If you’re searching for We Buy Any Car alternatives, you’re probably wondering one thing: are you actually getting the best price for your car?
I completely understand that feeling because last September I ended up in a situation where I needed to sell a car very quickly.
I was driving home after seeing a friend in concert when my car engine suddenly seized. One minute everything was fine. The next minute I was stranded. It took hours for the RAC to arrive and honestly, worst Sunday night ever.
When we had it assessed, we were told it would cost somewhere between £8,000 and £11,000 to repair. On a car that simply wasn’t worth that kind of investment.
So we made the decision to scrap the car. We genuinely thought we’d be lucky to get £200 scrap value.
Out of curiosity, we got a valuation from We Buy Any Car, expecting nothing. Instead, they offered us over £4,000.
Even more surprising, when we attended the appointment, they didn’t aggressively knock the price down. In fact, because the bodywork and overall condition were better than expected, they slightly increased the offer.
It completely changed our assumptions about online car buying services.
That said, it’s still smart to compare your options. Here are some genuine alternatives to consider if you want to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Motorway
Motorway connects you with verified UK car dealers who bid on your vehicle. You upload details and photos, and dealers compete to offer the highest price. If you accept, the car is collected from your home.
This can work particularly well if your car is in good cosmetic condition. The competitive bidding element can sometimes push the price up compared to a single instant-offer service.
Carwow
Carwow is well known for helping people buy new cars, but it also offers a car-selling platform. Like Motorway, dealers bid on your car and you choose whether to accept an offer.
It’s useful if you want competition between dealers but don’t want the hassle of arranging private viewings.
Auto Trader
Auto Trader gives you two main options. You can sell privately, which may achieve a higher price but requires more effort, or you can use their instant offer service for a quicker, more straightforward sale.
Private sales can generate more money, but you’ll need to deal with enquiries, test drives and negotiation. For many people, speed and convenience are more important.
The Car Buying Group
The Car Buying Group buys cars directly and often includes free collection. They can be particularly competitive if your vehicle has mechanical issues or higher mileage.
If your car isn’t perfect but still has resale potential, it’s worth getting a quote.
Copart
If your vehicle is damaged or non-running, Copart specialises in salvage and repairable cars. Sometimes a car that seems destined for scrap can still have value for parts or rebuilding.
This is especially worth exploring if your car has major engine or mechanical problems but the rest of the vehicle is in decent condition.
Scrap Yards and Local Buyers
It’s always worth checking local scrap yards for comparison, especially if your car is completely undriveable. However, as my experience showed, don’t assume scrap value is your only option.
Even with a seized engine, demand for parts and resale potential can be higher than you think.
How to Get the Best Price for Your Car
Whatever route you choose, there are a few simple things that can make a real difference.
Be honest about the condition.
Take clear, well-lit photos.
Get at least three quotes.
Check whether admin fees apply.
Make sure you understand whether collection is included.
If the bodywork and interior are in good condition, that can significantly impact the final valuation.
My experience taught me something important. Just because a car has a serious mechanical issue doesn’t mean it’s only worth scrap. We went from expecting £200 to walking away with over £4,000.
If you’re looking at We Buy Any Car alternatives, the smartest move isn’t avoiding one company entirely. It’s comparing your options, understanding how each service works, and making a decision based on real offers rather than assumptions.
FAQs About We Buy Any Car Alternatives
Some of the most popular alternatives include Motorway, Carwow, Auto Trader’s instant offer service, The Car Buying Group and Copart for damaged vehicles. Each works slightly differently. Some use dealer auctions to increase competition, while others provide a fixed instant offer. The best option depends on your car’s condition and how quickly you need to sell.
Not always. While some people report lower final offers after inspection, others receive competitive prices. The only way to know is to compare quotes from multiple platforms. Dealer auction platforms like Motorway or Carwow can sometimes achieve higher prices if demand is strong.
Yes, many online car buying services will purchase non-running vehicles. Some may adjust the valuation significantly, but companies such as The Car Buying Group and Copart often specialise in vehicles with mechanical issues. Even if your car has a seized engine, it may still have resale or parts value.
It depends on whether your description matches the car’s actual condition. If damage or faults were not declared, the price may be reduced. However, if the condition is as described, some companies honour the original quote. In some cases, the price may even increase if the car is in better condition than expected.
Selling privately can sometimes achieve a higher price, but it requires more time, negotiation and arranging viewings. Online car buying services are typically faster and more convenient, especially if you need to sell quickly or your car has faults.
It’s sensible to get at least three quotes before making a decision. This gives you a realistic idea of your car’s market value and helps you identify any outliers. Comparing offers can sometimes increase your final sale price by hundreds or even thousands of pounds.
