Excellent
2,005 Reviews
4.3
6,150 Reviews
A+
Rated by BBB

How to sell your car in California for more.

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Sell with Nexus.
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We link you with top car dealerships in California that are ready to buy your car now.

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Our car value calculator estimates your vehicle's value to encourage productive negotiations.

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Get legitimate, transparent offers from trusted car buyers in our network. We only work with reputable dealerships that offer safe and secure payment processing.

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Nexus manages all necessary vehicle shipping arrangements for you. Get free pickup when you sell!

Private car selling.
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Selling a car privately in California can take over a month or more.

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Car-buying services such as Carvana offer fixed returns for used cars. You get paid less, and there is no room for negotiation.

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You put yourself at risk of scammers.

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You have to do all the legwork, and you still may not get the return you want.

Sell a car in California smarter with Nexus.

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More Dealers, More Access

Our Nexus Portal is home to a network of trusted car dealerships nationwide. If you want to learn how to sell a car in California, know that better access means better profits.

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Intuitive Car Selling

Don't type "how to sell my car in California" into your search engine. Receive an accurate estimate with our car value calculator and use that to field offers from competing California car dealers and dealers around the United States.

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No-Hassle Shipping

Whether you ship a car locally or across the United States doesn't matter. Once a deal is in place, Nexus connects with your car buyer to set up no-stress shipping services.

Sell cars to dealers throughout California.

The Nexus Portal covers all of these California cities and more.
  • Oakland
  • Los Angeles
  • San Diego
  • Redding
  • San Francisco
  • South Lake Tahoe
  • Sacramento
  • Bakersfield
  • Fresno
  • Fremont
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How to sell your car in California with Nexus.

We've designed our Portal so you can get more out of selling used cars.
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Get a free appraisal.

Our Car Value Calculator is designed to appraise your used car's worth with accuracy. With just a few bits of information, including your VIN, make, and model, we'll provide you with a complementary valuation.

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Connect with car dealers.

Nexus brings interested car buyers to you! Auto dealers in California and around the United States compete for your sale, which allows you to negotiate from a place of advantage. This will help you get more when selling a used car in California, whether selling outright or trading in.

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Sign and ship.

Once you've struck a deal with one of our esteemed dealer partners, you're almost there. Finalize the paperwork, hand over the title, and arrange the proper inspection. Once everything clears, Nexus will send a secure car hauler to your doorstep to ship your car. It's that easy.

Why choose Nexus for selling a car in California?

Join hundreds of satisfied customers who have used our Dealer Portal to their advantage.
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Earned a Repeat Customer

I recently purchased a pre-owned vehicle here in Gilbert, AZ and needed a reliable Auto Transportation company to pick up and deliver my vehicle to Sacramento, CA safely. Richard from Nexus was great and provided on-time delivery for me. The driver was professional and handled my vehicle with care just as I expected. I use transportation service at least twice a year and Nexus will be my choice of Auto Transportation from now on. Thank you Nexus!!

Rated: 5.0

Jacori J.

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BBB #4

In the middle of a moving emergency, the dispatcher hustled for me and scheduled the pick-up of my 2020 Fusion the very next day. The agent offered me a very affordable rate which was hundreds of dollars cheaper than the first company I called. The truck-drivers and Nexus agent were kind people and just overall great in terms of service. I would definitely recommend using to anyone looking to move their car over a long distance

Rated: 5.0

Allison C.

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Calmed My Nerves

I used nexus to send my car from Washington to Florida and back again in 2021. Both times they were up front with the pricing, took very good care of my car and delivered the car earlier than expected. I was nervous to send my new car on an open truck across the country, but now I wouldn’t think twice about using nexus to do it.

Rated: 5.0

Kameryn K.

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Quick Response, Smooth Process

Nexus responded quickly to my request and even though I gave them less than a week's notice, they were able to schedule my auto transport. Communication was open and the process was smooth

Rated: 5.0

Julee W.

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No More Shopping Around

Nexus found a driver very quickly and for a cheaper price to ship a vehicle cross country (AZ to GA). Driver was very professional and delivered the vehicle on-time and without issue. I have used other transport companies in the past but I will use Nexus from now on. Great job to the Nexus team.

Rated: 5.0

Tony M.

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Friendly, Reasonable Prices

I have used Nexus Auto Transport twice now to ship a vehicle from Florida to Michigan and both experiences have been great. Friendly professional service and reasonable prices. Easy communication with company and driver. Would recommend this car transport company.

Rated: 5.0

Stephanie S.

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Transparent, Highly Recommended

I was connected with a very reputable auto transport person. My contact with the initial gentlemen was excellent. He answered all my questions and explained how the process would work. There was follow-up contact to be sure my pick-up was scheduled and that all was satisfactory with the arrangements. I would definitely recommend Nexus Auto Transport to anyone in need of this type of service.

Rated: 5.0

Jan K.

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Best in the Game

So far the best in the game. I have used them on three occasions and haven’t been disappointed! Thanks guys!

Rated: 5.0

Nana Q.

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Great Experience, Friendly

Great experience with the delivery of vehicle. Professional and friendly. I appreciated that they stayed in touch with me to keep me posted on the delivery.

Rated: 5.0

Sonny M.

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Excellent, Friendly Service

The communication was excellent, they made sure the vehicles were delivered quickly and they also coordinated with the pick up location, who was not ready on time. As soon as vehicles were ready, they picked up the same day and delivered the next morning. Driver was friendly and put vehicles right where we wanted them.

Rated: 5.0

Chris K.

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A Deserved A+ Rating

I did my research! Nexus Auto Transport has an A+ rating on the BBB and I agree! The contractor, Tony, picked up my car and was great with communicating with me along the way. The customer service was great as well with scheduling everything. The price was fair and the service was great! Be cautious with those other companies that under quote - you get what you pay for!

Rated: 5.0

K. Padgett

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On Time, Safe and Sound

I recently hired Nexus to haul a collector car from Iowa to Washington for me. The driver showed up when he said he would, was friendly, and did a great job dropping my car off on the day and at the place he said he would, safe and sound. I would work with Nexus again.

Rated: 5.0

Conrad J.

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I am very happy

I am very happy, with high quality service, which Nexus provided for me, to transfer my car from Michigan to Panama. These are honest and hard working people taking care of your car. Thank you to my friend who recommended Nexus to me.

Rated: 5.0

Svetlana C.

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Excellent, Efficient Service

The employees at this company were very quick to communicate and arrange for a delivery of my Audi S7 all the way from Iowa to New Jersey, and they also did an excellent job at keeping me updated with the progress of the pick and delivery, I would highly recommend Nexus Auto Transport

Rated: 5.0

Shayan A.

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Easy, Unexpected Deal

Arranged to have my 1982 Volvo 242 shipped over the phone. The shipping company called and made it easy to schedule the pickup. The driver was great. To my surprise it was an enclosed hauler for a very affordable price. Will definitely use Nexus next time I need a car shipped!

Rated: 5.0

Donny W.

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Effortless and Transparent

Nexus provided me with awesome service. From beginning to end of the transport, the company was very professional and made the process effortless. I really appreciated the communication letting me know when it was picked up and when it was waiting at my home being delivered. Highly recommend this company for your auto transport needs.

Rated: 5.0

David B.

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Planning Another Shipment

Vehicles picked up and delivered on time, even with crazy supply chain issues and fuel prices. Decent rates, and reliable service. The driver who transported our car did a great job loading and unloading, and the car arrived a bit dirty but in perfect condition. I plan on calling them when we ship our car back in the spring.

Rated: 5.0

Keith S.

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A New Go-To Company

First I was working with another transport company and for three days I didn't hear anything. So I contacted Nexus Auto Transport and the communication was outstanding. They communicated with me daily and responded within minutes when I needed them. They transported my 65 mustang from Colorado to Houston in no time. They will be my go-to auto transport company from now on.

Rated: 5.0

Blas V.

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Rare Level of Service

Excellent service, efficiency, and care for my vehicle. Moving cross country was very difficult overall, but not in regards to my vehicle. Our driver was incredibly quick, careful, and caring whilst transporting our car. Customer service is excellent from this firm, which is very rare nowadays. I recommend this company with 0 apprehensions.

Rated: 5.0

Reginald W.

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Fair Pricing, Fast Delivery

Used Nexus twice. They delivered early/on time both times. Fair pricing and fast delivery. I recommend their team and will be using them in the future. Honestly still shocked I got my first delivery done in one day and the other one in two days.

Rated: 5.0

Abel S.

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Professional, Amazing Prices

Process was very professional, the driver was always a call away, we had a small hiccup with the pickup but the driver worked with me and made this whole process extremely smooth. Amazing prices compared to competitors.

Rated: 5.0

Rafael G.

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Nexus Auto Transport's Outstanding Service!

Nexus Auto Transport's customer service was outstanding. They anticipated every concern and responded to my questions promptly and courteously. I recommend them without hesitation, as my vehicle was delivered safely and without incident ahead of schedule.

Rated: 5.0

Daryl J. M.

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Professional Next-Day Service

So I needed my car shipped from California to NJ ASAP. I was able to get a driver the next day! They were very professional. I love that I could reach them anytime to talk to them about my car shipment. I've went through 3 different companies before a friend recommended them to me. .... Recommend. Will definitely use them again in the future.

Rated: 5.0

Lorie-Mae N.

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Flexible, Affordable, Fast

This was the first time we shipped a car, so it was a little scary but it turned out great. Customer service was always helpful, the price was the best we found and the carrier that picked up our car was reliable and flexible. It was faster than expected and they were happy to change the drop off location (in the same town) at the last minute. Would recommend and use again.

Rated: 5.0

Alicia J.

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Rough Weather, No Problem

I had an excellent experience and would recommend them highly. They transported my daughter's classic Miata that only has 35,000 miles on it. It was delivered in the exact same shape as it was picked up (From Southern California to Seattle) even through rough weather!!! Can't say enough good things about Nexus Auto Transport!!!

Rated: 5.0

Darrin S.

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No Hassles, Great Communication

I shipped two cars all the way from west coast to east coast, and both cars were transported with no hassle from the day I booked with Nexus. Customer support was always easily available on phone, once a driver was assigned, their dispatch team was also very communicative. One of my cars were delivered in two days, I wasn’t really expecting it to be this fast.

Rated: 5.0

Shama F.

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Hassle-Free Car Delivery

Great service. Fast delivery time. Hassle free car delivery. And great prices. Will definitely continue to use them

Rated: 5.0

Bracken M.

FAQ

You may keep your license plates when selling a car in California. Once you sell your car, remove your plates, and use a razor blade or safety knife to extract your registration sticker.

Registration stickers are not reusable.

California license plate transfers are allowed for:

· Transferring license plates to a dealer.

· Transferring license plates to a private buyer.

· Moving license plates to a new car.

· Transferring license plates to a family member.

There are other exceptional circumstances where transferring plates is allowed. Contact your local California DMV for more information.

When you look up "how to sell my car in California," you're probably wondering about how much a used vehicle sale is taxed. Car sellers must claim gains on used car transactions to the IRS and state tax agency. The base sales and use tax for private car buyers in California is 7.25%. This may vary based on your area. When researching "selling my car in California," consider taxes and applicable fees.

Yes. You can transfer a car title online in California via the official California DMV portal.

California does not require a notarized or witnessed bill of sale. You should, however, notarize a bill of sale for large purchases and sales as a matter of legal protection. A notarized bill of sale is official documentation of a car ownership change.

No, you are not required to notarize a vehicle title when selling a car privately in California. A seller must sign and legibly print their name on the back of a California car title. Notarization isn't necessary but is often advised for high-value sales.

You have five calendar days to notify your local California DMV when "selling my car in California." Once the title is transferred and vehicle possession is transferred to a buyer, DMV notification is necessary to release you of liability.

You are not required to pay a buyer's sales tax when selling your car in California. Sales tax is a buyer's responsibility. However, you will likely have to pay taxes on capital gains at the state and federal levels. Exclusions apply. Contact your local tax agency for more information.

Yes, you need a car title to sell a vehicle in California. If you do not have the title, contact your local California DMV for a replacement. Hand over the California Certificate of Title to the car buyer with the correct signature, printed name, odometer reading, and official sale date. Selling a car privately in California without a title is against the law.

You can sell a car privately in California through multiple channels, including online listings, face-to-face transactions, flea markets, car shows, etc. However, it is often best to sell a car to a car dealership. On our Portal, reputable dealerships compete to buy your used car. Competition drives values up and increases your sales return.

When you look up "how to sell your car in California," you may encounter information about a bill of sale. Rest assured, a bill of sale is not required to sell your car in California. You only need a vehicle title, applicable signatures, and a transfer fee. All active loans must be paid off before officially transferring a title.

Private car sales have high value potential when selling a vehicle in California. However, there are many ways to do it. If you post a used car on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, you may wait weeks or even months to find the right buyer. While doing so, you are likely to run into plenty of lowball offers and potential scam artists.

Selling a car in California to a certified, licensed dealership is often the best way to get the most for your car selling buck. With the Nexus Portal, top car dealers compete to buy your car. This will give you plenty to work with in negotiations.

To transfer a title online in California, you'll need the following documents:

· A California Certificate of Title or Application for Replacement Or Transfer Of Title

· Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form (REG 262)

· Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (REG 138)

· A transfer fee.

· Odometer reading (in some areas.)

Some California municipalities require additional paperwork, such as a smog certificate. This link provides more information on the assessment of California title transfer fees.