Clutch and Canada Drives Alternatives in Alberta and BC

Clutch and Canada Drives both buy cars online in Alberta and BC. You get an offer from your plate or VIN, then you take the car to them.

They're not the only quick way to sell. Here's how they compare with DriveOffer, and what else is out there.

How do Clutch, Canada Drives and DriveOffer compare?

How does selling to Clutch work?

You enter your plate or VIN and get an offer in minutes. Then:

1. 1. Book a time.

   Drop the car at a Clutch location, in Calgary that's Barlow Trail NE, or book a pickup. Pickup is for offers of $1,000 or more and costs $129 in Alberta and BC.

2. 2. A 15-minute inspection.

   If the car doesn't match what you entered, or the CARFAX shows claims you didn't mention, the offer can drop.

3. 3. Get paid.

   Same day by e-transfer or EFT if you sign inside their payment hours. Otherwise one to three business days.

Want the number for your own car? Get a free offer. It takes about a minute.

You'll need photo ID for every owner, your ownership, a void cheque or direct deposit form and a loan payout statement if the car is financed. Clutch says it doesn't make an offer on every car.

How does selling to Canada Drives work?

You enter your plate or VIN and your postal code for an instant offer. Then:

1. 1. They confirm it.

   Someone contacts you by phone or text to check the details. The offer can change if something new comes up.

2. 2. Drop the car off.

   They set a date and a drop-off location near you.

3. 3.Get paid after drop-off, usually by EFT.

Canada Drives values cars with Canadian Black Book, and the offer is good for 7 days. If you owe more than the car is worth, you pay the difference to sell.

What does DriveOffer do differently?

1. 1. We come to you, free.

   Your driveway, your bank or your work. No pickup fee and no drive across town.

2. 2. A person prices your car.

   Your offer comes from a buyer looking at what cars like yours actually sell for, sent to you by text.

3. 3. You're paid on the spot when you hand over the keys.

   By bank draft, e-transfer or cash, your choice.

4. 4. Loans are cleared with your bank.

   We pay it out there, even if you still owe on the car.

5. 5.Saskatchewan too. Not just Alberta and BC.

What are the other options?

1. 1. A dealer trade-in.

   Easy if you're buying from them, but it's a wholesale number tied to the car you buy. Trade-in vs private sale compares them.

2. 2. A private sale.

   Can pay more on some cars, but it takes longer and comes with scams to watch for.

Which one should you pick?

Get two or three offers for the same car with the same kilometres and the same damage disclosed. Then compare what you'd actually take home.

1. 1. Check what can change the price.

   Ask what happens at the inspection and what would lower it.

2. 2.Count the fees. A pickup fee comes off what you get.
3. 3.Know when the money moves. Same day, or one to three business days.