Introduction
The used car market continues to evolve in 2025, creating new opportunities for sellers looking to offload their vehicles quickly and efficiently. Whether you have a damaged vehicle, an older model that’s seen better days, or simply want to upgrade without the hassle of private selling, online car buying services have revolutionized the process.
Peddle has become one of the more recognizable names in this space, but many potential sellers still ask: “Is Peddle legit?” and “How does the process actually work?” This comprehensive guide will answer these questions and more, helping you make an informed decision about whether Peddle is the right option for your situation.
What Is Peddle?
Founded in 2013, Peddle (formerly known as Junkmycar.com) has established itself as an online car buying service that specializes in purchasing vehicles in various conditions. The company operates as a middleman between sellers and a nationwide network of licensed auto dealers and salvage yards.
Peddle’s business model is straightforward: they provide instant online offers for vehicles, arrange free towing if necessary, and handle the paperwork involved in the transaction. Their service is designed to simplify the car selling process, especially for vehicles that might be difficult to sell through traditional methods.
Is Peddle Legitimate?
For those wondering about Peddle’s legitimacy, the company has established a solid reputation in the industry over its decade-plus of operation. Here’s what supports their credibility:
- Better Business Bureau: Peddle maintains an A+ rating with the BBB.
- Online Reviews: The company has garnered thousands of reviews across platforms like Trustpilot, where they maintain a rating of approximately 4.8 stars.
- Business Longevity: Operating since 2013, Peddle has purchased hundreds of thousands of vehicles nationwide.
- Transparent Process: Their step-by-step selling process is clearly outlined on their website and in their communication with customers.
While no service is perfect (we’ll discuss some considerations later), the evidence suggests that Peddle is a legitimate business that delivers on its core promise of buying cars quickly and with minimal hassle.
What Types of Vehicles Does Peddle Accept?
One of Peddle’s key selling points is their willingness to purchase vehicles in almost any condition. This includes:
Damaged Vehicles
- Cars with significant collision damage
- Vehicles with mechanical issues
- Cars with interior damage
- Flood-damaged vehicles
Non-Running Vehicles
- Cars that won’t start
- Vehicles with transmission failures
- Cars with seized engines
- Vehicles that have been sitting unused for extended periods
Older Vehicles
- High-mileage cars
- Outdated models
- Vehicles with depreciated value
- Classic cars (though specialist buyers might offer more)
Used Vehicles in Good Condition
- Daily drivers
- Newer models with minor issues
- Vehicles you simply want to sell quickly
It’s worth noting that Peddle generally focuses on used vehicles rather than new ones. If you’re looking to sell a newer model in excellent condition, you might find that Peddle’s offers are lower than what you could get through a dealership trade-in or private sale.
The Detailed Peddle Selling Process
Selling your car to Peddle involves several steps. Let’s break down each phase of the process in detail:
1. Getting an Offer
The first step involves providing information about your vehicle through Peddle’s online form:
- Vehicle Details: You’ll need to enter the year, make, model, and trim level of your car.
- Condition Assessment: Peddle will ask specific questions about your vehicle’s condition, including:
- Does it start and drive?
- Are there any missing parts?
- Has it been in an accident?
- Is there any body damage?
- Does it have a clean title?
- Vehicle Identification: In most cases, you’ll need to provide your vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).
- Location Information: Your zip code helps Peddle determine local market conditions and logistics for pickup.
After submitting this information, Peddle’s algorithm processes your responses and generates an instant offer. This offer is based on several factors:
- Current market value of similar vehicles
- Salvage value of parts and materials
- Local demand in your area
- Condition factors you’ve reported
- Transportation costs to their nearest facility
It’s crucial to be as accurate as possible when describing your car’s condition, as discrepancies discovered during inspection can result in a revised (typically lower) offer.
2. Accepting the Offer
If you’re satisfied with the offer, you can accept it through Peddle’s website. At this point, you’ll need to provide:
- Personal Information: Name, contact details, and address for pickup.
- Title Status: Confirmation of whether you have the title in hand.
- Preferred Pickup Schedule: Time frames that work for vehicle collection.
After accepting the offer, Peddle typically honors it for 7 days, giving you time to gather necessary paperwork and prepare for the pickup.
3. Document Preparation
Before the pickup, you’ll need to prepare several documents:
- Vehicle Title: The most important document, signed and ready to transfer.
- Title Alternatives: If you don’t have the title, Peddle can sometimes still purchase your vehicle, but the process becomes more complex and may affect the offer. They may assist with title replacement processes depending on your state.
- State-Specific Forms: Some states require additional paperwork such as:
- Bill of sale
- Release of liability
- Odometer disclosure statement
- ID Verification: Valid government-issued photo ID.
Peddle typically sends instructional emails outlining exactly which documents you’ll need based on your state’s requirements.
4. Vehicle Pickup and Inspection
Once your paperwork is ready, Peddle arranges for pickup:
- Scheduling: Peddle works with a network of third-party towing companies and carriers to schedule pickup at a time convenient for you.
- On-Site Inspection: The representative will verify:
- The vehicle matches the description provided
- The VIN matches the paperwork
- The title is properly signed
- There are no undisclosed issues
- Final Offer Confirmation: If everything matches what you reported, the original offer stands. If discrepancies are found, the representative may need to contact Peddle for an adjusted offer.
5. Payment Process
Once the inspection is complete and the paperwork is verified:
- Payment Method: Typically, the representative provides payment via check at the time of pickup.
- Alternative Payments: In some cases, electronic payment options may be available.
- Receipt and Documentation: You’ll receive a receipt for the transaction and copies of the transfer paperwork for your records.
The entire process from initial offer to completed sale typically takes 3-7 days, though this can vary based on your location and schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions About Peddle
How Does Peddle Determine Vehicle Value?
Peddle’s valuation process is multifaceted:
- Wholesale Value: They consider what dealers would pay for your vehicle at auction.
- Parts Value: For vehicles in poor condition, they calculate the value of salvageable parts.
- Material Value: Even completely non-functional vehicles have value in terms of recyclable materials like steel, aluminum, and copper.
- Market Conditions: Local demand for your vehicle type influences the offer.
- Transportation Costs: Distance to the nearest processing facility affects the final offer.
Unlike the simplified Kelly Blue Book value that consumers often reference, Peddle’s algorithm incorporates these additional factors that affect the actual purchase and resale economics of vehicles.
What Happens to Cars Sold to Peddle?
Vehicles purchased by Peddle follow different paths depending on their condition:
- Resellable Vehicles: Cars in good condition may be resold at auction to dealers.
- Repairable Vehicles: Cars with fixable issues might be repaired and then resold.
- Parts Vehicles: Cars with significant damage but valuable components may be dismantled for parts.
- Scrap Vehicles: Cars beyond repair are recycled for their raw materials.
This diversified approach allows Peddle to offer competitive prices for vehicles in various conditions, as they can extract value through multiple channels.
Does Peddle Buy Cars Without Titles?
Yes, but with caveats:
- Title Present: The simplest transaction is with a clean, signed title.
- No Title: Peddle can sometimes purchase vehicles without titles, but:
- The offer may be lower
- Additional documentation will be required
- The process takes longer
- Some states have more restrictions than others
If you’ve lost your title, Peddle can provide guidance on obtaining a replacement through your state’s DMV, which is often the better route if time allows.
Are There Any Hidden Fees When Selling to Peddle?
Peddle’s business model is based on the spread between what they pay sellers and what they recoup through their dealer network. For sellers, this means:
- No Direct Fees: Sellers don’t pay fees to Peddle.
- Free Towing: Vehicle pickup is included at no cost.
- No Paperwork Charges: Document processing is included in the service.
The tradeoff is that their offers are typically lower than private sale values, which reflects both the convenience factor and Peddle’s need to profit when reselling or processing the vehicle.
Peddle Pros and Cons
Before deciding whether to sell to Peddle, consider these advantages and limitations:
Advantages
- Convenience: The entire process can be completed online and by phone, without leaving home.
- Speed: From offer to payment usually takes less than a week.
- Guaranteed Sale: Unlike private listings where buyers might fall through, Peddle’s offers are firm (assuming your vehicle description is accurate).
- No-Haggle Process: The price is presented upfront with no negotiation pressure.
- Accepts Most Vehicles: Even severely damaged or non-running cars have value to Peddle.
- Free Towing: No need to worry about transporting a non-running vehicle.
- Paperwork Handling: Peddle guides sellers through the documentation requirements.
Considerations
- Offer Amounts: Typically lower than private sale potential, reflecting the convenience and wholesale nature of the service.
- Offer Adjustments: Final offers may be reduced if the vehicle inspection reveals undisclosed issues.
- Third-Party Pickup: As Peddle works with partner towing companies, pickup scheduling and reliability can vary by location.
- Document Requirements: While Peddle assists with paperwork, sellers still need to ensure they have or can obtain necessary documents.
- Market-Dependent Pricing: Offers fluctuate based on regional demand and scrap metal prices.
Junk Car Medics: An Alternative Worth Considering
While Peddle offers a solid service for many sellers, it’s always wise to explore alternatives before making a final decision. Junk Car Medics provides a cash for junk cars service with some distinct advantages:
What Makes Junk Car Medics Different
- Specialized Focus: Junk Car Medics specializes in damaged and end-of-life vehicles, potentially offering more competitive rates for these categories.
- Direct Buying Network: Rather than operating solely as a middleman, Junk Car Medics maintains direct relationships with local buyers, potentially streamlining the process.
- Transparent Pricing Model: The company emphasizes market-based pricing that reflects current scrap metal values and parts demand.
- Rapid Payment Options: Multiple payment methods including same-day options in many locations.
- Expert Title Assistance: Specialized help for sellers with title issues or complications.
- Environmentally Responsible Disposal: Commitment to proper recycling and disposal practices for vehicle components.
Getting a Comparative Quote
Before committing to any service, obtaining quotes from both Peddle and Junk Car Medics gives you valuable leverage and insight:
- Complete Peddle’s online form to receive their instant offer
- Visit Junk Car Medics’ website or call their team to receive a competing quote
- Compare not just the offer amounts, but also:
- Pickup timeframes
- Payment methods
- Customer service responsiveness
- Any special circumstances with your vehicle or paperwork
This comparison approach typically takes less than 15 minutes but can potentially increase your payout or improve your overall selling experience.
Final Thoughts: Making Your Decision
When deciding whether to sell to Peddle, Junk Car Medics, or another service, consider your priorities:
- Need for Speed: If selling quickly is your top priority, both Peddle and Junk Car Medics offer rapid solutions.
- Maximizing Value: If getting the highest possible price is essential, requesting multiple quotes (including from these services and local junkyards) is your best strategy.
- Convenience Factor: Both companies offer free towing and paperwork assistance, making them significantly more convenient than private sales for damaged vehicles.
- Special Circumstances: For issues like missing titles or severely damaged vehicles, specialized services like Junk Car Medics may offer advantages.
The online car buying industry has transformed the process of selling unwanted vehicles, creating competitive options for consumers. By understanding how these services work and considering alternatives like Junk Car Medics, you can make an informed choice that best meets your specific needs and circumstances.
Remember that the best service for your situation depends on your specific vehicle, location, and priorities – taking a few minutes to explore multiple options can make a significant difference in your selling experience and outcome.
