insurance for the first 30 days after the date of sale.
Now, if you regularly drive your car, you’ll most likely have insurance already. But if you haven’t driven a car that often, or just don’t have it insured, make sure you do it before selling.
Step 2: Decide Where to Sell
Another important thing to decide the most optimal place to advertise your vehicle listing. Sure, you’ll reach more potential buyers by advertising your car listing nationwide. But on the other hand, you won’t have to worry about buyers not being able to travel far distances when you sell your car locally.
However, it really comes down to your preferences and how far you’re willing to travel in order to complete the sale. Here’s the list of the best platforms for private sale:
Step 3: Let the Buyer Inspect the Car
No matter where you’ll list your car, most shoppers would want to inspect the vehicle before buying it. And while some people will just take a superficial look at your car, others might request an inspection by a qualified and licensed auto mechanic.
But don’t worry about the financial side as buyers pay for this inspection. You and the potential buyer just have to agree where and where the inspection will be held. And in case the inspection finds any issues with your car, it’s a good idea to offer either a fix or a discount.
Step 4: Sign the Back of the Title
Once the interested party decides to buy your vehicle, it’s time to start the process of transferring ownership. Doing this is quite simple – you should sign, date, and enter the vehicle’s odometer reading on the back of the title.
Don’t forget that title is a legal document and you should do your best to write clearly and avoid making any mistakes since errors can void the document.
So how do you sign over a car title in Texas?
Signing the car title in Texas is easy. Simply file an Application for a Certified Copy of Title and follow the Texas DMV instructions.
Step 5: Sign the Buyer’s Application for Title
After you successfully submitted the vehicle transfer notification, you’ll need to sign the buyer’s application for title (Form 130-U) and write in the sales price.
Remember, the buyer has to title the vehicle in their name within 30 days of the sale and they require your signature to successfully complete this procedure.
Step 6: Take off Your Plates
Once the sale is complete, you should remove your license plates. You can either keep them or transfer them to another vehicle, but because of your own safety, never let the buyer leave with your license plates.
Step 7: Remove Your Registration Window Sticker
Next, you should also remove the registration sticker that is on the inside of the windshield. You might need a razor blade and some elbow grease to easily remove the sticker.
Step 8: Secure the Payment
When you accept the payment, make sure you choose the safe way and protect yourself from any type of risk.
It might be tempting to make the buyer’s life easier and agree on his/her suggested payment option. However, you’re at great risk of not getting your money if you agree on accepting a personal check, or other types of payment.
Note that the most optimal options of getting the payment include accepting cash, cashier’s check, or money order.
Step 9: Transfer the Title
By now, the documents are signed and all of your identification removed from the vehicle. So all there’s left to do is to accompany the buyer to the local country tax office to transfer the title and therefore, finalize the transaction.
Alternatively, if you can’t accompany the buyer, you can file a vehicle transfer notification. After you file the vehicle transfer notification, the Texas state DMV will update its records and show the vehicle as sold. Once this is done, you won’t be held responsible for tickets or other serious violations the new owner may have conducted anymore.
Reminder: This must be done within 30 days after the vehicle has been sold. Also, don’t forget that you need to have active insurance (as explained in step 1).
Sell Car to Car Buying Website in Texas
![selling car to car buying website in massachusetts](https://www.dollarbreak.com/wp-content/uploads/selling-car-to-car-buying-website-in-massachusetts.png)
Selling your car to car buying websites like Peddle, CarBrain and Wheelzy saves you time and money.
Peddle
Peddle Summary
Sell used, damaged or junk car nationwideGet instant quote on (855) 925 4302Free towing within 48 hours after offerReceive payment upon car collection
Peddle is a car buying platform that makes it convenient to sell your vehicle. You can either submit your application online or call Peddle at (855) 925 4302 to get an instant offer for your car.
Let’s take a look at the 4-step process of selling your car to Peddle:
StepsProcessStep 1: Provide Details About Your CarYou’ll need to provide details like your car’s make, model and year, the current condition, and VIN number. This information is crucial so you get the best price for your car.Step 2: Review Your Instant OfferAfter receiving an offer within seconds of submitting an application, you have an option to accept it, or reject – there’s no obligation.Step 3: Arrange CollectionIf you accepted the offer, you should schedule a convenient time for Peddle agents to pick your car up.Step 4: Receive Your PaymentAfter the agents will visually inspect your car to verify its condition, they will hand you the check. On the other hand, they will leave with your car, keys, and documents.
Here’s the list of car conditions Peddle accepts:
Cars with water damage
Non-running cars
Accident damaged cars
Older vehicles
Junk cars
Overall, Peddle is the best option to sell your car to in the following cases:
Wheelzy
Wheelzy Summary
Wheelzy stores are open 7 days a weekGet offer in minutes – (855) 510-1108Free towing of your car from your locationInstant payment via cash or check
If you want to sell a car in Texas Wheelzy is one of the best options to consider. This company buys cars in all conditions, including non-running cars, vehicles with mechanical issues or body damage.
Like Peddle, Wheelzy will also give you a free quick quote through its website.
Other benefits of considering Wheelzy include the following:
Free car pick-up service
Same-day payment
No fees
No expiry date on the price offer
CarBrain
CarBrain Summary
Call for a free quote – (844) 407-2200Get cash for your car in under 48 hoursCarBrain buys cars in over 7 conditionsUp to 7 days to accept CarBrain’s offer
CarBrain is a nationwide company that will buy your not-so-perfect car (including damaged, non-running, and junk) directly.
As soon as you submit the online application, CarBrain will review your request and contact you with an offer within a few minutes. If you like the CarBrain offer, you should accept it within 7 days. And once you accept it, the CarBrain representative will schedule the pick-up time to take your car and hand you your check.
CarBrain would typically pay you and takes your car within 24 to 48 hours after your initial application.
Carvana
Carvana Summary
Get an online quote within 2 minutesFree pickup wtihin 100 miles of a hubOffer valid for 7 days or 250 more milesHaggle-free process to sell your car
Carvana is another company that can buy your car in Texas. This company has been buying used cars since 2012 and is well trusted car-buying service.
Requirements to sell the car to Carvana:
Cars 1992 or newer
Working odometer
In running condition
No excessive damage
To get an offer form, Carvana fill out an online form and provide your car’s license plate number or VIN.
The company will send you a cash offer which will be valid for 7 days or additional 250 miles. If you accept the offer, Carvana will pickup up the car from your specified location for free if it’s within 100 miles of one of their hubs.
Carvana will pay you by check at the time of the car’s pickup and inspection.
CarGurus
CarGurus Summary
Receive payment within 3 working daysFind out the market value of your carList your car for sale in under 5 minutesUp to $75,000 in protection for your sale
CarGurus lets you sell car to a private buyer or get an offer from one of their dealers.
To get an offer, provide your car’s VIN or license plate number. You will get an instant cash offer, and after you accept, if CarGurus representative will arrive to pick up the car free of charge.
CarGurus offer will be valid for 7 days, and you will be paid at the time of the car’s pickup.
CarMax
CarMax Summary
Instant online offer in under 2 minutesOnline offer is valid for up to 7 days2 options for selling – online or in-storeGet paid within 30 minutes on the spot
CarMax is one of the largest used car retailers in the United States, that provides a written offer for your vehicle. So whether you’re upgrading your car or just getting rid of your older one, CarMax will directly buy it from you.
The company provides a free, no-obligation appraisal that you can accept within 7 days of receiving a quote. And if you accept the offer, the company representatives will come to pick up your car and hand you the check.
Sell Car to Dealership
![selling car to dealership in massachusetts](https://www.dollarbreak.com/wp-content/uploads/selling-car-to-dealership-in-massachusetts.png)
Many people prefer to sell their cars to dealerships because they often provide competitive offers. Before buying your car, dealerships usually perform a detailed inspection and then give a price quote considering the car’s condition, brand, model, and mileage.
Keep in mind that the quotes from different dealers might differ from the car’s initial retail price. If you agree to their quote, you are expected to bring the car to the dealership to complete the sale and receive your payment.
How to Sell a Car to a Dealership in Texas?
Selling a car to a dealership in Texas involves several steps to ensure a smooth and legally compliant transaction:
Prepare Your Vehicle: Clean the car and gather maintenance records.
Determine the Value: Use tools like Kelley Blue Book to estimate the car’s value.
Gather Necessary Documents: This includes the title, photo ID, vehicle registration, and loan payoff information (if applicable).
Visit Multiple Dealerships: Get quotes from several dealerships to compare offers.
Negotiate the Offer: Be ready to negotiate for a better price.
Complete the Sale: Sign the necessary paperwork, like the title and bill of sale.
Handle the Title Transfer: Notify the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) of the sale.
Consider Tax Implications: You may be eligible for a tax credit if you buy a new car within 30 days of the sale.
Cancel Your Insurance: Adjust or cancel your car insurance policy after the sale.
Best Dealerships in Texas
Texas is home to many well-known automobile dealerships, representing a wide range of car brands. Here are some well-known dealerships in Texas:
Gunn Automotive Group: Located in San Antonio, Gunn Automotive Group offers various brands, including Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Acura.
AutoNation: AutoNation has numerous locations throughout Texas and sells various car brands, such as Ford, Toyota, Honda, and more.
Sewell Automotive Companies: With dealerships in Dallas, Fort Worth, and Houston, Sewell Automotive sells luxury brands like Audi, BMW, Lexus, and Cadillac.
Classic Chevrolet: Based in Grapevine, Classic Chevrolet is one of the largest Chevrolet dealerships in the United States.
Covert Auto Group: Serving the Austin area, Covert Auto Group offers a range of brands, including Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac.
Helfman Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Fiat: Located in the Houston area, Helfman offers a wide selection of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and Fiat vehicles.
West Houston Subaru: This dealership specializes in Subaru vehicles and is located in the Houston area.
Park Place Dealerships: With locations in Dallas, Fort Worth, and Houston, Park Place sells luxury brands like Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Porsche, and more.
Southwest Kia: Southwest Kia has several locations throughout Texas and offers a range of Kia vehicles.
Planet Ford: Planet Ford has multiple locations in the Houston area and specializes in Ford vehicles.
People Also Asked
What Documents Do You Need to Sell a Car in Texas?
To avoid any types of inconveniences, you have to comply with car selling rules in Texas when you’re selling your vehicle.
Following documents are needed to comply with Texas rules for selling cars:
A signed title that includes the date of sale and odometer reading.
Signed Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U) that clearly shows the sales price.
In addition, keep detailed written records of any transaction, including:
Buyer’s contact information
Date of sale
Vehicle information, including the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN code)
As mentioned above, when you’re selling your car in Texas, you’re required to transfer your title in the buyer’s name. And you have to do this within 30 days from the date of sale.
What Happens if You Fail to Properly Transfer a Vehicle Title?
Failing to properly transfer a vehicle into the buyer’s name can result in you being held responsible for tickets, toll violations, or even crimes associated with the vehicle. For sure, you don’t want that. To avoid any inconveniences, accompany the buyer to your country tax office and ensure that he files the vehicle title application.
On the other hand, this rule is slightly different if you’re selling or trading-in your car to a local licensed motor vehicle dealer. In this case, you’re not required to title your car in the dealership’s name, rather it stays in your name until someone buys it, which may take months.
However, you still need to protect yourself and you can do so by filing a Vehicle Transfer Notification. And when the Texas Department of Motor Vehicle (TxDMV) receives your vehicle transfer notification, they will update the vehicle record showing your vehicle as sold.
When you file the vehicle transfer notification within 30 days from the date of sale, you’ll no longer be responsible for any tickets, toll violations, or crimes committed with your vehicle.
Can You Sell a Vehicle in Texas Without the Title?
A car title is the most important document in a car sale because it’s the certificate confirming the ownership status of the vehicle. However, there might be a range of reasons when you don’t have a title and you still want to sell your car.
If this is the case, you’re probably wondering if you can sell a car without registration in Texas.
Let me break down a few things to sell your car in Texas if you have no title at hand.
Texas State Title Regulations
According to the Texas state title regulations, selling a car without a title is illegal. Texas law requires you to present an official title when you’re selling any type of vehicle.
Knowing this information you might be thinking about how to get a title for your vehicle that you legitimately own? That highly depends on the reason why you have no title. Let’s take a look at the 2 most common reasons you might not have a title and what to do.
What to Do if You Lose Your Title
It’s not a big deal if you’ve lost your car title. In this case, you simply have to apply for a new one at the Texas DMV website, or in-person.
What to Do if the Bank Has Your Title
When you take out a loan on your car, banks take the title of the vehicle until you pay off your debt. But there’s an easy way out of this situation.
You can work with the bank and the buyer to transfer the title. Typically, the buyer’s money would pay off the rest of your loan in the bank, so there’s no reason for the bank not to give you the title to transfer it to your buyer. Alternatively, to avoid any complications, the bank may give the title directly to the buyer.
Sell Your Used or Damaged Car to Peddle without a Title
As a car buying platform, Peddle purchases cars in any condition, even if you don’t have a title. You just simply have to mark “I do not have a title” in your online application and the company will automatically calculate the offer for you.
How to Protect Yourself When Selling Your Car in Texas?
Chances are, you could take traffic tickets or get accused of crimes committed by a new owner of your old car. However, if you take proper steps, you can protect yourself from liability after selling your car in Texas.
So here are the actionable steps you have to take:
Don’t forget to file a vehicle transfer notification – Form 130-U
Make sure to remove your license plates before the buyer takes the car
Confirm the buyer has a valid driver’s license
Remove any identifying marks from your car that may be pointing to you (or your business)
Never rely on buyers or car dealerships to file vehicle transfer notification for you
If you take all of these steps into consideration, you won’t have to worry about getting in any type of trouble.
Do I keep my plates when selling a car in texas?
Yes, according to Texas state law, the license plate stays with you after you sell your car. Moreover, you can transfer your plate to another vehicle.
Do I remove my registration sticker after selling a car in texas?
Yes, you should remove a registration sticker, since the new one will be provided to the new owner.
Can I transfer a vehicle title online in texas?
Absolutely. But remember, that this must be done within 30 days of sale.