Searching for the top 10 best online car shopping sites? You've come to the right place.
Finding a reliable used car is not easy. I am a car guy and I experienced both time wasted and headaches when starting my car buying experience. My goal is to try and find the right car at the right price. There are thousands of cars available for sale online, but finding one that meets your needs and budget can be tricky.
There are several websites out there that offer a wide variety of vehicles at varying prices. But what makes one site better than another?
I've compiled the best places for car listings that I have used to help in the car search.
AutoTrader is an online marketplace where you can buy and sell used cars. You might have seen their car buying ads online or during the commercials of your favorite television show.
This website offers over 1 million listings across hundreds of categories, including luxury, economy, compact, SUV, and sports cars and I would put this at the top of the list for a site to check out.
This website has been ranked 1 in customer satisfaction among auto dealerships, according to J.D. Power and Associates.
Another big advantage of using autotrader.com is that you can read reviews of individual cars from other drivers. This can help you make a more informed decision about which car to buy. Additionally, autotrader.com offers helpful tools like trade-in estimators and payment calculators to help you budget for your new car purchase.
2. Cars.com
Cars.com is another popular website that allows you to search for used cars based on location, price, model, and condition. This website has over 2 million listings nationwide.
Another great thing about using Cars.com is that you can find cars that are within your budget. You can also find cars that have been pre-owned or certified pre-owned. This means that you can get a great car at a fraction of the cost of buying new.
3. eBay Motors
eBay Motors is a website that connects buyers and sellers of used cars.
This website allows you to browse through millions of listings and narrow down your search results by vehicle type, mileage, and condition.
Also, If you are like me, eBay Motors is a great way to find used car and motorcycle parts. You can find parts for all types of vehicles, and the site is organized by make and model. eBay Motors also has a search feature that lets you find parts quickly.
4. Craigslist
If you're looking for a used car, craigslist is a great resource. There are always cars for sale on craigslist, and the prices are usually much lower than what you would find at a dealership. Plus, you can't beat the convenience of Craigslist – you can search from your computer or smartphone.
Craigslist is a free classifieds website that allows users to post ads for items they want to sell or trade.
5. Edmunds.com
Edmunds.com is an automotive website and a trusted resource for consumers who are interested in finding a used car. The website offers detailed information on available cars, including the make and model, price, and specs. Edmunds also provides user reviews of each model to help shoppers make an informed decision. With Edmunds.com as a guide, shoppers can find the perfect car for their needs without any hassle.
They provide detailed information about each vehicle, including its features, performance, safety, reliability, fuel economy, and warranty.
6. Kelley Blue Book
Kelley Blue Book is another popular automotive website. Their goal is to help buyers find the perfect car based on their needs and budget.
Kelley Blue Book is the most popular resource for finding used cars. It has been around since 1926 and is considered to be the authority on automotive pricing. Its website, kbb.com, offers a large selection of used cars and trucks from all makes and models, as well as detailed information on each vehicle.
Their extensive database of over 1 million vehicles makes it easier than ever to find the right car for your needs.
7. CarsDirect.com
If you're looking for a way to save money on car shopping, carsdirect.com is worth checking out. This website offers an easy way to compare prices and find the best deals on vehicles.
CarsDirect.com is a leading auto dealer that sells pre owned vehicles. They sell hundreds of different models of cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans.
You can also use carsdirect.com to get quotes on new and used cars. In addition, carsdirect.com provides a service that lets you rent a car without having to leave your home.
8. CarGurus.com
CarGurus.com is a popular automotive website that provides comprehensive information about used cars.
CarGurus.com is a website that allows users to search for, compare, and buy cars. The website has a variety of features, including car reviews from verified users, car pricing information, and a map that shows the location of cars for sale. Users can also find car deals and coupons. The website has a rating system that allows users to rate and review different cars.
Why I like CarGurus.com:
- Find Cars Near You - Cargurus.com has over 1 million vehicles listed. That means there’s a good chance you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for. Plus, you can narrow down your search by location. For example, if you live near a college campus, you may want to consider a used car instead of a brand new model.
- Compare Vehicles Side By Side - Once you’ve found the car you want, you can compare it side by side with similar models. This gives you a better idea of what features you should pay attention to when purchasing a car.
Cargurus.Com is a great resource for finding the perfect car for you. Use their free car loan calculator to determine whether you can afford a specific car.
9. Carvana
Carvana is an online marketplace where you can buy, sell, trade, and rent cars. I personally have purchased from Carvana and overall I would say it was a positive experience. However, the 150 point inspection is not 100%.
I strongly recommend that you take to a professional for a PPI.
Here are 3 reasons to used Carvana:
- Safe & Secure - When you buy or sell a vehicle on Carvana, you don't have to worry about scams, fraud, or identity theft. Our platform is 100% secure, and your personal information is kept private.
- Convenient - The platform makes buying and selling a car quick and simple. You can find the right car for sale in minutes, and you can complete the transaction in seconds. I was able to locate the car on CarGurus which led me to purchase the car on Carvana.
- Easy Payment Options - With Carvana, you can pay with cash, debit card, credit card, or PayPal. You can also choose to finance your purchase over time. I did not finance the car and all transactions were verified with PLAID.
10. Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is a great resource for finding used cars. It has a large user base and is easy to use. You can search by make, model, year, or location. You can also see what other people have listed as well as ratings and reviews. Facebook Marketplace is a great way to find a car that meets your needs and budget.
How do I find a good used car?
We will quickly go over my thoughts on finding a good used car. You will want to make sure you have the following questions answered:
- What brand or kind of car are you looking for?
- What is the market price and availability of the car you are looking at?
- Do you have the Carfax?
- How far is the car? Can you schedule a test drive?
You will want to know what type of car you want. If you don't know, I have a few blog posts about top cars to choose from for specific budgets as well as brands to strongly consider.
Secondly, do you know how much the car SHOULD cost, while it's just an estimate, you can pay more or less depending on the condition of the car and how many owners.
Make sure you get a Carfax or vehicle history reports for the vehicles you are considering. The vehicle history reports can be the determining factor on the service records and the number of owners. You could access a short listing of the service records for free by visiting mycarfax.com
Check out the Free Buying Guide on the insider tips that can help you identify a good car.
What to look for when inspecting a used car:
When inspecting a used car, always take note of the exterior and interior condition. The car should be free of any major dents or scratches. The paint should be in good condition with no fading. The interior should be clean and free of any stains or tears. This is the first step for me in the car buying process before I make an offer or talk about price.
Check the engine for any signs of leaks. Listen for any strange noises coming from the engine. Inspect the tires for wear and tear. Make sure all the lights and signals are working properly.
TIP: Be wary of engines that are fully detailed and squeaky clean. While this might look great, it can easily hide potential repairs like oil leaks and coolant leaks.
What are the factors to consider when buying a used car?
There are all sorts of different types of cars available on the market, so you need to find one that fits your needs. Another thing to consider is the age and condition of the car. You don't want to buy a car that is too old or in too bad of condition.
You will be able to determine the condition of the car once you take it for a test drive. Be sure to check out my other blog post about what to take with you on your test drive.
Test Drive and PPI
Take the car for a test drive to see how it handles on the road. Make sure to drive on both paved and unpaved roads to test the suspension. Go through all the gears to make sure they are working properly.
If you're not familiar with cars, have a mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection before buying a used car.
There are many places where you can buy used cars, so you need to find one that is reputable and trustworthy.
How much should I spend on a used car?
When you buy a used car, the price is always a negotiation. Even if the car is listed at a certain price, there's always room to negotiate. Sellers want to get as much money as they can for their car, and buyers want to pay as little as possible. So how do you negotiate the price of a used car?
Negotiating the price of a used car:
There are a few things you can do to make sure you're getting the best deal on a used car. First, always research the market value of the car you're interested in. This will help you know what a fair price is for the car. Next, be prepared to walk away from the deal if the seller isn't willing to come down on the price. And finally, don't be afraid to haggle.
In Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed the list of the top 10 car shopping websites to help you find your perfect car. Be sure to do your research and compare prices before making your purchase. Happy car shopping!
Please leave a comment as I love hearing how your car search is going. I will be happy to answer any of your questions.