Where should I meet someone when selling a car privately?

Share article:

3 min read

You don't have to roll the dice when selling your used car online. It can be a risky business with oodles of hoops to jump through if you use traditional methods to hawk your ride. Whether it’s slapping a “For Sale” sign on the windshield or posting an ad on craigslist or Facebook, finding a potential buyer can be a crapshoot.

You have to put lipstick on that pig and clean every nook and cranny of the car. There’s also taking gobs of photos and wrestling with writer's block to squeeze out an exciting description of your not-so-exciting car. Not to mention the mudslide of messages you’ll get only to be ghosted or realize it's a scam.

Or you can skip all that noise and use Peddle.com. No carwash. No ads. No scams. No haggling. No stranger danger. No headaches. Peddle is a safe and easiest way to sell your vehicle online.

But if you decide to sell your car without using Peddle. Here are a few pointers on how to safely sell a car on your own by finding a safe spot to meet up with someone to swap your clunker for some coin.

Public safety announcement

Meeting at your house might be the most convenient, but we suggest picking a place with good lighting, plenty of foot traffic, and security cameras. The safest way to keep your privacy secure is wheelin’ and dealin’ in public.

Choose a safe location

Good places to meet up are public libraries, large retailers, or supermarkets. Even better places are banks and mall parking lots, and the best are police stations. SafteTradeSpot is a free-of-charge service that lets you choose a designated location at law enforcement offices where buyers and sellers can meet in public under surveillance to complete in-person transactions.

Additional car selling safety tips

Bring a sidekick. It's not a bad idea to have a friend tag along. If you go solo, tell someone what you're doing and where you're going.

Share your location with your friends and family so they always know where you are.

Make sure you are meeting up during daylight hours.

Charge your phone before meeting a buyer.

Lastly, sell your old car using Peddle. There’s not a safety checklist to cross off. Just tell us about your car and get an offer in minutes. We’ll pick up your car as is for free and pay you on the spot.

Over 146k five-star reviews

Brian
logo
5.0
Super easy to work with! Got way more value for my car than anyone else would offer. The online process was simple to use. The person picking up the car was professional and straightforward. Pleased with my experience! Definitely recommend.
Shanae
logo
Recommended
I've used them twice to get rid of cars either not running or not in good shape. Fair offer, you know just what you're getting. And you don't have to worry about a bunch of spam calls or waiting on competing offers like you do other places. The company partner contacted me same day and were very quick to schedule.
Adam
logo
5.0
What a great experience! Very easy. Sad to see my car dead on the side of the road, but Peddle made everything smooth: I did the online quote, they sent a truck out the next day, and I was paid immediately. Thank you, Peddle!
Larry
logo
5.0
Was very skeptical at first. But after using Peddle I can't believe what an amazing experience. They went above and beyond anything I could have imagined. I now sing the praises of this website to everyone I know. Thanks again for such an incredible process from start to finish. You have certainly raise the bar.
Mike
logo
5.0
Selling my old junk car couldn't have been easier than what this was. A couple of clicks on the keyboard one or two phone calls between transport and was done!!! Happy with the price I got, trade in prices were much lower than what I got from peddle. If there is a need to use this service again I will gladly do it!!
Kevin
logo
5.0
Peddle made the process to sell my 2007 Honda Fit super easy. Received a quote within minutes of submitting my information and their price was significantly higher than others. Their local pick-up partner was also responsive and worked with me on what could have been a logistical nightmare. Highly Recommend.
Emiliy
logo
Recommended
Awesome experience! I was apprehensive at first because everything seemed too simple. I answered a few questions, received a quote and scheduled pick up. Communication is excellent. The pick-up driver was very professional and knowledgeable. I got $685 for my 2004 Lexus ES
Laura
logo
5.0
This has been the easiest way to take care of my car after the engine broke. They were fast, smooth, convenient and professional. Everything from scheduling to pick up to the offer and payment was a breeze. Will definitely recommend
Timothy
logo
5.0
My mother's 2003 Nissan Xterra had a broken timing belt and was too old to consider such a costly repair. We just needed to get rid of it. Peddle was hassle-free, very responsive, and gave us same-day service with a great offer!
Julia
logo
Recommended
This was such a quick and easy service to use! I cleaned my things out of the vehicle and it was ready to be picked up. I went online last night, it was towed this afternoon. My tow driver Will, is awesome!! Thank you so much, I definitely thought this was going to be a hassle and it couldn't have been more simple!
Kelley
logo
5.0
Peddle gave me the best offer of the four companies I contacted. The tow people (a really nice couple!) showed up as scheduled, handed over the check and towed away my terminal old Camry. I really nice experience and I would recommend Peddle wholeheartedly.
Charles
logo
5.0
Very easy and fast process. Peddle offered me significantly more than other companies. In less than 24-hrs from clicking the "Accept Offer" button, my 2015 Toyota Highlander was picked up and check in hand. Could not have gone any better. Highly recommend!
Brian
logo
5.0
Super easy to work with! Got way more value for my car than anyone else would offer. The online process was simple to use. The person picking up the car was professional and straightforward. Pleased with my experience! Definitely recommend.
Shanae
logo
Recommended
I've used them twice to get rid of cars either not running or not in good shape. Fair offer, you know just what you're getting. And you don't have to worry about a bunch of spam calls or waiting on competing offers like you do other places. The company partner contacted me same day and were very quick to schedule.
Adam
logo
5.0
What a great experience! Very easy. Sad to see my car dead on the side of the road, but Peddle made everything smooth: I did the online quote, they sent a truck out the next day, and I was paid immediately. Thank you, Peddle!
Larry
logo
5.0
Was very skeptical at first. But after using Peddle I can't believe what an amazing experience. They went above and beyond anything I could have imagined. I now sing the praises of this website to everyone I know. Thanks again for such an incredible process from start to finish. You have certainly raise the bar.
Mike
logo
5.0
Selling my old junk car couldn't have been easier than what this was. A couple of clicks on the keyboard one or two phone calls between transport and was done!!! Happy with the price I got, trade in prices were much lower than what I got from peddle. If there is a need to use this service again I will gladly do it!!
Kevin
logo
5.0
Peddle made the process to sell my 2007 Honda Fit super easy. Received a quote within minutes of submitting my information and their price was significantly higher than others. Their local pick-up partner was also responsive and worked with me on what could have been a logistical nightmare. Highly Recommend.
Emiliy
logo
Recommended
Awesome experience! I was apprehensive at first because everything seemed too simple. I answered a few questions, received a quote and scheduled pick up. Communication is excellent. The pick-up driver was very professional and knowledgeable. I got $685 for my 2004 Lexus ES
Laura
logo
5.0
This has been the easiest way to take care of my car after the engine broke. They were fast, smooth, convenient and professional. Everything from scheduling to pick up to the offer and payment was a breeze. Will definitely recommend
Timothy
logo
5.0
My mother's 2003 Nissan Xterra had a broken timing belt and was too old to consider such a costly repair. We just needed to get rid of it. Peddle was hassle-free, very responsive, and gave us same-day service with a great offer!
Julia
logo
Recommended
This was such a quick and easy service to use! I cleaned my things out of the vehicle and it was ready to be picked up. I went online last night, it was towed this afternoon. My tow driver Will, is awesome!! Thank you so much, I definitely thought this was going to be a hassle and it couldn't have been more simple!
Kelley
logo
5.0
Peddle gave me the best offer of the four companies I contacted. The tow people (a really nice couple!) showed up as scheduled, handed over the check and towed away my terminal old Camry. I really nice experience and I would recommend Peddle wholeheartedly.
Charles
logo
5.0
Very easy and fast process. Peddle offered me significantly more than other companies. In less than 24-hrs from clicking the "Accept Offer" button, my 2015 Toyota Highlander was picked up and check in hand. Could not have gone any better. Highly recommend!
As seen on:
NBC
CBS
USA TODAY
yahoo finance
abc
FOX NEWS channel
Forbes

IT'S SO EASY TO SELL YOUR CAR WITH PEDDLE

Frequently Asked

TOP NOTCH CUSTOMER SERVICE

TOP NOTCH CUSTOMER SERVICE

HOW CAN WE HELP?

Smooth operators are standing by with answers so you can sell your car without a hiccup.