CarBrain Reviews 

Great communication overall, very friendly, best pricing offers for vehicles that needed to move on. Would've been best to know upfront that if catalytic converters are deemed to be aftermarket, car value will drop by about $150. Still was a great service!

This was such an easy and great transaction. They gave me a very fair price for my car. They came and picked it up quickly and when they told me they would. Cash on the spot and it could not have been more easy. I made a deal with one of the other companies and when their guy came to pick up my car, he said the Catalytic converter is not the original so he would have to offer me $80 less I said no thank you and went with CarBrain. Carlos was phenomenal to deal with. Five stars all the way around.

Quick response with pickup quick as well. Decent offer but lowered upon arrival due to only 1 catalytic converter. Thought my Impala only had one. Would use again but ask more questions about offer.

I'm happy to have worked with Car Brain. Specifically, Olvin Mejia. Olvin answered all of my questions without hesitation without rushing me without arrogance. He offered a very fair price that I was surprised how high his quote was. My vehicle had the catalytic converter stolen and he still accepted my vehicle for a great great price. I would definitely go back if I found myself in the same situation of needing to junk a vehicle. Even after my vehicle was picked up Olvin reached out to be sure that I was still satisfied with Carbrain's service, also the service of the company K & C recycle whom towed away my vehicle. That impressed me as no one takes time after all is said and done to follow up...as Olvin from Carbrain did. Great experience great people great price paid for my car. I will recommend them to my friends and neighbors and family and coworkers and I will use them again for a service if I find myself in that situation again. 5 Stars

The person who contacted me was super friendly, then they remembered how much they were going to give me for my vehicle, which was agreed to be $400. Then the tow truck arrived, the driver got under the car, checked the catalytic converter, said it was faulty, and offered me $150, even though the car had just passed inspection.

All went smoothly and the driver was terrific.

The only odd thing thing was that shredding company was very interested that the catalytic converter was still there.
I know the chemicals have value and the part is often stolen. However, my make and model(1984 Mercedes 300D) didn't come with one(too old? diesel?). They had to check and re-check. OK w/me.

Update 06/03/2024: After a week of some back & forth, and a BBB complaint. Nancy C @ CarBrain has satisfactorily resolved my complaints and we agreed on a resolution.

I've read great reviews about this company, and decided to go with their offer on my car I needed to sell.
They offered me the highest offer out of Peddle, Wheelzy, and CarBrain... By over a $100. They offered me $450; whereas Peddle & Wheelzy offered me $325 & $335 respectively.

I now know why their offer was the highest; because it seems after reading other reviews they use the common BAIT & SWITCH method.

I was tired of paying storage fees on a car for 3yrs to the tune of more than it's worth.

The initial process was pretty straightforward.
CarBrain website asked a few questions about the car and made an offer.

They did not ask ANYTHING about the catalytic converter!! (this comes into play later)

After receiving the quote from CarBrain; I called BIG-H Auto Recyclers in Houston to schedule the pick-up. The lady was friendly, but a bit short. She asked about the title, if I had keys, if the battery was in the vehicle, and if the vehicle had any flats. Still no mention of catalytic converter.

I scheduled the pick-up for Monday May 27th, 2024 between 8am-12 noon. At about 8:45am the tow truck driver called me and stated he would arrive in approx 30min. I met him at the storage facility; and the first thing he did was back the "roll back" tow truck up to the car; and lift it off the ground. Got out of the truck before asking me any questions or greeting me; and looked underneath the car. He immediately stated that there's no catalytic converter and just a piece of straight pipe welded in it's place.
And that the offer would drop substantially. He got back into his truck, made a brief phone call to someone with his door closed; so I couldn't hear the conversation. Got back out and told me the offer was $215. So they deducted $235 for a catalytic converter on a 25yr old car. I found that astonishing; and was at a loss for words.

I said well I was GUARANTEED $450 by CarBrain and no one from CarBrain or BIG-H Auto Recyclers made ANY mention of catalytic converter. He told me the offer was $215 and if I didn't like it he could just leave; because he "had other sh!t to do". Was very snippy and rude about it. I asked how he was going to change the amount because I was told he'd have a $450 check in hand for exchange of the car, title, and keys. He rudely said "what makes you think I have a check on me". I explained that I was told that.

So he told me I could call them while he did paperwork and see if I could get a better offer. He asked for my drivers license and the title; then proceeded to look over the rest of the car. I called Najari@ CarBrain to express my disbelief; and she pretty much told me it was up to the salvage yard. But had no explanation as to why CarBrain guaranteed $450; and now that's changed. Stated that the catalytic converter is worth most of the price. I explained that scrap prices on a catalytic converter of that age is less than $100. And they told me they could find a different offer, but I would have to start the process all over. And I could call BIG-H Auto Recyclers and see what they say.

By this time the tow truck driver was standing next to me and I felt pressured to go through with the $215 price. It was a very uncomfortable situation. And I would have liked to call the auto salvage yard first, but he didn't give me that opportunity.

So I called BIG-H Auto Recyclers afterwards; and they seemed to have the answer ready. And told me CarBrain should have asked me about the catalytic converter. Yet CarBrain tells me the salvage company should have asked me. By the immediate explanation and response I got from both companies; it seems this is a VERY common tactic. Offer the highest dollar amount; and then lower it once the tow truck driver arrives to pick up the vehicle. I read many reviews of similar experiences. Customers being told that there's a "aftermarket" or "universal" catalytic converter on their vehicle, and dropping the price tremendously. Or finding other minor issues to drop price. Shame on them!! SCAMMERS!

I called Najari @ CarBrain again to voice my disappointment and dissatisfaction with the whole ordeal. And they weren't very apologetic. Again placed most of the blame on the auto salvage company; and had no answer on why they GUARANTEED me a price and didn't follow through. Made NO ATTEMPT at rectifying or making the situation right.
And told me the salvage yard should have asked me the right questions. Then turned around and told me I was asked about the catalytic converter on the CarBrain website. Which is a TOTAL lie! When I called her out on that; she sated that it asks if there's any missing parts. But when I select "missing parts" on CarBrain; it then asks about Engine & Transmission.

I was supposed to get $470 for my vehicle, but when they came to pick up the car he told me some nonsense that the cars catalytic converter was 'universal' so they would only give me $275 for the car. The catalytic converter alone is worth more than $470! I didn't have the time to argue and needed to get this done so I took the $275. I'll never use your service again and I'll warn everyone I know to avoid you scammers.

I was originally offered $450 from carbrain, even after giving them all the information about the car I received an email stating the offer was still good. When they came to retrieve the vehicle I was told the catalytic converter was an aftermarket one and they shorted the amount by $150. From all the reviews I'm seeing, there seems to be a pattern of being told the catalytic converter is "aftermarket". I had mine fixed not long ago and from what I understand, it was welded but my mechanic never stated they changed it entirely or used an aftermarket part. I spent ALOT of money fixing it so it doesn't seem accurate that it is aftermarket. I was already doubting it but now after seeing all the reviews saying the same thing this seems to be a way to shorten the amount originally offered to clients.

They are on point. They ask you all the pertinent questions regarding the car you are selling and really make sure all is ok with it to avoid issues for them and for you. They made a fair initial offer which changed after they ask about the catalytic converter. But it is understandable. That is a valuable part of the car and without it the car loses value. The guy who came to pic the car up was cordial and friendly. He took the time to write the sales contact. All in all was a pleasant experience. I would definitely recommend you guys to friends and family.

I contacted carbrain and then committed to a contract with the company. They gave me a offer that included consideration and I accepted. Thats a contract! now who ever is picking up the car has called 10 times, and been back and forth, they want pics of the catalytic converter and the car, My time is being wasted and I have a contract with CarBrain that was confirmed via email.

Catalytic converter theift was in the news headlines, and having a older vehicle that was in need of a transmission, was parked in a location that would of made it easy Pickens for anyone who would like to steal that valuable component. Doing research on the value of just the Catalytic converter my plan was to save the part, and scrap the rest of the jeep sport.I stumbled on a advertisement for carbrain. Carbrain stated that they bought unwanted cars and trucks for cash $. Being curious I called up ,and talked to a lady named Erica, and explained to her about my old jeep, and what was wrong with it, and how it could not move on its own power. She made me a offer of cash money, site unseen. She was friendly and helpful. And promptly dispatched a driver to pick up the vehicle. I really didn't have any thing to lose on the deal, and gave me the opportunity to see a company that in fact do, exactly what it said it would do. The tow truck driver was on time, and made his inspection. Took a few pictures of the vehicle, and made a cash offer ,and off he went. Everyone was happy 😊 I didn't have to fool with it, and now I have the space to put in a garden. Thank you Carbrain and Erica for doing what you said you would do

Bait and switch offers. They provide offer. You call, they ask many questions not asked on initial offer and lower your offer; tell you initial offer expired, or learn you have sold some items and they now say the car is "stripped", so they can't make as much money and then back out of the offer. A scam company that does not honor it's offers. BMW 2001 740 I, no wheels, no catalytic converters, no damage to car. Engine inoperable. Offered $375; accepted, then asked questions. Then backed out of offer. Horrible business model; bait and switch.

Aside from the incredibly low offer, I can’t describe my experience as anything other that dealing with scavengers.

Not only was the offer low, but the first question about the car was “does it have it’s catalytic converters?” So very clearly just that part alone would net carbrain more than double the offer.

They know one is in a jam when dealing with this company, and they take FULL advantage.

Lastly, I was very clear (confirmed 3 times with the scheduler) about pick up time, and whom to contact, and not only did they miss the entire 4 hour window, but they proceeded to contact the WRONG number. I’m doing so, delaying pick up by almost 12 hours.

It is what it is when one is in a position to have to steep to using this type of service, but at the very least, they could make their offers more fair, and AT LEAST be on time, or WITHIN the 4 hours pick up window.

I would never recommend this company to anyone, and and sorely disappointed and dissatisfied with the entire ordeal. It’s a shame. Truly a shame.

When the pickup person came, he looked under the car to see an aftermarket catalytic converter. He then called his boss who said they would offer me 100.00 less than agreed price on internet! Said that price was if the cat was OEM! I settled with them for $50.00 less than agreed price. Will never use again. Will not recommend.

Read the fine print. Did not receive the amount quoted. Driver claimed catalytic converter was not original. Got $200’s less. Did not receive a receipt and contacted Carbrain. After speaking to 3 representatives.. Manager Matt reached out to company to forward receipt. Receipt was the original promised price. Reached out to Matt again and was promised they would send receipt with correct amount. Company sent email w/ no receipt. Reached out to tow company and Matt.. no receipt.. no response.

Overall my experience with carbrain was good. They showed up handed me the cash. Pretty simple and quick process. However when they showed up the driver tells mw he has to check the catalytic converter and then says it is not thw original and drops the price by 100 dollars. This is something they could've mentioned may be an issue before hand. I may look else where when selling cars in the future.