If you’re thinking of selling your car online in the UK, two names you’ll almost certainly come across are We Buy Any Car (WBAC) and Motorway. Both promise quick, hassle-free ways to sell, but they operate very differently. So which one is better? Let’s break it down.
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What is WBAC?
We Buy Any Car (WBAC) is the UK’s largest instant car-buying service. You simply enter your car’s details online, get a valuation, book an appointment at a local branch, and sell your car on the spot.
- Pros:
- Very quick — you can sell in under an hour.
- Huge network of branches across the UK.
- Guaranteed sale (as long as you accept the price).
- Cons:
- The valuation is often lower than private sale prices.
- Deductions may apply for condition, mileage, or missing service history.
- Admin fees on lower-value cars can eat into your payout.
WBAC is all about speed and convenience, but not necessarily about getting the very best price.
What is Motorway?
Motorway works differently. It’s an online car-selling marketplace where dealers compete to buy your car. You list your vehicle (using your registration, photos, and details), and Motorway sends it out to its network of verified dealers. The highest offer wins, and the dealer then collects your car for free.
- Pros:
- Often higher prices, as dealers bid competitively.
- No selling fees for private individuals.
- Free home collection in most cases.
- Cons:
- Takes longer than WBAC — usually a few days to finalise.
- Price depends on dealer interest; not all cars attract strong bids.
- You need to take and upload accurate photos.
Motorway is about maximising price, though it’s not as instant as WBAC. 84% of Motorway sellers achieve higher than average prices for their car.
Head-to-Head Comparison: WBAC v Motorway
| Feature | WBAC | Motorway |
|---|---|---|
| Typical speed | Same-day sale at local branch | 1–7 days, dealer collection |
| Price | Usually lower than market value | Often higher, competitive bids |
| Convenience | Quick but requires branch visit | Online + home collection |
| Certainty | Guaranteed sale (if you accept) | Sale depends on dealer offers |
| Fees | Possible admin charges | Free for private sellers |
Who Wins Based on Reviews – WBAC or Motorway?
Customer reviews paint a clearer picture of how sellers feel about each platform:
- We Buy Any Car (WBAC): Thousands of reviews highlight the speed and ease of the process. Many users say it’s stress-free and straightforward. However, negative reviews often mention that the final offer is lower than the online valuation, particularly if the car has even minor wear and tear.
- Motorway: Reviews frequently praise the higher prices compared to instant-buy services. Sellers appreciate the free home collection and the competitive bidding system. Negative reviews tend to focus on delays — it can take longer for a sale to complete, and not every car attracts high dealer interest.
Overall sentiment:
- WBAC scores higher on speed and certainty.
- Motorway scores higher on value and convenience.
When it comes to reviews, Motorway edges ahead for customer satisfaction because sellers feel they achieved a better deal, even if it took longer.
Which One Wins?
The answer depends on your priorities:
- If you want the fastest, no-fuss option: WBAC wins. You can sell today and walk away with the money in your account.
- If you want the best price and don’t mind waiting a little longer: Motorway wins. Dealer bidding usually drives up the value, and you may walk away with hundreds (or even thousands) more.
Final Verdict
While both platforms are trusted and make selling your car easier than private ads, Motorway edges the win thanks to stronger customer satisfaction, higher prices achieved, and greater professionalism. WBAC is still the go-to choice if you need a fast, guaranteed sale, but if you want maximum value with minimal hassle, Motorway is the smarter option.
Quick Tip
Before you decide, try both. Get a WBAC valuation, then compare it with Motorway’s dealer offers. Seeing the difference makes it easier to choose the route that works best for you.
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