Which is better to sell my car to: CarMax, Carvana, or a local dealer?

Each option has different trade-offs. CarMax offers in-person appraisals with same-day payment and a 7-day price hold, which gives you time to shop the offer around. Carvana provides instant online offers and free pickup, but offers are sometimes lower than in-person competitors and can change at inspection. Local dealers often have more flexibility to negotiate and may offer above-market prices on vehicles they specifically need for their inventory. The best approach is to get quotes from all three (plus NADA and KBB as reference points) and let the competition work in your favor. Taking 30-60 minutes to collect multiple quotes frequently yields $500-$2,000 more for the same vehicle.