Top 15 Best Sites for Buying Cars Online (Ranked by Price, Delivery & Reviews)

Key Highlights

• From websites like Car Guru to alternatives to CarMax, we’ve compared the most popular automotive websites based on price transparency, delivery options, and verified reviews. Platforms like CarGurus, Cars.com, and TrueCar offer robust filters, while niche sites like Hemmings cater to classic car lovers. If you’re exploring other sites like Carvana, this list will help you find the right fit.
• When selecting an online car-buying platform, consider key factors like user-friendliness, pricing transparency, and customer reviews. Each of these elements influences your overall satisfaction and experience.
• Be aware of potential subscription fees, geographical variations, and the specific pros and cons of each site to ensure it meets your needs effectively.

🚗 List of Top Car Buying Sites

We’ve narrowed down the top automotive sites to 15 platforms that excel in pricing, delivery, and user experience. Whether you’re browsing cars go listings or comparing the most popular automotive websites, this list includes trusted names and hidden gems. Each entry includes pros, cons, and who it’s best for, so you can make an informed decision when choosing the best site for buying cars online.

1. CarGurus

CarGurus is a data-driven marketplace that helps buyers understand vehicle pricing and dealer reputation through its proprietary deal rating system.

• Pros: Price analysis tools, dealer ratings, wide inventory
• Cons: Mostly dealer listings, limited private seller options
• Best for: Buyers who want transparent pricing and dealer reviews

2. AutoTrader

AutoTrader is one of the oldest and most trusted platforms, offering a massive inventory and advanced filters for financing and delivery.

• Pros: Huge inventory, flexible filters, financing options
• Cons: Interface can feel cluttered, fewer private listings
• Best for: Shoppers who want variety and flexible financing

3. Cars.com

Cars.com provides verified dealer listings and user reviews, along with a mobile app for convenient browsing.

• Pros: Verified listings, mobile app, dealer reviews
• Cons: Limited private seller tools, fewer classic cars
• Best for: Buyers who prefer dealer-backed listings with mobile access

4. TrueCar

TrueCar specializes in upfront pricing and connects users with certified dealers offering discounts on new cars.

• Pros: Transparent pricing, new car deals, certified dealers
• Cons: Focused on dealer sales, less private seller support
• Best for: Shoppers looking for new car deals and price guarantees

5. Vroom

Vroom is a fully online car buying platform offering nationwide delivery, financing, and a 7-day return policy.

• Pros: Nationwide delivery, financing, return window
• Cons: Smaller inventory, limited local test drives
• Best for: Buyers who want a hassle-free online purchase

6. Shift

Shift blends online browsing with in-person test drives and offers trade-in and financing options in select cities.

• Pros: In-person test drives, trade-in options, financing
• Cons: Limited to select cities
• Best for: Urban buyers who want a hybrid online/offline experience

7. Carvana

Carvana offers a fully digital experience with touchless delivery, financing, and a 7-day return policy.

• Pros: Seamless digital process, delivery, financing
• Cons: Higher prices than private sellers
• Best for: Buyers who want a modern, touchless experience

8. CarMax

CarMax is known for its fixed pricing, trade-in options, and financing, making it a go-to for no-haggle buyers.

• Pros: Fixed pricing, trade-in, financing
• Cons: No negotiation, limited private listings
• Best for: Buyers who prefer no-haggle pricing and certified vehicles

9. Hemmings

Hemmings is the go-to marketplace for classic and collector cars, offering auctions and niche listings.

• Pros: Classic car inventory, auction options
• Cons: Niche focus, fewer modern vehicles
• Best for: Enthusiasts looking for vintage or rare cars

10. CarsDirect

CarsDirect offers a simple interface and direct dealer contact, ideal for quick quotes and straightforward buying.

• Pros: Easy to use, direct dealer contact, fast quotes
• Cons: Limited filters, fewer private listings
• Best for: Buyers who want fast dealer quotes and easy browsing

11. Edmunds

Edmunds provides expert reviews, pricing tools, and buying guides to help users make informed decisions.

• Pros: Expert reviews, price calculators, buying guides
• Cons: Fewer listings, more research-focused
• Best for: Research-driven shoppers comparing models and prices

12. Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace offers local listings from private sellers, making it a budget-friendly option with direct communication.

• Pros: Local listings, private sellers, budget-friendly
• Cons: No buyer protection, risk of scams
• Best for: Buyers comfortable with local pickups and private deals

13. eBay Motors

eBay Motors combines auction and fixed-price listings with buyer protection, ideal for rare finds and deals.

• Pros: Auction and fixed-price options, buyer protection
• Cons: Risk with private sellers, shipping not always included
• Best for: Buyers looking for deals or rare vehicles

14. CarsGo

CarsGo is a newer platform offering a mix of dealer and private listings with a clean browsing experience.

• Pros: Easy browsing, dealer and private listings
• Cons: Newer platform, limited user reviews
• Best for: Buyers exploring fresh alternatives

15. Enterprise Car Sales

Enterprise Car Sales offers certified used rental cars with no-haggle pricing and warranty options.

• Pros: Certified vehicles, no-haggle pricing, warranty
• Cons: Limited selection, mostly ex-rental inventory
• Best for: Buyers who want well-maintained used cars with warranty

The Advantages of Buying Cars Online

When purchasing a new car, online car-buying tools can greatly reduce stress and uncertainty by helping you quickly find, verify, and compare your options.

These tools compile data from multiple sources, such as dealerships, manufacturers, and consumer reviews, enabling you to make well-informed decisions based on your specific needs and preferences.

By offering detailed insights on pricing, vehicle history, and customer feedback, these platforms provide an unbiased approach, helping you confidently navigate the entire car-buying process from start to finish.

💡 Tips for a Successful Online Car-Buying Experience

Navigating the world of online car shopping can be exciting, but being well-prepared is essential to make the most of it. Follow these key steps for a successful online car-buying experience:

1. Research the Right Makes and Models

Start by researching different makes and models that suit your lifestyle, needs, and budget. Use comparison tools to evaluate vehicle specifications, features, and pricing. Don’t forget to read owner reviews to gain insights into real-world performance and reliability.

2. Compare Cars and Check Vehicle History

Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, use online car-buying platforms to search for available cars in your area. These platforms often include photos, descriptions, and vehicle history reports, which are crucial for assessing a car’s condition and value.

3. Secure Financing in Advance

Before making a purchase, it’s important to secure financing options. Many online platforms offer financing calculators or loan pre-approval tools to help you determine your budget and available options.

4. Negotiate the Best Deal

Even when buying online, there is room for negotiation. Be prepared to negotiate aspects such as the final price, warranties, and additional fees, like delivery or documentation charges.

5. Arrange a Pre-Purchase Inspection and Test Drive

Before finalizing the deal, arrange for a pre-purchase inspection to ensure the vehicle’s condition matches the listing. If possible, schedule a test drive, especially if the car is local, to confirm it meets your expectations.

Conclusion

Choosing the right platform for buying a car online can greatly improve your experience. Each site offers unique benefits, from large inventories and transparent pricing to options for classic and collectible vehicles. Whether you want a simple transaction or detailed vehicle insights, there’s a platform for your needs. Explore these top-rated sites, consider your preferences, and make an informed choice for a smooth car-buying process. If you need vehicle shipping, our recommended transport services provide reliable delivery for your new car.