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Cars for Sale by Owner

Autotrader has thousands of vehicles for sale by owners. You can even buy 100% online and skip the DMV.

Benefits of Buying Through Our Car Marketplace

Here are the available benefits that Autotrader Private Seller Exchange offers for a small fee based on your registration state*.

Paperwork Facilitation

Choosing our Full Service checkout option means we help you fill out all the paperwork you need to register and title the car, which you'll then bring to the DMV to finalize the sale.

Secure Online Payment

Pay for your car online into an escrow account. We securely hold funds until you've test-driven and inspected the vehicle (optional), releasing payment to the seller only after you've officially taken possession.

Clean Title

You'll receive a clean title that is verified to be transferrable into your name when you choose our Full Service checkout option. If you are financing the purchase, we will record the lienholder on the title as part of the transfer process.

Fraud Protection

We verify the seller's identity and confirm the vehicle is registered to them before the sale is completed. Each vehicle also includes a complimentary AutoCheck history report.

*These are the services provided if you register the vehicle in .

Why Choose Autotrader?

See how Autotrader Private Seller Exchange stacks up against the competition.

Autotrader
Private Seller Exchange
Craigslist
Cars + Trucks
Facebook
Marketplace
Purchase Process
Secure online checkout
Pay seller directly
Pay seller directly
Clean Title Guarantee
Available on all vehicles
Seller Identity Verification
Government ID & verification
Basic profile
Financing Options
Multiple lenders available
Fraud Protection
Professional monitoring
Buyer beware
Basic reporting
Price Analysis Tool
Real-time market data
Customer Support
Phone, email, or live chat with humans
Selection of Vehicles
Nationwide inventory
Local vehicles only
Local vehicles only

*This service is provided if you register the vehicle in .

How Much Do I Have to Pay?

When buying a car with Autotrader Private Seller Exchange, the fees you pay will differ based on the state you'll be registering the car.*

Required by Law

Whether you purchase a car from a dealership, private party, or family member, you must pay the following taxes and fees:

Autotrader Private Seller Exchange Fees

We offer two types of checkout when you purchase a vehicle for sale. The fee you pay depends on which option you choose (and your state's requirements).

*These are the services provided if you register the vehicle in .

We Make Trust a Priority

Identity Check

We verify our buyers and sellers by IP addresses, email, phone numbers, and scan IDs using Stripe secure platform.

Vehicle History Check

Every vehicle listing includes a free AutoCheck history report so buyers can review ownership and accident history.

We confirm the car's ownership and accident history so there are no surprises when you buy.

Secure Payment

We collect payment from the buyer and pay the seller electronically (wire, ACH, credit/debit card).

Clean Title Guarantee

Guaranteed Title

We do not allow vehicles for sale with salvage titles. You'll be guaranteed a clean, lien-free title by choosing our Full Service checkout option.

We pay off the seller's loan so buyers always receive the title.

Learn More in our FAQ

Sell Your Car

Chat directly with verified buyers, schedule test drives, and sell online from the comfort of your home.