Does it hurt my credit?
Paying off a loan early does not usually hurt your credit. The account shows as paid and closed.
Selling a financed car
Run by Hassan IlyasSouthern California car buyer · 109K+ YouTube views
Still paying it off? You can still sell it.
Selling a car with a loan is normal. We pay your lender directly, take care of the title release, and pay you any difference at pickup.
- We pay your lender
- Title release handled
- Positive equity paid to you
- No fees
Run by Hassan IlyasSouthern California car buyer · 109K+ YouTube views
Get your cash offer
Takes about two minutes. Costs nothing.
Your details go to Carquired only. We never sell or share them.
- LookupPlate or VINWe pull the year, make, model and trim so you skip the typing.
- OfferA number in minutesBased on live market data for your exact car and miles.
- PickupFrom your drivewayHome, work, or wherever the car is parked. No trip to a lot.
- PaymentPaid on the spotSign the title, hand over the keys, get paid. That is it.
How it works
How selling a financed car works in California.
When you have a car loan in California, your lender is the legal owner and usually holds the title. You are the registered owner. To sell the car, the loan has to be paid off so the lender can release the title to the buyer. That sounds complicated, but buyers like us do it every day.
Here is what happens. You get a 10-day payoff amount from your lender, either from their app or by phone. We make you an offer. If the offer is more than the payoff, we pay the lender and pay you the difference at pickup. That difference is your positive equity.
If the payoff is more than the offer, you have negative equity. You can still sell: you cover the gap at signing, and we pay off the loan in full. Many people do this to get out of a payment on a car they no longer need.
Want to see your numbers? The payoff calculator on our home page shows what you would walk away with.
Two examples
Positive equity vs. negative equity.
| Offer $18,000, payoff $12,500 | We pay your lender $12,500 and pay you $5,500 at pickup. |
|---|---|
| Offer $14,000, payoff $15,200 | You pay $1,200 at signing. We pay your lender the full $15,200 and the loan is closed. |
| Offer $9,000, no loan | You sign the title and get paid $9,000 at pickup. |
Good to know
Questions people ask before selling a financed car.
Electronic title?
Many California lenders hold the title electronically. The lender releases it once the payoff clears.
Co-signer on the loan
Everyone named on the registration needs to sign. Bring their ID or let us know in advance.
Gap insurance and warranties
If you bought gap insurance or an extended warranty, you may be owed a partial refund once the loan is paid off. Ask the dealer or provider.
Credit union loans
Same process. We just need the payoff amount and the lender’s payoff details.
Selling a leased car instead?
That is a little different. See selling a leased car.
What we buy
We buy more than clean, paid-off cars.
Whatever shape your car is in, the form takes about two minutes. These pages explain how each situation works.
Questions
Good questions, straight answers.
Not seeing yours? Start the form anyway. A real person reviews every offer and will answer anything when they reach out.
Can I sell my car if I still owe money on it?
Yes. We pay your lender directly. If the offer is more than you owe, you get the difference at pickup.
What if I owe more than the car is worth?
You cover the difference at signing and we pay off the full loan. Your loan is closed and you no longer have the payment.
How long does the lender take to release the title?
It depends on the lender. You do not have to wait for it. We handle the release after the payoff.
Do I need to tell my lender I am selling?
You only need to get a payoff amount from them. We handle the payment and paperwork with the lender.
Areas we serve
Where we buy
Free pickup across Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego and Ventura counties.
Find out what your car is worth today.
Two minutes, your plate number, and you will know. No fees, no pressure, no obligation.
Hassan IlyasOwner, Carquired