CarMax, Carvana and AutoNation make direct offers, while CarGurus can surface eligible dealer offers. Here is how those paths compare with MyLastBid's private Washington dealer marketplace.
Enter your license plate or VIN and vehicle details to request an online offer. CarMax says most vehicles qualify online, while some require an in-person appraisal. If you proceed, CarMax verifies the vehicle before payment.
Visit the official program ↗Enter your license plate and answer questions about the vehicle. Carvana presents an offer and, if you accept, asks for the required documents and lets you arrange an eligible pickup or drop-off before payment.
Visit the official program ↗Enter your license plate or VIN and describe the vehicle. AutoNation provides an offer, then confirms the condition and paperwork at a store before completing payment or applying the value to a trade.
Visit the official program ↗Enter a license plate or VIN and vehicle details. Where the service is available, CarGurus can show eligible offers from participating dealers before you choose one and arrange an inspection and handoff.
Visit the official program ↗| Step | CarMax | Carvana | AutoNation | CarGurus | MyLastBid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start online | Provide a plate or VIN, ZIP code and vehicle details. | Provide a plate and answer questions about the vehicle. | Provide a plate or VIN and vehicle details. | Provide a plate or VIN and vehicle details. | Create one listing with the VIN, condition and current photos. |
| Offer source | CarMax makes one direct offer. | Carvana makes one direct offer. | AutoNation makes one direct offer. | Eligible participating dealers may provide offers. | Participating verified Washington dealers submit private offers. |
| Seller contact | You work directly with CarMax. | You work directly with Carvana. | You work directly with AutoNation. | Contact and next steps depend on the selected dealer offer. | Your phone number and email are not shared with every dealer; you choose which offer to pursue. |
| Before the sale | The vehicle’s condition, use and history are verified. | Vehicle details, eligibility and documents are reviewed. | A store completes a physical condition review. | The selected dealer verifies the vehicle and documents. | The selected dealer verifies condition, documents and any lender payoff. |
| Handoff | Store appointment or eligible home pickup; availability and fees can vary. | Eligible pickup or drop-off options depend on location and the transaction. | Bring the vehicle to a participating AutoNation store. | Complete the inspection and handoff with the selected dealer. | Arrange the inspection and handoff directly with the dealer you select. |
| Payment | Payment is issued after verification and completed paperwork. | Carvana lists check or direct deposit options, or the offer can be used toward another vehicle. | Payment follows the on-site review and completed documents. | The selected dealer completes payment after verification. | The selected dealer confirms the payment method and completes the purchase. |
CarMax, Carvana and AutoNation are direct buyers. CarGurus can help eligible sellers compare participating dealer offers. Program availability, verification, handoff and payment terms vary, so compare the complete process—not only the first number shown.
MyLastBid is focused on Washington: you create one listing and participating verified dealers can submit private offers. Your phone number and email are not shared with every dealer. You compare the bids and decide whether to accept, reject or negotiate when available. Listing is free for sellers, and you are not obligated to sell.
Use the written offer as a comparison point when you submit one vehicle listing to participating Washington dealers. Describe the same mileage, condition and equipment so you can compare proposals fairly.
Check expiration, inspection requirements, payment and any loan payoff alongside the amount. MyLastBid does not guarantee that dealer offers will exceed CarMax, Carvana or another buyer’s offer. You can reject all offers and keep your existing option.
Program details can change and availability may vary by vehicle and location. Review each buyer’s current terms before making a decision. CarMax, Carvana, AutoNation and CarGurus are trademarks of their respective owners and are not affiliated with MyLastBid.