Thinking about selling your old car online but not sure if Peddle is trustworthy? You’re right to be cautious. With so many car buying services popping up, it’s hard to know which ones will actually deliver on their promises. This in-depth review examines Peddle’s legitimacy, what real customers experience, and whether it’s the right option for your vehicle.
What Is Peddle and How Does It Work?
Peddle is an online car buying service that purchases used vehicles in virtually any condition—including junk, damaged, and non-running cars. Their process follows three basic steps:
- Get an instant online quote by entering your vehicle details
- Schedule a free pickup if you accept the offer
- Receive payment when your car is collected
The company operates through a network of licensed buyers including salvage yards and auto recyclers across the United States. This network approach allows them to process between 30,000-40,000 vehicles monthly.
Unlike traditional dealerships that primarily want trade-ins in good condition, Peddle specializes in taking vehicles others might reject—making them particularly valuable for owners of older, damaged, or non-operational cars.
Peddle’s Reputation: What Do The Ratings Show?
When evaluating any online service, review ratings provide crucial insights. Peddle’s performance across major platforms is impressive:
| Review Platform | Rating | Number of Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Trustpilot | 4.6/5.0 | 167,000+ |
| Better Business Bureau | A+ (4.7/5.0) | 6,800+ |
| Automoblog (Expert) | 8.7/10.0 | Professional Review |
With over 167,000 reviews on Trustpilot and 84% rated as “Excellent,” Peddle demonstrates consistent performance. Their A+ BBB rating, maintained since 2013, adds another layer of credibility.
Professional automotive reviewers have also weighed in positively. Automoblog awarded Peddle 8.7/10 stars, designating it as “Best for Older Cars” in their industry analysis, with particularly high marks for customer experience (9.6/10) and reputation (9.4/10).
What Customers Love About Peddle
Reading through verified customer feedback, several consistent positives emerge:
Competitive Offers for Unwanted Vehicles
Many customers report receiving surprisingly good offers for vehicles they thought were nearly worthless:
“I was going to junk the car for $150 but called and got $700,” one verified customer stated.
Another customer shared: “I had a 14-year-old car with 160,000 miles and some body damage. After a dealer offered $200 as a trade-in on my new car purchase, I contacted Peddle online. In a few minutes, I was offered $1,125.”
These experiences highlight Peddle’s ability to provide value for vehicles traditional dealers won’t touch.
Convenient, No-Hassle Process
The streamlined nature of Peddle’s service receives consistent praise. Customers appreciate:
- No need for in-person dealership visits
- Free towing/pickup service
- Quick payment at the time of pickup
- Minimal paperwork compared to private sales
Many reviews mention completing the entire transaction within 24-48 hours of accepting an offer—a significant advantage over private sales that might take weeks.
Responsive Customer Service
Customer service responsiveness appears as another strength. Multiple reviews note receiving follow-up calls within 30 minutes of submitting online quotes, and agents who promptly address questions or concerns.
Common Complaints and Problems With Peddle
While positive experiences dominate, several recurring issues appear in negative reviews:
Pricing Discrepancies After Inspection
The most frequent complaint involves “bait and switch” pricing—where the final offer differs from the initial online quote. Some customers report significant reductions after the pickup driver’s inspection.
One BBB complaint described an offer reduction from $3,100 to $1,100 after the driver’s inspection. These situations typically occur when the vehicle’s actual condition doesn’t match what was reported online.
Pickup and Scheduling Issues
Several customers have experienced problems with pickup scheduling:
- Drivers failing to appear during scheduled windows
- Last-minute cancellations
- Poor communication about delays
These issues appear to stem from Peddle’s reliance on third-party towing contractors rather than their own fleet, creating coordination challenges in some regions.
Payment Processing Problems
Payment issues, while less common, do occur. Customers have reported:
- Checks issued with incorrect names
- Occasional bounced checks
- Delays in direct deposit transfers
While Peddle typically resolves these issues (sometimes with additional compensation for inconvenience), they can cause stress for sellers expecting immediate payment.
How Peddle Compares to Competitors
Understanding how Peddle stacks up against alternatives helps determine if it’s the right choice for your situation:
Peddle vs. CarMax
- CarMax may offer higher values for newer vehicles in good condition
- Peddle accepts vehicles CarMax often rejects (older, damaged, non-running)
- CarMax requires in-person visits; Peddle is fully online
- Peddle has a more flexible acceptance policy for damaged vehicles
Peddle vs. Carvana
- Carvana focuses primarily on retail-ready vehicles
- Peddle specializes in all vehicle conditions, including junk cars
- Carvana offers trade-in options; Peddle only purchases
- Peddle has wider geographic coverage for damaged vehicle purchases
- Carvana typically has more payment method options
Is Peddle Right For Your Situation?
Based on expert recommendations and customer experiences, Peddle works best in specific scenarios:
Ideal Use Cases for Peddle
✅ Selling older vehicles (10+ years old)
✅ Disposing of non-running cars
✅ Getting rid of damaged vehicles with body or mechanical issues
✅ Situations requiring quick, convenient transactions
✅ When traditional dealers have rejected your vehicle
When to Consider Alternatives
❌ Selling newer vehicles in excellent condition (private sale or CarMax might pay more)
❌ When you need a trade-in toward another vehicle
❌ If you have time and ability to manage private sale logistics
❌ When maximizing sale price is more important than convenience
Tips for Getting the Best Experience With Peddle
If you decide to use Peddle, these strategies can help ensure a smooth transaction:
Be Completely Honest About Vehicle Condition
The most common cause of offer reductions is discrepancies between reported and actual vehicle condition. Be transparent about:
- Existing damage (exterior and mechanical)
- Missing parts or components
- Title issues or modifications
- Starting/running problems
Accurate reporting prevents unpleasant surprises during pickup.
Document Everything
Protect yourself by:
- Taking photos of your vehicle before pickup
- Saving all email communications
- Recording the initial offer amount
- Getting a receipt for your title transfer
This documentation becomes valuable if any disputes arise.
Read the Fine Print
Before accepting an offer, understand:
- The exact payment method and timing
- What happens if your vehicle condition differs from reported
- Cancellation policies if you change your mind
- Required documentation for the sale
Have Realistic Expectations
Peddle specializes in vehicles that traditional buyers often reject—their service prioritizes convenience over maximum sale price. If your vehicle is newer or in excellent condition, you might receive higher offers elsewhere.
The Bottom Line: Is Peddle Legitimate?
Based on extensive review analysis and industry evaluations, Peddle is indeed a legitimate, established business with:
- 167,000+ verified reviews with 4.6/5.0 average rating
- A+ BBB accreditation maintained since 2013
- Operation since 2004 with millions of vehicles processed
- Consistent delivery on core service promises
While not perfect—and certainly not the highest-paying option for all vehicles—Peddle provides a valuable service for selling difficult-to-market cars quickly and conveniently.
The company excels at purchasing vehicles that traditional dealers reject, with especially strong performance in the older, damaged, and non-running vehicle markets. The free pickup service and immediate payment further enhance their value proposition for sellers seeking convenience.
For owners of junk cars, damaged vehicles, or older models looking for a hassle-free selling experience, Peddle offers a legitimate and generally reliable solution backed by millions of successful transactions and strong customer satisfaction ratings.
