How It Works

Center

Find cars in your area and safely communicate with the seller without sharing your personal contact information. Submit and keep track of your offers and communications all in one place

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Search and offer

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Have more confidence in private sellers with PrivateAuto. Each seller is required to verify their identity to ensure a safer experience for everyone. With our integrated Autocheck Vehicle History reports, you can be confident with any purchase.

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Know your sellers

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Eliminate the back and forth texting and see the location and times available. Easily schedule a time with a click of a button!

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Schedule Test Drives

Apply and receive financing all within the app. Approved funds get transferred instantly to the seller from your PrivateAuto Pay account.

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Integrated Financing Option

When you and the seller have come to an agreement and are ready to close the deal, the Bill of Sale and all other required state documents can be easily e-signed by both parties for a smooth and easy transfer of ownership.

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Sign documents

Send up to $250,000 instantly with PrivateAuto Pay, our innovative banking integration. Say “goodbye” to third-party escrow services, cashier’s checks, or handling large amounts of cash!

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Send funds

We’re committed to providing the most innovative self-service application to sell your car privately. Stop worrying and stressing about sketchy buyers, paperwork, and payment fraud.

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How it Works - Buy

PrivateAuto provides a safe and transparent experience for car buyers. Unlike traditional listing sites, PrivateAuto is a single source to negotiate, schedule inspections/test drive, sign required state documents, and conveniently transmit payment. To protect buyers from potential fraud, we require sellers to provide the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and to verify their identity. [Search Listings](https://privateauto.com/buy).

What are the benefits of buying a used car with PrivateAuto?

Using PrivateAuto takes the headache out of buying a privately listed vehicle. There are no dealer fees and no hassle of being upsold on extra warranties. Our innovative platform ensures a smooth and safe buying process with all the necessary steps and documents you need all in one place.

How is buying a car with PrivateAuto different than going to the dealership?

When buying a used car for sale by owner, you have the advantage of getting a good deal and paying a lower price. There are no dealer fees, and private sellers typically won't try to sell you extra warranties. Time is another advantage. When you buy from a private seller, they want to finish the sale quickly and move on.

What are the benefits of buying a used car for sale by owner? 

PrivateAuto is dedicated to making the private car buying process as secure and stress-free as possible. That's why we offer a secure online messaging system so that you can communicate with car sellers in a comfortable and safe manner. With our messaging system, your personal information is never divulged, helping you to avoid potential security risks.

How does PrivateAuto keep my information secure?

Get started today by searching our [listings](https://privateauto.com/buy) and make an offer on your desired vehicle. Then, simply navigate through the buying process with ease using our self-service closing platform.

I want to buy a car using PrivateAuto, how do I get started?

PrivateAuto offers a consistent, streamlined listing experience that collects as much pertinent information as possible from sellers. That means you're likely to see videos, photos and a thorough description of any vehicle you're considering. We also include an AutoCheck Vehicle History report on each listing or you can conduct your own VIN search with the provided VIN. 

What information does PrivateAuto provide about the car?

PrivateAuto gives buyers and sellers the power to easily negotiate using our secure platform. You can make an offer on a vehicle without ever leaving PrivateAuto and the seller can then accept or counter your offer. You'll get a notification when the seller responds.

How do I make an offer on a car I'm interested in?

Yes! If the seller is using PrivateAuto, you can use the Test Drive Scheduler. The seller will already have their available dates and locations within the calendar, allowing you to select a time and place that works for everyone so you can inspect and drive the car.

Will I be able to inspect and test drive the vehicle?

Once you find a car you love, sending the payment securely is critical to your safety. With PrivateAuto Pay, payment is safely and securely sent without the stress. However, you can opt to pay in cash if you prefer.

How can I send payment to the seller?

Yes! PrivateAuto offers integrated financing options with a press of a button. Send your application directly to our trusted lender within our app and get the funds you need quickly upon approval.

Can I finance a used car purchase?

PrivateAuto makes transferring your new car into your name easy with our e-sigable bill of sale. Each state varies on what is required to register the vehicle in your name at the DMV once you have purchased the vehicle. We do not currently provide the registration paperwork but are adding this feature in the near future. To find out what’s required in your state check out our state specific resources on our [blog](https://privateauto.com/blog/).



What documents will I need to sign?

When closing a deal on our app we require both the buyer and seller to acknowledge the physical title will need to be handled in person. We've outlined exactly how to transfer over a car title in [this article](https://privateauto.com/blog/how-to-sign-over-a-car-title/) or find our state specific resources [here](https://support.privateauto.com/collection/12-state-requirements).

How do I transfer the car title to my name?

PrivateAuto services areas across the country, and so there's a good chance you may find a car you like in your local area. If that's the case, you might decide to view it in person and handle the transaction in person, too. If you do, it's important that you follow the basic safety steps to protect yourself from scams and other threats. It's always best to meet in a public, well-lit area and bring a friend or two along. [If no one can accompany you](https://privateauto.com/blog/7-safe-places-to-meet-for-private-car-sales), make sure you tell people where you're going and when you plan to be back.

How can i stay safe when meeting in person?

PrivateAuto is dedicated to ensuring a smooth transaction for buyers and sellers alike, which is why we offer all the tools, tips, and advice you need for an easy sale. You can always find information, including state-specific requirements and safety guidance, on the [PrivateAuto blog](https://privateauto.com/blog/).

Where can I get advice for buying a car from a private seller?

Frequently Asked Questions

It’s your car, you drive the deal! You can control when, where, and who you meet. Choose between partially or fully verified buyers, from ID verification to verified funds. Don’t waste your time with buyers who aren’t verified to your preference.

Sell Cars Privately | How it Works | PrivateAuto

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Search features	Other listing sites	PrivateAuto
Search listings
VIN Required
Vehicle History Report included
Vehicle Title Required
Transaction Features	Other listing sites	PrivateAuto
Seller Drivers License Verification
Secure Messaging: Personal contact info kept private
Submit and Track Offers
Test Drive Scheduler
In-app Financing Available
PrivateAuto Pay: Direct Banking Integration
Send Payment Fast and Secure

How it works

Seller

Buyer

Get started

Create account

Get verified

Set up PrivateAuto Pay

Create account

Get verified

Set up PrivateAuto Pay

List or browse

List vehicle

Vehicle history

Vehicle values

Vehicle preferences

Browse/find a vehicle

Vehicle history

Vehicle values

Resources

Communication

Respond to messages

Accepts test drives

Send messages to sellers

Schedule test drives

Accept an offer

Send an offer

Start the deal

Deal started

Exchange vehicle title & keys