Will Carvana or CarMax Buy a Car That Doesn't Run? [2026]
Usually not on good terms. Carvana buys cars it can resell, so a car that doesn't start often gets no offer, or the offer drops at pickup. CarMax may appraise a non-running car, but you have to get it to the store, often by a tow you pay for, and the offer is low. Cars with a salvage or rebuilt title are usually turned down by both. A junk car buyer like TOWWO buys the car as it sits, tows it for free and pays you at pickup. Most non-running cars bring $200-$400 in Washington.
Tell us the year, make, model and what is wrong with it. No VIN needed, and you don't have to get it running or towed anywhere.
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It usually goes like this: the car stops starting, you type the plate into Carvana or CarMax hoping for an easy sale, and you get no offer, a very low one, or a note that the car has to be driven or towed in for an appraisal. Many sellers who come to us got that far first.
This guide explains why Carvana and CarMax handle non-running cars the way they do, what each one actually needs from you, what your other options are in Washington, and what cars like yours really sold for.
Does Carvana Buy Cars That Don't Run?
Carvana is a used-car retailer. It buys cars to recondition and sell on its website, so its online offer assumes the car drives. When a car doesn't start, a few things tend to happen:
- No offer at all. If you answer honestly that the car doesn't run, the website often won't give you a number.
- The offer changes at pickup. Carvana's offer is based on your answers, and the car is checked when they come for it. If it doesn't start or has problems you didn't list, the price can be cut or the pickup cancelled on the spot.
- Branded titles are a problem. Salvage, rebuilt and similar titles are a common reason for a refusal.
Carvana sometimes buys a newer car with a small problem, such as a dead battery. A car with a blown engine, a failed transmission or a long time sitting is a different story: it is usually refused or priced far below what a junk car buyer pays.
Does CarMax Buy Cars That Don't Run?
CarMax is more open to cars that need repairs. Its stores appraise most cars, and an older car it won't retail is often sold at its own wholesale auctions. The catch is getting the car there:
- You have to bring the car to a store. A non-running car needs a tow or a trailer, and that is usually arranged and paid by you. Call the store first, since policies vary.
- The offer is a wholesale price. A car that doesn't run gets an auction-level number, which can end up close to what the tow cost you.
- Salvage, flood and rebuilt titles are generally not accepted, running or not.
- If you say no, the car is still at the store. You either take the offer or pay to tow it again.
We price the car from your description and pick it up where it is: driveway, street, parking lot or shop.
See My Offer →No obligation · Free pickup in Western Washington
Carvana vs CarMax vs a Junk Car Buyer
Here is how the three options compare for a car that doesn't start:
| Carvana | CarMax | Junk car buyer (TOWWO) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car doesn't start | Often no offer | Appraised in store | Bought as is |
| Getting the car to them | Pickup, but car is checked first | You tow it to the store | Free tow from your place |
| Salvage or rebuilt title | Usually refused | Usually refused | Accepted |
| Offer changes on site | Common if it doesn't run | Offer is made on site | Only if the car differs from your description |
| Typical result | Refused or a low offer | Low offer, minus your tow cost | $200 – $400 for most cars |
Real Non-Running Cars We Bought
These are recent TOWWO purchases of cars that didn't start or ran badly, the kind of car Carvana and CarMax usually turn away. Every one was picked up for free.
| Car | Where | We paid |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 Subaru Outback 100,000 mi · Started, ran rough | Puyallup | $400 |
| 2011 Chevrolet Impala 176,000 mi · Didn't start | Milton | $250 |
| 2003 Honda Odyssey 180,000 mi · Didn't start | Tacoma | $250 |
| 1966 Ford Mustang Didn't start · years parked outside | Seattle | $240 |
| 2002 Honda Accord 270,000 mi · Didn't start | Tacoma | $220 |
| 2011 Ford F-150 178,000 mi · Engine issues, salvage title | Tacoma | $210 |
| 2006 Mini Cooper S 155,000 mi · Didn't start | Bellevue | $200 |
| 2005 Ford Focus 200,000 mi · Didn't start | Skokomish | $200 |
Note the 2011 F-150: engine trouble and a salvage title, two things that usually close the door at Carvana and CarMax. It still sold for $210 with free pickup. Want to know what drives these numbers? See junk car value in Washington State.
When Carvana or CarMax Is Still the Better Choice
To be fair to them: if your car runs, is fairly new and has a clean title, Carvana or CarMax will often pay more than a junk car buyer, because they can resell it. A car that runs well is worth checking with them first.
The junk car buyer wins when:
- the car doesn't start, or has a blown engine or a bad transmission;
- the title is salvage or rebuilt (see selling a salvage title car);
- the car is old or high-mileage and its resale value is low;
- you already got refused, or the offer dropped at pickup;
- you don't want to pay for a tow or wait for an appraisal.
How Selling to TOWWO Works
- Tell us about the car - year, make, model, mileage and what is wrong with it. No VIN needed.
- Get your offer - a real cash number for the car as it is, not a "subject to inspection" guess.
- Pick a pickup window - we come to your home, work, street or shop. The car doesn't need to start.
- Get paid at pickup - sign the title over, hand over the keys, and you are done.
What you need: the Washington title in your name and a photo ID. After the sale, file a Report of Sale with the Washington DOL within 5 business days. More on non-running cars in general: how to sell a non-running car in Washington.
Frequently Asked Questions
A car that doesn't run still has value. Send us the details and see your number in about a minute - you are never committed until you say yes.
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