In a Nutshell
pros
- Instant cash offers on cars
- Get paid in 24 hours or less
- Free pick-ups
cons
- Offers are non-negotiable
- Limited customer support options
CarGurus UK at a Glance
Years in Business
Car Condition
Sell or Part Exchange
Pickup Service
Financed Cars
Overview
CarGurus was founded in the US in 2006 by TripAdvisor’s co-founder, Langley Steinert. The company officially launched in the UK in late 2016. It has grown immensely since then to become one of the most trusted names in the UK online car-selling space.
CarGurus buys cars directly from sellers through its partner company, The Car Buying Group. This approach removes the need for listings, negotiations with buyers, and the uncertainty of waiting for the right offer. You just need to provide information about your car, such as registration and mileage. The company will extend you the best possible offer and then organise to pick up your car for free.
Deal Exclusions
While CarGurus accepts a broad range of vehicles, some exceptions apply. Vehicles with high mileage, in non-drivable condition, or rare or exotic models might not qualify for an offer.
CarGurus Pricing
There are no upfront listing fees since you're selling directly to CarGurus’ partners. However, the offer you receive will likely include dealer fees, i.e., the subscription fee the company and its partners charge dealers to use their services. As a result, the total amount might be slightly lower than what you could achieve if you sold the car privately.
How to Sell a Car With CarGurus
Selling a vehicle on CarGurus is a seamless affair.
Start by going to the company’s website and clicking “Sell” from the main menu, then “Sell my car.”
You’ll be prompted to enter details about your vehicle, starting with its registration, mileage, and service history. CarGurus will use this information to present the best possible offer for your car, sourced from its partner, The Car Buying Group. This offer is valid for seven days.
If you accept it, you’ll be redirected to the partner's website to arrange a convenient pick-up time for your car and finalise any other necessary details. If everything checks out on the collection day, you’ll receive your payment immediately. In fact, according to CarGurus, the money can be in your account within 15 minutes of the deal’s completion.
Is CarGurus Legit?
CarGurus boasts a solid online reputation, underscored by numerous positive customer reviews. For instance, on Trustpilot, the company has a respectable 4.3-star rating out of 5.
Most of these reviews are from buyers, not sellers, but there don't appear to be any significant concerns regarding the car-selling process on the platform.
What’s Unique About CarGurus?
CarGurus distinguishes itself in the online car market with its direct-purchase model. This approach allows sellers to sidestep the usual complications of listing and negotiating with multiple buyers. It's a great option for people looking to sell a car quickly and don’t mind getting less than they would if they negotiated a private deal.
CarGurus offers an immediate, competitive quote based on the car’s specifics and current market value. If you take up this offer immediately, the entire process, including pick-up, can be over, with money in your bank account, in as little as 24 hours.
Help and Support
CarGurus’ customer support options for private sellers are somewhat limited. The only way to reach the company directly is through a contact form on its website. The company typically responds in a few hours.
Additionally, while there’s a wealth of learning resources and materials for buyers on the website, the same isn’t available for sellers, other than a handful of frequently asked questions. This is one area where CarGurus can improve.
What About the CarGurus App?
CarGurus has a mobile app that’s available for both iOS and Android. The app is relatively easy to use. It comes with all the online features, including the ability to request an instant quote and schedule a pick-up.
Both apps are highly rated by users, with 4.8 and 4.7 stars out of 5 on the App Store and Google Play Store, respectively.
Bottom Line
CarGurus is ideal for people looking for a quick, effortless way to sell their car. The most impressive thing is that you can get an instant offer on your vehicle and receive payment within 24 hours. You won’t have to leave your home—CarGurus will make the necessary arrangements to pick up the car from you at no extra cost.
That said, other platforms might be more suitable if you prefer a more hands-on approach to selling a car, including the ability to evaluate and explore different buyer offers.
FAQs
Is CarGurus free?
There are no upfront fees when selling your car to CarGurus. However, the offer you receive will most likely include any service fees or charges associated with the sale.
Can I negotiate the selling price on CarGurus?
No. CarGurus' selling process is designed for speed and convenience. Offers are based on the details presented by the seller and aren’t negotiable. To get an offer that truly reflects your car’s value, ensure all the details you provide are complete and accurate.
How long does it take to sell my car on CarGurus?
You can complete the whole process in 24 hours. If you accept the offer from CarGurus immediately, the company can organise for the car to be picked up before the end of the next day. This swift turnaround time is one of the factors that makes CarGurus appealing to many sellers.
