How to Sell Your Car on DriveLane

Reach thousands of passionate buyers with our transparent, straightforward selling process. List your vehicle in minutes and get competitive offers.

$5
Listing Fee
7-10
Days Average Sale
0%
Commission Fee
50K+
Active Buyers

The Selling Process

Follow these simple steps to list your vehicle and connect with buyers

1

Prepare Your Vehicle

Clean your car inside and out. Gather all maintenance records, service history, and documentation. A well-maintained vehicle with complete records attracts serious buyers and commands higher prices.

  • Detail interior and exterior thoroughly
  • Compile all service records and receipts
  • Address minor cosmetic issues if possible
  • Ensure all features and systems are working
2

Take Professional Photos

High-quality photos are crucial for attracting buyers. Take photos in natural daylight, from multiple angles, showing both exterior and interior details. Include close-ups of any unique features or imperfections.

Front, rear, and both side views
Interior dashboard and seats
Engine bay and trunk
Wheels, tires, and undercarriage
Any damage or imperfections
Special features or modifications
3

Set Your Pricing Strategy

Research comparable vehicles to determine a competitive starting bid or reserve price. Consider your vehicle's condition, mileage, service history, and current market demand. You can choose between auction format or instant offers.

Auction Listing

Set a starting bid and let buyers compete. Great for unique or desirable vehicles.

Instant Offer

Get immediate cash offers from verified dealers. Quick and convenient.

4

Create Your Listing

Fill out the listing form with accurate details about your vehicle. Be honest and thorough in your description. Upload all your photos and set your auction duration (typically 7 days). Pay the $5 listing fee to activate your auction.

  • Complete vehicle specifications (year, make, model, trim)
  • Detailed description including modifications and service history
  • Disclose any known issues or imperfections
  • Set starting bid, reserve price (optional), and duration
5

Engage With Buyers

Monitor your auction and respond promptly to questions from potential buyers. The more engaged you are, the more confidence buyers will have. Consider adding updates or additional photos if requested.

  • Answer questions quickly and thoroughly
  • Provide additional photos or information upon request
  • Be transparent about vehicle condition and history
  • Allow pre-purchase inspections when possible
6

Complete the Transaction

Once your auction ends or you accept an offer, work with the buyer to finalize payment and arrange vehicle transfer. DriveLane provides guidance but you handle the transaction directly with the buyer.

  • Verify payment before releasing the vehicle
  • Complete title transfer and necessary paperwork
  • Arrange pickup or delivery with the buyer
  • Leave feedback for the buyer to build community trust

Transparent Pricing

No hidden fees. No commissions. Just straightforward pricing.

$5
Seller Listing Fee

One-time fee to list your vehicle for 7 days

$5
Buyer Bid Fee

Buyers pay $5 to place their first bid

$199
Buyer Purchase Fee

Buyers pay $199 when winning auction

0% Commission - Keep 100% of Your Sale Price

Unlike traditional auction sites, DriveLane doesn't take a percentage of your sale. The only fee you pay is the $5 listing fee. If your vehicle sells for $50,000, you receive the full $50,000.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about selling on DriveLane

How long does my listing stay active?

Standard listings run for 7 days. You can choose the exact end date and time when creating your listing. Extensions may be available for an additional fee.

What if my car doesn't sell?

If your auction ends without meeting your reserve price or receiving acceptable offers, you can relist the vehicle. Consider adjusting your starting price or reserve based on the interest received. The $5 listing fee applies to each new listing.

Do I have to accept the highest bid?

If you set a reserve price and it's not met, you're not obligated to sell. However, if the reserve is met or you didn't set one, you're expected to complete the sale with the winning bidder to maintain platform integrity.

How does payment work?

Payment is handled directly between you and the buyer. We recommend bank wire transfers or cashier's checks for high-value transactions. Never release the vehicle until payment has been verified and cleared.

Who arranges vehicle transport?

Transport arrangements are made between you and the buyer. Many buyers prefer to arrange their own shipping, but you can also offer delivery options. We recommend reputable auto transport companies for long-distance sales.

Can buyers inspect the car before bidding?

Pre-purchase inspections are encouraged and can increase buyer confidence. You can arrange inspections with serious bidders at your convenience. Some sellers even provide recent inspection reports with their listings.

What vehicles sell best on DriveLane?

Enthusiast vehicles, classic cars, sports cars, luxury vehicles, and well-maintained used cars perform well. Vehicles with documented service history, clean titles, and honest descriptions attract the most serious buyers.

Do I need to be present when the buyer picks up the car?

Yes, we strongly recommend being present to verify payment, sign over the title, and provide all keys and documentation. This protects both you and the buyer during the transfer.

What information should I include in my listing?

Include all basic specs (year, make, model, trim, mileage, VIN), detailed condition description, service history, any modifications, known issues, ownership history, and whether you have a clear title. The more transparent and detailed, the better.

Can I edit my listing after it's live?

You can add photos and update the description, but you cannot change the starting bid, reserve price, or end date once the auction has active bids. This ensures fairness for all bidders.

Tips for a Successful Sale

Professional Photos

High-quality photos can increase final sale prices by 20-30%

Detailed Description

Include service history, modifications, and honest condition assessment

Competitive Pricing

Research similar vehicles to set realistic starting bids

Quick Responses

Answer buyer questions within a few hours to maintain interest

Full Transparency

Disclose all issues upfront to build trust and avoid disputes

Service Records

Complete maintenance history significantly increases buyer confidence

Ready to List Your Vehicle?

Join thousands of sellers who have successfully sold their vehicles on DriveLane. Get started in minutes and reach passionate buyers nationwide.