The 10 Best New and Used Car Sites to Buy and Sell

Are you in the market for a new or used car? With numerous online platforms available, finding the perfect vehicle has never been easier. This article will explore the top 10 websites for buying and selling new and used cars. Whether you're a buyer seeking a reliable mode of transportation or a seller looking to connect with potential buyers, these websites offer a wide range of options and valuable resources.

There are several websites that are popular and considered reliable for buying both new and used cars. Here are some of the best websites for buying cars:

What websites are best to buy new or used cars?

1. AutoTrader
2. Cars.com
3. CarGurus
4. TrueCar
5. eBay Motors
6. Carvana
7. Edmunds
8. Ace1Auto.com
9. CarsDirect
10. Carsforsale.com

These websites offer a wide range of inventory from dealerships and private sellers, along with helpful tools for comparing prices, researching vehicles, and connecting with sellers. It's recommended to visit multiple platforms and use filters to refine your search based on your specific requirements and preferences. Additionally, it's always a good idea to verify the vehicle's condition and history before making a purchase.

List of criteria to consider when choosing the right car website.

Pros

• Inventory Selection
• Search Filters
• Dealer Reviews and Ratings
• Vehicle Research Tools / Market Insights
• Price Comparison Tools
• Transparent Pricing
• Price Confidence / Competitive Pricing
• Certified Dealer Network
• Buyer Protection Program
• Online Car Buying Experience
• Home Delivery and Return Policy
• Online Financing

Sons

• Advertisements and Sponsored Listings
• Limited Private Seller / Vehicle Selection Options
• Limited Local Availability / Test-Drive Experience
• Potential Inaccurate Pricing / Listings
• Potential Scams / Higher Risk of Scams
• Dealer Contact Required
• Time-Consuming Bidding Process
• Non-Negotiable Pricing
• Limited Trade-In Options
• Potential Variations in TMV Pricing

1. AutoTrader

Pros of AutoTrader:

1. Extensive Inventory: AutoTrader offers a vast selection of new and used cars from dealerships and private sellers across the United States. You can find a wide range of makes, models, and price points to suit your preferences and budget.
2. Advanced Search Filters: The website provides comprehensive search filters, allowing you to refine your search based on various criteria such as make, model, price, mileage, and location. This makes it easier to narrow down your options and find the right car.
3. Dealer Reviews and Ratings: AutoTrader provides dealer ratings and reviews, giving you insights into the reputation and customer experiences of specific dealerships. This can be helpful in making informed decisions and choosing reliable sellers.

Cons of AutoTrader:

1. Advertisements and Sponsored Listings: While browsing AutoTrader, you may come across sponsored listings or advertisements, which can sometimes be distracting or make it difficult to differentiate between regular listings and paid promotions.
2. Limited Private Seller Options: AutoTrader primarily focuses on dealership listings, so the options from private sellers might be relatively limited compared to other platforms that heavily cater to individual sellers.
3. Potential Scams: As with any online marketplace, there is always a risk of encountering fraudulent listings or scammers. It's essential to exercise caution, thoroughly research listings, and use secure payment methods to avoid potential scams.

2. Cars.com

Cars.com pros:

1. Extensive Inventory: Cars.com offers a vast selection of new and used cars from dealerships and private sellers across the United States. You can find a wide variety of makes, models, and price ranges to suit your preferences and needs.
2. Advanced Search Filters: The website provides robust search filters, allowing you to customize your search based on various criteria such as make, model, price, mileage, location, and specific features. This helps you narrow down your options and find the right car efficiently.
3. Helpful Vehicle Research Tools: Cars.com offers comprehensive information and resources to research vehicles thoroughly. You can access detailed vehicle reviews, safety ratings, fuel efficiency data, and specifications, helping you make informed decisions about your purchase.

Cars.com cons:

1. Advertisements and Sponsored Listings: Like many online marketplaces, Cars.com includes sponsored listings and advertisements, which may sometimes interfere with the overall browsing experience or make it challenging to distinguish between regular listings and paid promotions.
2. Limited Private Seller Options: While Cars.com does feature private seller listings, the majority of the inventory comes from dealerships. If you are specifically looking for cars sold by individual owners, you might find relatively fewer options compared to platforms that focus more on private sellers.
3. Potential Scams: As with any online marketplace, there is a risk of encountering fraudulent listings or scammers. It's important to exercise caution, thoroughly research listings, and use secure payment methods to mitigate the risk of falling victim to scams.

3. CarGurus

Pros of CarGurus:

1. Extensive Market Insights: CarGurus provides detailed market insights, including price analysis and vehicle history reports, helping you make more informed decisions about pricing and the condition of the car you're interested in.
2. Transparent Dealer Ratings: CarGurus features dealer ratings and reviews from actual customers, giving you insights into the reputation and customer experiences of specific dealerships. This information can help you choose trustworthy sellers and avoid potential issues.
3. Price Comparison Tools: The platform offers price analysis tools that show how a particular vehicle's price compares to similar listings in the market. This helps you determine whether a listing is a good deal or if there are better options available.

Cons of CarGurus:

1. Advertisements and Sponsored Listings: CarGurus, like other online marketplaces, includes sponsored listings and advertisements. While these help support the platform, they can sometimes be intrusive or make it challenging to distinguish between regular listings and paid promotions.
2. Limited Private Seller Options: While CarGurus does include listings from private sellers, the majority of the inventory comes from dealerships. If you prefer buying from individual owners, you may find relatively fewer options compared to platforms that focus more on private sellers.
3. Potential Inaccurate Pricing: While CarGurus provides price analysis, it's essential to note that pricing information is based on data available at the time and may not always reflect real-time market conditions or individual factors that may affect a specific vehicle's value. It's advisable to cross-reference the pricing with other sources and conduct thorough research before making a purchase.

4. TrueCar

Pros of TrueCar:

1. Transparent Pricing: TrueCar provides users with upfront pricing information, including the average selling price and any available discounts or incentives. This helps buyers have a better understanding of the fair market price for a particular vehicle.
2. Price Confidence: TrueCar's pricing information is based on data from actual vehicle transactions, giving buyers confidence that they are getting a competitive price. This can be particularly useful when negotiating with dealerships.
3. Certified Dealer Network: TrueCar has a network of certified dealerships that have agreed to provide upfront pricing to TrueCar users. This can streamline the car-buying process and potentially save buyers time and hassle.

Cons of TrueCar:

1. Limited Private Seller Options: TrueCar primarily focuses on partnering with dealerships, so the options from private sellers might be relatively limited compared to platforms that heavily cater to individual sellers.
2. Dealer Contact Required: To access the pricing and connect with dealers on TrueCar, users are generally required to provide their contact information and agree to be contacted by dealerships. Some users may find this level of interaction with dealerships intrusive or inconvenient.
3. Limited Vehicle Selection: While TrueCar provides access to a wide range of vehicles, the available inventory might not be as extensive as other online car marketplaces. Users looking for specific or niche models may find fewer options on the platform.

5. eBay Motors

Pros of eBay Motors:

1. Large Selection: eBay Motors offers an extensive inventory of new and used cars, including rare and hard-to-find models. You can find vehicles from private sellers, dealerships, and even auctions, providing a wide range of options.
2. Competitive Pricing: Due to its auction-style format and the ability to negotiate prices, eBay Motors often allows buyers to find competitive deals on vehicles. You can place bids and potentially secure a car at a lower price than the market value.
3. Buyer Protection Program: eBay Motors has a buyer protection program that provides certain safeguards and assistance in case of fraudulent or misrepresented listings. This can help protect buyers and provide some peace of mind during the purchasing process.

Cons of eBay Motors:

1. Higher Risk of Scams: As a popular online marketplace, eBay Motors can attract scammers who may post fraudulent listings or attempt to deceive buyers. It's crucial to exercise caution, thoroughly research sellers, and use secure payment methods to mitigate the risk of scams.
2. Limited Local Availability: While eBay Motors allows buyers to search for vehicles nationwide, finding a car in your specific local area may be more challenging compared to platforms that focus primarily on local listings. This can potentially result in additional travel or transportation costs.
3. Time-Consuming Bidding Process: Participating in auctions on eBay Motors can be time-consuming, especially if you are actively involved in bidding and monitoring the progress of multiple listings. This may require regular attention and quick decision-making during the auction period.

6. Carvana

Pros of Carvana:

1. Online Car Buying Experience: Carvana offers a convenient online car buying experience, allowing you to browse, select, finance, and purchase a vehicle entirely through their website or mobile app. This eliminates the need for in-person visits to dealerships and streamlines the process.
2. Extensive Inventory: Carvana has a wide selection of used cars available, including various makes, models, and price ranges. They also have a 150-point inspection process and provide detailed vehicle information, history reports, and high-quality photos to help you make an informed decision.
3. Home Delivery and Return Policy: Carvana provides home delivery of purchased vehicles, allowing you to have the car delivered right to your doorstep. They also offer a 7-day money-back guarantee, giving you the opportunity to test-drive the vehicle and return it if you're not satisfied.

Cons of Carvana:

1. Limited Test-Drive Experience: Since Carvana operates primarily as an online platform, you may have limited opportunities for traditional test drives before making a purchase. However, they do offer a 7-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to test-drive the vehicle after delivery and return it if it doesn't meet your expectations.
2. Non-Negotiable Pricing: Carvana follows a no-haggle pricing policy, which means the prices are non-negotiable. While this can be convenient for some buyers, it may not allow for price negotiations or getting the best possible deal compared to traditional in-person negotiations with dealerships.
3. Limited Trade-In Options: Carvana does offer a trade-in option, but the availability and trade-in value offered may not always be as competitive as what you could get from other dealerships or specialized trade-in platforms. It's advisable to compare trade-in offers from multiple sources to ensure you get the best value for your trade-in vehicle.

7. Edmunds

Pros of Edmunds:

1. Comprehensive Vehicle Research: Edmunds offers extensive vehicle research and resources, including expert reviews, consumer ratings, and detailed specifications. Their in-depth analysis can help you make informed decisions and compare different models before making a purchase.
2. True Market Value (TMV) Pricing: Edmunds provides True Market Value pricing information, which reflects the average selling price of a vehicle in your local market. This can help you gauge whether a listing is priced competitively and negotiate a fair deal.
3. Dealer Ratings and Reviews: Edmunds features dealer ratings and reviews from actual customers, helping you assess the reputation and customer experiences of specific dealerships. This information can be valuable in choosing reliable sellers and avoiding potential issues.

Cons of Edmunds:

1. Limited Listings: Unlike some other online car marketplaces, Edmunds does not directly host vehicle listings. Instead, it serves as a research platform and connects users to local dealerships and their inventory. This means the number of listings available may be relatively limited compared to platforms that aggregate listings from multiple sources.
2. Less Direct Buying Experience: Since Edmunds primarily connects users to dealerships, the platform doesn't provide a seamless end-to-end online car buying experience like some other online marketplaces. You may need to visit the dealership in person or contact them directly to complete the purchase process.
3. Potential Variations in TMV Pricing: While Edmunds' True Market Value pricing can be a helpful benchmark, it's important to note that the TMV pricing is based on historical data and market trends. Actual pricing may vary depending on various factors such as demand, location, and individual vehicle conditions.

8. Ace1Auto

Pros of Ace1Auto

1. Extensive Inventory: Ace1Auto offers a vast selection of new and used cars from dealerships and private sellers across the United States. You can find a wide range of makes, models, and price points to suit your preferences and budget.
2. Advanced Search Filters: The website provides comprehensive search filters, allowing you to refine your search based on various criteria such as make, model, price, mileage, and location. This makes it easier to narrow down your options and find the right car.
3. Dealer Reviews and Ratings: Ace1Auto provides dealer ratings and reviews, giving you insights into the reputation and customer experiences of specific dealerships. This can be helpful in making informed decisions and choosing reliable sellers.

Cons of Ace1Auto

1. Advertisements and Sponsored Listings: CarGurus, like other online marketplaces, includes sponsored listings and advertisements. While these help support the platform, they can sometimes be intrusive or make it challenging to distinguish between regular listings and paid promotions.

2. Regional Availability: The availability of listings on Ace1Auto may vary depending on your location. While they do have a wide coverage across the United States, certain regions or localities may have fewer listings compared to more popular or specialized platforms in those areas.

3. Potential Scams: As with any online marketplace, there is a risk of encountering fraudulent listings or scammers. It's important to exercise caution, thoroughly research listings, and use secure payment methods to mitigate the risk of falling victim to scams.

9. CarsDirect

Pros of CarsDirect:

1. Wide Selection of Vehicles: CarsDirect offers a wide selection of new and used cars from dealerships across the United States. You can find vehicles from various makes, models, and price ranges, providing a comprehensive range of options.
2. Quick and Easy Online Financing: CarsDirect provides online financing options, allowing you to get pre-approved for a car loan quickly and conveniently. This can save you time and simplify the financing process when purchasing a vehicle.
3. Price Comparison Tools: CarsDirect offers price comparison tools that allow you to compare prices for similar vehicles in your area. This can help you determine whether a listing is competitively priced and find the best deals available.

Cons of CarsDirect:

1. Limited Private Seller Options: While CarsDirect does include private seller listings, the majority of the inventory comes from dealerships. If you prefer buying from individual owners, you may find relatively fewer options compared to platforms that focus more on private sellers.
2. Potential Ads and Sponsored Listings: Like many online marketplaces, CarsDirect includes sponsored listings and advertisements, which may sometimes interfere with the overall browsing experience or make it challenging to differentiate between regular listings and paid promotions.
3. Less Advanced Search Filters: While CarsDirect provides basic search filters such as make, model, price, and location, their search options may be less advanced compared to some other platforms. This could make it slightly more challenging to refine your search based on specific features or criteria.

10. Carsforsale.com

Pros of Carsforsale.com:

1. Extensive Inventory: Carsforsale.com offers a large inventory of new and used vehicles from dealerships and private sellers across the United States. You can find a wide variety of makes, models, and price ranges to suit your preferences and needs.
2. Advanced Search Filters: The website provides robust search filters, allowing you to customize your search based on various criteria such as make, model, price, mileage, location, and specific features. This helps you narrow down your options and find the right car efficiently.
3. Helpful Vehicle Research Tools: Carsforsale.com offers comprehensive information and resources to research vehicles thoroughly. You can access vehicle history reports, detailed descriptions, and multiple photos, helping you make more informed decisions about your purchase.

Cons of Carsforsale.com:

1. Potential Inaccurate Listings: As with any online marketplace, there is a risk of encountering inaccurate or outdated listings on Carsforsale.com. It's important to verify the details of the vehicle, contact the seller directly, and consider conducting a thorough inspection before making a purchase.
2. Limited Dealer Ratings and Reviews: While Carsforsale.com includes dealer ratings and reviews, this feature may be relatively limited compared to other platforms that focus more on dealer reputation and customer experiences. Additional research and due diligence may be required to assess the reliability of specific dealerships.
3. Regional Availability: The availability of listings on Carsforsale.com may vary depending on your location. While they do have a wide coverage across the United States, certain regions or localities may have fewer listings compared to more popular or specialized platforms in those areas.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the world of car buying and selling has been revolutionized by the advent of online marketplaces. The 10 best new and used car sites we have explored in this article offer a wealth of options for buyers and sellers alike. From the convenience of browsing through extensive inventories to the transparency of pricing information, these platforms provide a seamless and efficient experience. Whether you're in the market for a brand-new vehicle or a reliable used car, these car sites have proven themselves to be trustworthy and reliable. By leveraging the power of technology, these platforms have simplified the car buying and selling process, empowering consumers to make informed decisions and find their perfect vehicle with confidence. Whether you're looking for a specific make and model or seeking the best deal available, these 10 car sites are sure to meet your needs and enhance your car shopping journey. So, dive into these platforms, explore their offerings, and embark on your car buying or selling adventure with the assurance that you're engaging with the best in the industry. Happy car hunting!