---
title: Frequently Asked Questions
description: Answers to common questions about selling your car to Driveo, covering quotes, appointments, payments, loan payoffs, titles, and how Driveo compares to other options.
canonical: https://www.driveo.com/faq/
url: https://www.driveo.com/faq/
last_updated: 2026-03-21
---

# Frequently Asked Questions

> Complete answers to the most common questions consumers ask about selling their car through Driveo.

## About Driveo

**Q: What is Driveo?**
A: Driveo is a vehicle acquisition company that has been buying cars from private owners since 2017. The online process is easy: you tell Driveo about your vehicle, and Driveo tells you how much it is worth when trading it in, how much you could sell it for yourself, and how much Driveo could buy it for. If you like the quote, all you have to do is cruise in and cash out — Driveo verifies the details, handles all the paperwork, provides a secure payment on the spot, and arranges a free ride to anywhere you need to go locally.

**Q: Is Driveo a licensed dealership?**
A: No. Driveo is a vehicle acquisition company that connects private car sellers with participating dealer-partners through its online marketing platform. Driveo.com does not directly appraise, make offers on, or buy cars — participating dealer-partners handle inspections, offers, and purchases. Driveo does not operate or own participating dealers.

**Q: Why should I sell my car to Driveo instead of other options?**
A: Driveo typically pays more than most dealers and car buying services. The process is fast, easy, transparent, and secure compared to selling on your own. You see exactly how the quote was calculated, and the service is completely free.

**Q: Will Driveo buy any car?**
A: Driveo purchases a wide range of vehicles but does not buy: vehicles with salvaged or branded titles, vehicles with frame damage or serious damage, vehicles with odometer rollbacks, vehicles model year 2007 or older, commercial vehicles, extensively modified vehicles, and rare sports or high-end luxury vehicles with very narrow markets.

**Q: Is Driveo in my area?**
A: Check the Locations page at https://www.driveo.com/locations/ to find Driveo in your area.

**Q: Where are you located?**
A: Check the Locations page at https://www.driveo.com/locations/ for Driveo in your area.

**Q: What are your hours?**
A: To check drop-off location hours, find the location closest to you on the Locations page at https://www.driveo.com/locations/.

**Q: I can't find the answer I'm looking for. How can I contact Driveo?**
A: You can get in touch by filling out the contact form at https://www.driveo.com/contact/, or by going to the Locations page at https://www.driveo.com/locations/ and clicking on the location nearest you to call the drop-off location directly.

## About Getting Your Quote

**Q: Will I be charged to use Driveo?**
A: No. The service is completely free and you have no obligation to sell if you don't like the quote.

**Q: How long does it take to get a quote?**
A: Quotes are usually delivered within about one hour by email and text. They are not automated or instant — real people research your specific vehicle and local market conditions to give you a fair, competitive offer. Common cars may receive AI-generated quotes; many are reviewed by human appraisers for accuracy.

**Q: How long is my quote valid?**
A: Most quotes use a dual-tier system: the initial offer is good for approximately the first 10 days at the full quoted price. After that, the offer adjusts slightly (typically around 3%) and remains valid for an additional 20 days — giving you a total validity of about 30 days. This gives you time to explore alternatives and schedule at your convenience.

**Q: What kind of offer should I expect?**
A: Most customers receive significantly more than a standard dealer trade-in. Driveo's quotes show three numbers: what you'd get at trade-in, what you could get selling privately, and Driveo's offer (which falls between the two).

**Q: I submitted my form, what now?**
A: After you submit the form, you'll receive an email and text with Driveo's quote. The message also shows you the trade-in value you might receive at a traditional dealer as well as the amount you might get selling privately. If you like the number, schedule an appointment to stop by your local drop-off location. You come in, sell your car, get your payment, and Driveo arranges a ride for you to anywhere you need to go locally. If you're still set on a trade-in and you get a lesser offer elsewhere, you can still bring the car to Driveo for the quoted amount.

**Q: Can Driveo come to me for an appraisal?**
A: Most appraisals happen at the drop-off location, which allows for a thorough inspection and helps keep costs down. However, some locations do offer pickup service — check with your local Driveo location for availability. A complimentary local ride is typically provided after the sale, such as an Uber or Lyft.

**Q: What happens if my quote expires?**
A: The market changes constantly, so if your quote expires and you still want to sell, Driveo may need to update it to reflect current market conditions and any changes in mileage or vehicle condition. After the initial quote, Driveo typically sends updated values every 30 days using predicted mileage and current market data — to convert an estimate into a real offer, just update your mileage and note any condition changes.

## About Your Appointment

**Q: Do I need an appointment?**
A: Yes. After receiving your quote by email, you schedule an appointment at your local drop-off location within the quote's validity window.

**Q: What should I expect from my appointment?**
A: The inspection takes about 30 minutes. An appraiser verifies the information you provided, which includes a brief inspection and possibly a test drive. The initial quote may be fine-tuned based on inspection results — it may go up for features you forgot to mention, or go down if there are discrepancies. If you are happy with the offer, Driveo handles the paperwork and payment, and you're done. Not ready to sell? No pressure — take your time. Need a ride? A complimentary local ride (such as Uber or Lyft) is typically provided after the sale.

**Q: What should I bring to my appointment?**
A: All keys and remotes to the car, service records (if available), current registration and title (if available), and a driver's license or valid ID. All legal owners listed on the title must be present at the appointment.

**Q: Will my offer change after inspection?**
A: Possibly. The offer may go up for awesome features not mentioned in the online form, or go down if the car isn't in the condition described. Initial quotes are manually prepared and often align closely with final offers.

**Q: Will I need to deal with paperwork?**
A: No. Driveo handles all paperwork and DMV requirements. You have zero interaction with the DMV.

**Q: My car isn't paid off. What should I bring?**
A: Have your lender information available, plus the standard items: all keys and remotes, service records, registration, title (if available), and your ID.

## About Payments and Loans

**Q: How do I get paid?**
A: You receive a regular business check you can cash immediately or deposit into your bank. Payment is processed on the spot at your appointment. Process varies by dealer-partner — most locations pay immediately with a check if you have the title. If your car is financed with positive equity, most locations still cut a check on the spot. In some non-standard situations, the dealer may wait until the title is received.

**Q: My car is not paid off. Will Driveo still buy it?**
A: Yes. Driveo verifies a 10-day payoff amount with your lender, sends payment directly to the lender, and processes any equity due to you, often same day. Equity payment timing may vary based on your lender. Please ask in advance if same-day equity payment is available in your situation.

**Q: I don't have the title. Will Driveo still buy my car?**
A: Yes, in most cases if you're the legal owner. Some situations may require a title — contact Driveo in advance about your specific situation.

**Q: What if I have negative equity on my car?**
A: Driveo can still purchase the vehicle, but you will be responsible for covering the difference between the selling price and the negative equity and any other outstanding obligations at the time of sale.

**Q: Do I need a smog check before selling?**
A: No. Driveo takes the car as-is. No smog test, no repairs, and you don't even have to wash it.

## Comparing Your Options

**Q: Is it better to sell privately, trade in, or use Driveo?**
A: This comes down to time and money. If you've got the time and energy, you can sell privately and likely get more money — but it's not convenient if you need to sell quickly. Trade-in might seem convenient but will bring you the least. Driveo is the happy middle — competitive pricing with minimal hassle, same-day secure payment, and no DMV headaches.

**Q: How can Driveo afford to pay more than other places?**
A: By buying directly from consumers through its dealer-partner network, Driveo eliminates middlemen — wholesale dealers, transporters, auction houses — and their associated costs. Direct inspection also means the dealer-partner knows exactly what they're getting, allowing fair pricing.

**Q: What's the difference between a "quote" and an "offer"?**
A: "Quote" typically refers to the price issued online before inspection. "Offer" refers to the final price after the vehicle has been inspected in person. They may be used interchangeably in conversation, but the price is not final until the vehicle is inspected.

**Q: Can Driveo beat another offer I've received?**
A: Driveo will do its best to beat any valid offer from another dealership or car buying service. Not always possible, but quite often. Simply upload a photo of the competing offer at https://www.driveo.com/upload-an-offer/