We Buy Any Car is a car buying service with over 300 branches across the UK. The company aims to offer its customers a convenient way and alternative means of selling vehicles intended to be simpler than trading-in or selling. This article will be addressing and answering the following:
What is We Buy Any Car?
We Buy Any Car was founded in 2006 by Noel and Darren McKee and headquartered in Farnham, Surrey, England. By 2009 the company quickly grew in popularity with help from the well known webuyanycar.com adverts. At this time, WBAC had bought 100,000 cars and was celebrating its 100th branch opening.
The company specializes in purchasing vehicles through their hassle free, three-step process. It begins with a free online car valuation, then going in-person to a branch and agreeing to sell the vehicle on-site.
What Does the Purchase Process Look Like?
WBAC operates on a simple 3 step process:
Free Online Valuation
Car Buying Center
Get your Check
Step 1: Find out how much your car is worth by getting a free car valuation. You will need to provide your vehicle’s mileage, year, make, model and condition, as well as your contact information. If you are satisfied with the valuation, you then move on to the next step. You can also use our free vehicle valuation tool here which will give you an idea of what top car buyers might pay for your vehicle.
Step 2: After reviewing and accepting your valuation, create an appointment at your nearest branch. A branch manager will perform an inspection to verify the vehicle information provided online is accurate. After the on-site inspection, you will be offered a price to sell your car for. It may be the same as the online valuation, or it could be higher or lower depending on what the inspection uncovers. Be sure to bring the following documents:
Current and valid vehicle registration
The vehicle’s title
Valid drivers license for each owner listed on the title
All keys, manuals and accessories belonging to the vehicle
Step 3: If the online valuation matches the on-site inspection and all paperwork is verified, a check can be issued immediately that you can cash or deposit to your bank account.
IMPORTANT: Due to COVID-19, regular operations may have changed. Visit here to stay updated on WBAC’s response to the coronavirus.
Does WBAC Really Buy Any Car?
To put it simply, WBAC does buy any car whether it's a new car or a used car. They'll even buy it if it's not running. Be mindful that if it’s not operating, you will have to make your own transport arrangements to the nearest branch for an on-site appraisal. In addition to broken down vehicles, WBAC will also buy cars that have been modified with aftermarket parts.
Other scenarios you may find yourself in:
Your vehicle is financed or leased
The owner cannot be present
Selling a deceased relative's car
Selling a company car
Outstanding Lease/Financing
It’s not a problem if there is an outstanding balance still owed. WBAC will pay the balance on your car loan up to but not exceeding the price they purchase the vehicle for. The amount of the loan payoff will be deducted from the amount you will be paid for selling the vehicle. Note that you will have to provide WBAC with documentation from your financial institution detailing the outstanding loan amount. Payment will thus be handled by your finance company.
Owner is Not Present
If the owner cannot be present, a letter of authorization (e.g. power of attorney) must be provided from the registered owner. Payment details must also match the name of the owner that is on the vehicle title. In addition to all other required vehicle documentation, two forms of identification are required from both the registered owner and from the person selling the vehicle on their behalf (e.g. photo ID and proof of address).
Selling a Deceased Relative’s Car
In this case, WBAC will need proper documentation such as an original death certificate or short certificate in addition to all other required vehicle documentation (e.g. registration, title, photo ID, etc).
Selling a Company Car
To sell a company car you will need to provide the following documentation:
Your Picture ID
A letter signed by an authorized company representative that allows you to sell the vehicle
Two forms of identification showing the address of the business
Both sets of car keys if available
All vehicle-related documents and manuals
The vehicle's registration card and title/current pay
WBAC Reviews
We Buy Any Car customers generally only have positive things to say about the service. The company has received a rating of ‘Excellent’ by Trustpilot. Out of over 16,000 reviews, more than 96% of them are regarded as either good or excellent. Several reviews claim WBAC is the only way they will ever sell a car again. Many note receiving the best price offer compared to other dealerships, as well as considering the offer to be of fair price market value. Customers also commented on the excellent customer service from the salespeople, as well as really benefiting from being able to sell their car fast.
Out of the negative reviews we could find, many of the complaints pertained to customers not receiving the same offer after the inspection as they had from the online appraisal. WBAC does inform sellers during the valuation process that offers are based on the limited information collected online and that it can be adjusted by webuyanycar.com at any time (both prior to or during the on-site inspection). Customers’ frustrations are understandable, but by agreeing to receive a valuation, they are also agreeing to these terms.
Why WBAC?
WBAC prides themselves on their business model. The website states, “Buying cars is all we do! It’s our specialty”. One of their main selling points is that by separating car selling and car buying, the customer may receive a better deal as opposed to a private sale or part-exchange. The WBAC website also claims they are better than the alternatives because you can avoid:
• Paying for costly advertisements to try to sell your car
• Waiting for strangers to visit your home for a showing and test drive
• The risk of not selling your car and having it on the market for months while it drops in value
• The hassle of advertising salespeople trying to convince you to re-advertise with them
• Paying gas, maintenance, tax and insurance costs while you wait for buyers to contact you
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