When it comes to buying a car, there are a lot of options to choose from. You can buy new or used, and you can buy from dealers or private sellers. But when it comes to finding the best deals, buying online is the way. So how do you know which online car buying site is right for you?
Article Quick Takes
- Carvana
- Cars.com
- Edmunds
- CarsDirect
- Tips for Buying a Car Online
- Autotrader
- Kelley Blue Book
- TrueCar
- CarGurus
- Tips for Selling a Car Online
- AutoTempest
- Hemmings
Here are ten of the best car buying sites, based on user feedback and ratings, along with a brief description of what each one offers. Hopefully, this will help make your decision easier!
1. Carvana
Carvana stands out from other car-buying websites because they have a fully-automated, coin-operated car vending machine. Carvana’s website’s easy-to-use tools offer 360-degree photos of the vehicles and make finding a car easy. All of the cars on Carvana’s website have passed a 150-point inspection, and you can test drive your new car for seven days and return it if you’re not satisfied.
2. Cars.com
If you’re new to buying cars, Cars.com is a great place to start. All used vehicles sold on the site come with a CARFAX report, so you can be sure you’re getting a good deal. And if you’re selling your car,cars.com has the fastest way to get a price estimate. Just enter basic information about your car, and you’ll instantly see a range of prices for dealer retail and private party selling – making it easy to figure out what your car is worth.
3. Edmunds
Edmunds.com is an excellent website to visit if you consider purchasing a new car. The site offers a Price Promise® guarantee and plenty of helpful information on new and used vehicles. You can use Edmunds True Market Values® to decide whether the asking price for a car is fair before making any decisions.
4. CarsDirect
CarsDirect is a website focusing on a straightforward car buying experience. The site is user-friendly and easy to use. You can filter your search by make, model, body style, and more. It allows you to communicate directly with car dealers, and you can also apply for special financing.
Tips for buying a car online
- Do your research – Research the make and model of the car you want to buy.
- Find A Good Deal & Negotiate – Find who will offer the best price.
- Get a car history report – Get a CARFAX or history report done on the vehicle.
- Inspect the car before buying – Have someone local, preferably a mechanic, take it for a test drive.
5. Autotrader
AutoTrader is often regarded as the best website to buy used cars. The company began as a car sales magazine and was later made available to the general public via the internet. AutoTrader teamed up with Kelley Blue Book to create an advanced search tool that can filter cars based on dozens of criteria and calculate how much you can afford to spend on a car, making it easy to find the perfect vehicle for your needs.
Kelley Blue Book is a well-known and highly trusted resource for vehicle information. It has been published in hard copy for many years, but recently it has focused on its website as the primary outlet for its detailed information. One of the things that makes Kelley Blue Book so valuable is its focus on the value of your car. Not only does it provide the best price on your car, but it also provides detailed information about how to get the most value for your vehicle.
7. TrueCar
TrueCar is a great resource to connect with certified dealers and get the best deal possible if you’re in the market for a new or used car. Their pricing data is based on actual sales of new and used vehicles so that you can be guaranteed the best price. Plus, they offer ultimate price transparency – if you find a better price elsewhere, they’ll honor it. So you can relax and enjoy your new car, knowing you got the best deal possible.
8. Car Gurus
CarGurus believe that buying a car should be easy and fun. With over 20 million shoppers visiting the site every month, they are one of the best places to buy cars online. In addition, CarGurus encourages transparency of dealers. They offer unbiased ratings based on price and dealer reputation. This allows you to assess a vehicle’s actual market value accurately. So whatever your needs, CarGurus is there to help make finding and buying your perfect car a breeze.
Tips for selling a car online
- Price it right – Find out the value of your car and price it accordingly.
- Include details – Include as much details about your car and what makes it special.
- Prepare to respond – Respond all questions from potential buyers.
- Close the deal – Finalize the price and purchase details.
9. AutoTempest
AutoTempest is a website that allows users to compare prices for used cars from several websites. The site offers cross-site comparisons and is the best for reaching used vehicles. AutoTempest also includes search results from eBay Motors, Craigslist, Cars.com, AutoTrader, and CarsDirect. In addition to car prices, AutoTempest provides checklists and buying guides with plenty of advice and tips.
10. Hemmings
If you’re a classic car lover, then Hemmings is your website. You can find everything from specific parts and services to the largest selection of classic cars anywhere. You can also buy and sell high-end and collector vehicles here, making Hemmings the perfect marketplace for all things classic car related. And if that’s not enough, Hemmings also offers a daily newsletter with info about local auctions and car clubs, as well as classifieds and events. So whether you’re looking for resources aimed at the classic car owner or buying tips, Hemmings has everything you need.
There is no doubt that online car buying has never been easier. In this article, we’ve listed ten of the best online car buying sites. So whether you’re in the market for a new or used car, one of these websites will indeed have what you need.
Need help getting your new car to your location? If the website does not offer car shipping services to your area, you can easily book a professional company like Nationwide United Auto Transport. We’ll ensure your car arrives safely and on time. You can speak to one of our trusted advisors at 800-311-8305 and request a free quote.