The process of searching for and buying a good used car is not always an easy task. Fortunately, you can now find your best used new car while sitting in a comfortable chair. There are numerous websites that offer new and used vehicles. The problem is that not all sites are reliable. So, what should you look for in a website that sells used cars?
One of the most important features you should look for is the content of the website. The site must provide reliable information about the car you’re going to buy. As much as possible, opt for sites that provide detailed information on the vehicle, including photos and a history report or Carfax report. Through this, you are guaranteed that the product you’re purchasing is not a lemon car.
Aside from that, the site must also be user-friendly. So, it should have a search function that can provide you with the best results in a couple of seconds, and it should be easy to navigate. A feature that allows you to see if you’re getting a good deal is also helpful. Other features, such as a mobile platform, a payment calculator, and buying guides are also a plus.
To help you find the best used car site for your next search, here is a list of the 15 best used car websites.
CarsDirect
CarsDirect is a simple website that allows you to search for used cars based on make, model, body style, and price. From there, your search results will include offers from both private owners and dealers. In addition, each result will provide images that show the condition of the car. Aside from images, you also get the option to view the Carfax report of your chosen vehicle. And if you’re in the middle of deciding between two or more vehicles, this website will let you save your search history and favorite cars.
At CarsDirect, you can also submit an inquiry about your chosen car. If you’re looking for special financing, this website can also help with that. Plus, you’ll also get information about special financial incentives. Once you’ve chosen the right car for you, the site will provide links to the dealer’s website and comprehensive maps to the dealer’s location.
Overall, CarsDirect is a very user-friendly website. You can choose from a wide variety of cars, and you’re guaranteed that they will be in excellent condition.
Hemmings
Hemmings is a reliable website that features and sells used classic cars. It also sells car parts and offers services relating to your car.
On this website, you can search based on the car’s make, model, year, price, and location. From there, the site will show you images and a brief description of the vehicle. Once you’ve chosen the right car for you, you can either buy it via a straightforward sale or via an auction. The site will also allow you to contact the seller if you have questions.
Aside from selling classic cars, Hemmings also offers an up-to-date blog, a daily newsletter, and other resources aimed to help classic car owners. There’s also an online store where you can buy apparel, books, wall calendars, and die cast models. Lastly, it also shares links to upcoming auctions.
If you’re into classic cars, the Hemmings site is definitely one of the best used car websites you can visit. Plus, the site has a simple design that allows their users to find the right car with ease.
CarGurus
CarGurus is considered the gold standard when it comes to online shopping for used cars. This website can provide sufficient information on the car you’re interested in.
At this site, finding a car is easy, thanks to its point-and-click search function. From there, you can still filter the results based on a variety of factors, such as price and mileage. The website also provides some images and information about the history of the vehicle. You’ll also see the time when the vehicle was posted and its price history.
The CarGurus site has some unique features that distinguish them from other sites. First, the website emphasizes transparency. When you search for a vehicle, the top results are not the ads paid for by the car dealers but the best car listings based on the dealer’s reputation and market value. Moreover, the site will also show you whether you’re getting a great, good, fair, or bad deal. Lastly, you’ll also read test drive reviews from other consumers.
This website guarantees you that you’re going to get the best car deal.
Edmunds
Edmunds started out as a printed periodical. Today, it is now one of the best used car websites you can visit. This is not only because this site can offer thousands of cars but because it also has several features that will help you find the best car for you.
First, finding a car on this website is simple. All you need to do is to enter the make, model, and year of the vehicle you want, along with your zip code. From there, the search results will show you if your choice is a great, good, or fair deal. Plus, the site lets you save your favorite cars so that you can compare the prices afterward.
Aside from being user-friendly, another great feature of this website is its True Cost to Own (TCO) pricing system. This system takes into account your additional costs when buying a car, including taxes, insurance premiums, and interest on your loan. It can also help you evaluate your options while you’re searching for the best auto loan rate.
AUTOLIST
The AUTOLIST has many of the same features as the other websites on this list. For example, it allows you to search for used cars based on price, location, make, model, and body style. From there, the search results will show images of your chosen car along with some vital information, including a Carfax report. The website will also provide the necessary details of the dealer or seller. Plus, the website will let you save your search history and favorite cars.
The feature that makes AUTOLIST stand-out is its highly rated mobile app, which is available on Android and iOS. Through the app, you can shop for your next car while you’re on the go. This website also provides helpful information about the car, such as how long it’s been on sale or how its price has changed over time.
Overall, using this website and mobile app is quite easy. The best part is that the site offers a variety of cars that you can choose from.
Kelly Blue Book
Kelly Blue Book has been an authority on the true value of a vehicle for many years. On this site, you can find a car by clicking on the search menu. Then, they will provide you a variety of options that they deem as “Fair Market Value.” From there, you’ll get to see some photos, specs, and the price of the vehicle. Plus, you’ll also see consumer and expert reviews. Aside from that, the site has a calculator that you can use to compute your monthly payment.
One feature that makes this site stand out is the “Get Blue Book Value” link. Once you click this link, it will lead you to a webpage that provides KBB’s estimated value of the vehicle. That way, you’ll know if you’re getting a good deal or not.
In addition to selling new and used cars, this website also offers buyer’s guides that are updated on a weekly basis. They also offer car reviews that will help you decide which type of vehicle to purchase.
Overall, the images and search features on the Kelly Blue Book site are standard. They also provide a deep selection of new and used car listings, so you’ll have a lot of choices.
Cars.com
Cars.com is one of the largest platforms for online car shopping. In fact, they offer thousands of car listings. But, you can easily narrow your list of choices, thanks to its user-friendly search function. All you need to do is click your desired make, model, price, and mileage, and the site will show you the best results.
One of the best features of this site is that it will show you if you’re getting a good or great deal. Aside from that, it also provides the car’s Carfax report, so you’re guaranteed that you’re getting all your money’s worth. In addition, this site also allows you to save your favorite cars and connect with the sellers. You’ll also see some consumer reviews that will help you choose the best car for you. Lastly, the site also has a payment calculator that you can use to determine your monthly fees.
Overall, this website offers features that are easy to use. It also provides detailed information on the vehicle you’re planning to purchase, including photos and a history report.
TrueCar
Another website that emphasizes on transparency is TrueCar. This website has altered the way people purchase cars online. Compared to other websites, this site will show you the difference between the charging price of dealers and the price the customers are actually paying. Through this, you can save more money even without haggling. The best part is that the price you see online is the price you’ll get when you go to the site’s certified dealers.
With this website, searching for the right car is also simple and easy. Like other websites on this list, you just need to enter your zip code and click on the make and model to get results. The site will also show you images and a description of the vehicle, including a Carfax report. You can also use the calculator to estimate your monthly payment.
Bring A Trailer
Another website that offers vintage cars is the Bring A Trailer (BAT) site. Unlike Hemmings where you can purchase a car via an auction or a straightforward sale, buying a vehicle on this site is done via an auction only.
On this site, sellers submit their cars. The BAT team will then work with the seller to craft an informative and honest car listing with photos and detailed information on the vehicle. From there, the auction will be live for seven days. The site has also included features such as bidding charge holds, sniping protection, and community comments to help with the bidding process.
Another advantage you can get from this website is its active community. The members of BAT can offer personal experiences and insights that will help you get the car of your dreams. Plus, sellers will usually respond to your questions in the comment section as well. So, if you’re interested in buying a vintage car, BAT is a great site you can visit and join.
Carvana
All used cars sold on Carvana are subject to an Experian AutoCheck report and have passed a 150-point inspection. Thus, you are guaranteed that you’re not going to buy a lemon car at this site. Aside from that, this website will handle all the steps of the car-buying process, including financing the purchase. The best part is that the whole process will only take you 10 minutes.
Aside from that, this website can provide you with the best car-buying experience. They do this by letting you try a vehicle for seven days without any obligations. If you don’t like the car, you can return it without any charges, as long as the car has less than 400 miles on it from the time you took possession. A $1 per mile fee will be charged for anything over 400 miles.
One downside of this website is that choices may be minimal because it is not a platform for dealers, unlike most websites on this list.
AutoTempest
If you’re looking for a website that can provide you with a lot of options, AutoTempest is the right one for you. This site is like “Google” for car shoppers. It collects listings from other websites, such as eBay Motors, Craiglist, and CarSoup. So, with this website, you can get a lot of options in just a single search. From there, the search results will show you some images and the vehicle’s condition, along with the link where you can find the car. Plus, the website also allows you to save your search history.
In the website’s home page, you’ll find buying guides and some negotiating tips to get the best deals. Plus, the site also provides comprehensive car reviews and answers to frequently asked questions.
One downside of this website is that the information provided may not be sufficient for some buyers. For example, some car listings don’t have a Carfax report. Nonetheless, you can always contact the seller for the necessary information you need.
Vroom
At Vroom, you can choose from thousands of certified used cars. But, you can use the filter option to reduce your choices by clicking on the make and model, body style, year, miles, and price. From there, the site will show you photos, details, and a Carfax report of your chosen vehicle. On the vehicle’s page, you’ll also find a calculator that will help you compute your monthly payment. Lastly, all cars listed on this site have passed a thorough inspection, so you’re guaranteed that you’re not going to buy a lemon car.
One of the advantages you can get from Vroom is that they will deliver the car to your doorstep for free. You’ll also get a 250-mile or 7-day drive test to ensure that you like your new car.
Auction Direct USA
Auction Direct USA has a large collection of used cars that are reasonably priced. To find a car, you can either type or click the make and model you want on the search menu. Then, the site will show you the best results. On the vehicle’s page, you’ll find the car’s photos and details, along with a free Carfax report. Plus, there’s also a price advisor link that will show you Kelly Blue Book’s rating of the vehicle. Lastly, you’ll also find a calculator that can compute your monthly payment.
Overall, Auction Direct USA is a good website you can visit if you want to buy used cars. They offer financing, take trades, and make deliveries. Plus, they have a 500-mile or a 5-day money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied with your purchase.
NADA Guides
The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) is home to numerous private listings of cars. So, this site can offer you a lot of car options. This website offers a point-and-click search function to help you find the vehicle you want. The car’s page contains the price, several photos, the specifications of the car, and consumer reviews.
A great feature of this site is that it allows you to compare up to four cars side by side. By doing so, you can assess which listing will give you the best deal. This website also offers a payment calculator so that you can compute your monthly fees. Moreover, the site also contains buying guides and car reviews that will help you find the best vehicle. An added bonus is that this site also offers motorcycles, boats, and classic cars.
Autobytel
Autobytel is a large online search engine for new and used vehicles. Like other websites on this list, you can easily find the car you want by entering your zip code and clicking on the make and model of the car you want. From there, the site will direct you to a page that contains the vehicle’s details and photos. Plus, it also has a feature that lets you contact the seller. Lastly, the site will also allow you to save your search history and favorite cars, which you can find in the My Garage® section of the site.
Aside from those features, this website also provides information about financing, buying tips, and car reviews. Plus, the site has some top 10 lists that will not only entertain but educate and give you some ideas of what to look for you as well.