Shopping for a used car online has revolutionized the automotive marketplace, eliminating the need for weekend dealer visits and high-pressure sales tactics. Today's best used car websites offer comprehensive search filters, detailed vehicle histories, financing calculators, and even home delivery options. Whether you're buying your first car or selling your current vehicle, these 11 platforms provide the tools, transparency, and selection to make informed decisions from the comfort of your home.
1. Autolist
Autolist, which was founded in 2011, allows shoppers to search millions of used car listings compiled from car shopping apps and dealer websites. Both its website and user-friendly app provide useful information on each vehicle, including days on the market, price changes, and the CARFAX report. The Autolist site searches thousands of used car sites so you don’t have to. The Autolist app offers the largest selection of local cars, trucks, and SUVs of any other app. Download it now to find the right ride at the lowest price.
2. Carvana.com
Carvana’s simple website offers a completely online shopping experience, complete with an intuitive “Car Finder” search tool for their high-quality used vehicle inventory. Highlights and flaws are revealed by 360-degree camera views. Enjoy finding cars that fit your budget.
Shoppers can browse makes and models, trims, styles, and locations, as well as sell or trade vehicles, calculate payments using an easy loan calculator, apply for financing, and schedule delivery or pickup at a vending machine near them.
3. Autotrader.com
AutoTrader, which was founded in 1997 and was the first nationwide online marketplace for new and used cars, is our pick for the best site overall because of its reputation, reach, and extensive research guides. Autotrader is an excellent resource for locating the ideal used vehicle. Check out their buying guide for used cars here. Autotrader also has apps for iOS and Android. It is the go-to place to buy and sell a car because of its large number of listings and advanced search tool.
4. AutoTempest.com
AutoTempest was founded in 2008 as an online car classifieds aggregator. It takes the top spot on our list for comparing options because it pulls data from most databases, including Craigslist, eBay, Cars.com, AutoTrader, Carvana, and others. Nobody beats autoTEMPEST for an all-in-one experience! AutoTempest allows customers to search by a variety of criteria, including mileage, price, and more. Searches can be saved and retrieved later using a web browser or the AutoTempest mobile app.
5. Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is one of the latest and most popular platforms for selling and buying used cars both locally and nationally. This is a classified ad website with a search function that allows shoppers to find vehicles that meet their criteria. It is hosted on the Facebook social media platform. Although the website does not provide all of the information needed to make a purchase, it does give shoppers a sense of the local market.
6. Vroom
Vroom is another car-buying website that has rendered weekend dealer visits obsolete. Cars are sold on the website and delivered throughout the United States, just like Carvana. The search tool is simple and straightforward, allowing buyers to browse thousands of Vroom-certified, low-mileage cars, trucks, and SUVs with Carfax vehicle history reports and no-haggle prices.
7. eBay Motors
With a user base of 160 million or more, eBay motors is the most popular online destination for buying and selling vehicles.
In comparison to Craigslist, eBay has a slight advantage in that users are not completely anonymous and the entire transaction can be completed on the website. The eBay search engine includes features like make, model, pricing, location, delivery options, and more, as well as a Market Price Analysis that compares asking prices to other vehicle prices on the site.
8. CarsDirect.com
CarsDirect launched the first website to help dealers sell directly to customers online in 1998, similar to AutoTrader, which launched the first online car marketplace for private sellers in 1997. Internet Brands is the owner of CarsDirect. Search for used cars in specific areas by using filters like body style, price, and model. You can view your desired car’s Carfax report as well as receive offers from dealers and private owners. Once you’ve narrowed down your search, send an inquiry for more information and, if necessary, special financing. There are also links to car dealer websites and maps with directions to each store’s location.
9. KBB.com
KBB.com, perhaps the most well-known auto research website, has built a reputation for providing a wealth of resources to help consumers research, price, and shop for a vehicle. Their website offers estimated car values, advice on how much to pay for a used car, and a better understanding of used and new car listings. The Kelley Blue Book Price Advisor, in addition to a comprehensive new and used vehicle search function, shows shoppers what they should pay based on other purchases in their area – the Fair Market Range.
10. Carfax.com
Carfax is a resource for both buyers and sellers of used cars that provides vehicle history information. With their used vehicles, many dealerships provide a Carfax report.
Price, category, brand, model year, popularity, and lifestyle (commuter, eco-friendly, family, and outdoor, for example) are all options. While the website could be more user-friendly, shoppers should be able to find car-buying advice and a simple car payment calculator.
11. TrueCar
TrueCar is a digital automotive marketplace with over a million used and new vehicles available through a nationwide network of certified dealerships. Transparent pricing gives potential buyers more confidence and bargaining power when approaching TrueCar certified dealers.
TrueCar is also linked to over 250 companies’ car-buying programmes, including Sam’s Club. Vehicles can be filtered by category, price, brand, model, model year, features, and more using the search tool.
Final Verdict
Choosing the right platform depends on your specific needs. AutoTrader leads for overall selection and research tools, making it ideal for buyers who want extensive options and detailed comparisons. Carvana and Vroom excel for buyers seeking a completely online experience with home delivery and no-haggle pricing. For budget-conscious shoppers, Facebook Marketplace and eBay Motors offer direct connections with private sellers at competitive prices.
Sellers benefit most from AutoTrader's massive reach and advanced listing tools, though Facebook Marketplace's free listings make it attractive for quick local sales. Regardless of which platform you choose, always verify vehicle history reports, arrange professional inspections for high-value purchases, and use secure payment methods. Once you've completed your purchase, consider professional auto transport services for safe, convenient delivery of your vehicle—especially when buying from distant sellers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best website to buy a used car online?
AutoTrader is the best overall website for buying used cars, offering 3 million listings from 40,000 dealers and 250,000 private sellers with advanced search tools and comprehensive research guides. Carvana is best for contactless buying with 360-degree vehicle views and home delivery, while Autolist excels at aggregating listings from multiple sources for easy comparison shopping.
Is it safe to buy a used car online without seeing it in person?
Yes, buying used cars online can be safe when using reputable platforms that provide detailed vehicle history reports, 360-degree photos, return policies, and buyer protection programs. Carvana and Vroom offer 7-day return policies, while most platforms provide Carfax reports. For added security, arrange a pre-purchase inspection through a local mechanic before finalizing any purchase, especially for high-value vehicles.
What is the cheapest website to buy used cars?
Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist typically offer the lowest prices since you're buying directly from private sellers without dealer markups or platform fees. eBay Motors also features competitive pricing through its auction format. However, remember that cheaper platforms may offer less buyer protection, so always verify vehicle history and arrange inspections before purchasing.
Which website is best for selling a used car quickly?
Facebook Marketplace is best for quick local sales with free listings and immediate buyer access. For nationwide reach, AutoTrader and eBay Motors attract millions of serious buyers. Carvana and Vroom offer instant cash offers if you want to sell immediately without listing—they'll pick up your car and handle all paperwork, though you may get less than private sale prices.
How do I get my car delivered after buying it online?
Most online car purchases offer two delivery options: platforms like Carvana and Vroom include home delivery in their service, or you can arrange professional auto transport separately. Enclosed transport is recommended for higher-value vehicles to protect against weather and road debris. Reputable car shipping companies offer door-to-door delivery, insurance coverage, and tracking for purchases from distant sellers.
Do I need to pay fees when buying or selling on used car websites?
Fees vary by platform. Buyers typically don't pay listing fees but may encounter dealer fees or delivery charges. Sellers face different structures: Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are free, AutoTrader charges listing fees, eBay Motors charges $60-$125 for national listings, and platforms like Carvana buy directly without seller fees but at trade-in prices rather than private sale values.
Should I get a Carfax report before buying a used car online?
Yes, always review a comprehensive vehicle history report before purchasing any used car. Most reputable platforms like AutoTrader, Carvana, and CarsDirect provide free Carfax or AutoCheck reports with their listings. These reports reveal accident history, title problems, service records, ownership history, and odometer readings—essential information for making an informed buying decision and avoiding costly mistakes.
Can I negotiate prices on used car websites?
Negotiation depends on the platform and seller type. Private sellers on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and eBay Motors typically negotiate. Dealership listings on AutoTrader usually allow negotiation. However, Carvana, Vroom, and TrueCar feature no-haggle pricing—their listed prices are final. Some buyers prefer no-haggle pricing for transparency, while others want negotiation flexibility to secure the best deal.
