We all know someone who has a car just sitting in the driveway. Maybe it’s an older vehicle that needs a little work, or maybe it’s a car you’ve been “meaning to sell” for months. It’s easy to put it off. But here on Oʻahu, letting a car sit unused can come with hidden costs—and even risks you may not expect.
The Risk of Scams (and Safety) When You Finally Try to Sell
Once you decide to sell your car in Hawaii, it might seem easy to list it online and wait for the offers to roll in. But unfortunately, private sellers in Hawai‘i are increasingly targeted by scammers and even criminals, especially on popular platforms like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.
Here are a few serious concerns to watch for:
- Fake Payment Scams: The buyer sends a fake cashier’s check or PayPal notice that looks real—but the money never actually arrives.
- Out-of-State “Buyers”: They’ll offer to send a shipping company and overpay, asking you to refund the difference. It’s a classic scam.
- No-Shows and Time Wasters: People who schedule appointments, ask for personal info, or even test drive the car—and then disappear.
- Personal Safety Risks: Some sellers have reported being robbed or assaulted after agreeing to meet a “buyer”—sometimes even at their own home. Unfortunately, it only takes one wrong person to turn a routine sale into a dangerous situation.
Selling a car in Hawai‘i is simple if you use Carmark Hawaii.
The risks of trying to sell your car in Hawaii on your own—or not selling at all—can turn a small task into a major headache, or worse.
The Hidden Cost of Doing Nothing
Even if you haven’t listed the car yet, keeping an unused vehicle comes with ongoing costs you may not think about:
- Insurance and Registration: Even if you’re not driving it, you’re still paying to keep it legal (or risking fines).
- Depreciation: Cars lose value every single week—especially if they aren’t being maintained or driven. Waiting just a few months to sell your car in Hawaii can mean hundreds (or even thousands) less in resale value.
- HOA or Parking Issues: Some neighborhoods fine residents for unused or unregistered vehicles in driveways.
- Environmental Wear: Hawai‘i’s salt air is no joke—rust and sun damage can ruin a vehicle faster than you think.
In other words: that “free” car in your driveway might be costing you more than you realize.
A Safer, Simpler Option
At Carmark Hawaii, we buy cars on Oʻahu every day—quickly, safely, and without the runaround. No strangers at your door. No fake checks. No stress. We handle the paperwork, pay you on the spot, and even help with cars that aren’t running.