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.
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.
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PrivateAuto vs CarsAndBids
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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.
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.
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PrivateAuto vs Classic Cars
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PrivateAuto vs Cars.com
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
You’ll need your vehicle title and other documentation. Have all the necessary paperwork handy, so you’re not scrambling to find it at the moment of completing a sale. Paperwork requirements are different from one state to another; fortunately, PrivateAuto prompts you to know which documents are required by your state.
2. Register on PrivateAuto and get verified
To make PrivateAuto a safe place for everyone, we require email, phone, and driver’s license verification, including facial recognition. Get started here.
3. List your car
Easily create your PrivateAuto listing with our step-by-step guide. Bonus: we include a window brochure with a QR code scannable to your listing.
4. Set your terms
It’s your car, so you drive the deal! You can control where, when, and who you meet. Decide whether to accept only ID-verified buyers or buyers with verified funds. Don’t waste your time with buyers who aren’t verified to your preference.
5. Vet incoming offers
Manage offers in one place with the ability to accept, reject, or counter offers within the app. Listing on multiple sites? Filter all communications through PrivateAuto by sharing your listing link on all platforms. Your personal info is protected: no more giving out your phone number or email address. All communication happens in our app.
6. Choose a buyer
When you find an offer you like, accept it and proceed to the next step with that buyer.
7. Schedule a test drive
The buyer will want to look at your car. No more back and forth texts. You never have to give out your phone number. Rather, use our handy scheduling feature to schedule test driving and coordinate a time and place for meeting. (Oh, and you’ll be able to finalize the transaction instantly at the first meeting, FYI.)
8. E-sign documents
After the buyer is satisfied with your car and the two of you have agreed on a purchase price, you can easily e-sign the Bill of Sale within our app, from your phone. With our shared documents feature, you can easily locate the paperwork needed after the sale.
9. Get paid, instantly
Before PrivateAuto, receiving funds was the most stressful part of the entire selling process, especially for any used car sale over $5,000. There just aren’t a lot of good ways to move large amounts of money quickly and conveniently. Those days are over! Verify and receive funds instantaneously with PrivateAuto Pay, our innovative banking integration. Guaranteed funds for transactions large and small. PrivateAuto even allows buyers to apply for financing within our app; if approved, they show as having verified funds.
10. Transfer title
When you sell your vehicle, fill out the necessary information on the back of the title transfer form and sign the vehicle title in order to transfer ownership of the vehicle to the new owner.
11. Cancel Insurance
You don't want to pay for insurance on a car you no longer own, so be sure to remove the sold vehicle from your insurance plan.
How to Sell My Used Car in Each State?
Different states have different requirements when it comes to issues such as:
That’s why we’ve created a specific guide to selling your car in each state. Click on your state below to learn more.
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Whether to leave license plates on the car or remove them
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Whether a bill of sale is required or not
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Whether an inspection is required or not
That’s why we’ve created a specific guide to selling your car in each state. Click on your state below to learn more.
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.
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.