The car-buying process can be complicated, frustrating, and exhausting. There are so many choices for new cars and used vehicles that it's often overwhelming to weigh all your options and find something that suits your needs. On top of that, high-pressure sales situations at car dealerships are enough to make you want to avoid buying a used car. 

Fortunately, there are alternatives to traditional car shopping methods, and they require much less time and effort than heading to the car lot and trying to get a fair price. If you're looking for a way to find the best used cars for sale without going through the hassle of shopping in-person at different car dealers, car-buying sites can be a great alternative. 

Whether you don't like the idea of going to a dealership and trying to haggle with a salesperson, or you want to get customer reviews, car prices, car reviews, market values, and auto loan information all in one place, one of these sites will be your best option. They all have different features and tools that could fit your needs, so knowing what each offers can help you make the right choice.  

## Best Used Car Websites in 2025 

There are many choices for buying a vehicle online, such as buying via the website and collecting it in-person or having it shipped to you. In addition to getting a wider range of available choices, you can use the site's search tools to find a car that fits your needs. Understanding these sites and what they offer will help you use the right one to find your new vehicle. 

<a href="#Autotrader">__Autotrader__</a>  
<a href="#Carvana">__Carvana__</a>  
<a href="#Craigslist">__Craigslist__</a>  
<a href="#eBay Motors">__eBay Motors__</a>  
<a href="#KBB.com">__KBB.com__</a>  
<a href="#Cars.com">__Cars.com__</a>  
<a href="#CarMax">__CarMax__</a>  
<a href="#Edmunds">__Edmunds__</a>  
<a href="#Bring a Trailer">__Bring a Trailer__</a>  
<a href="#Cars & Bids">__Cars & Bids__</a>  
<a href="#Facebook Marketplace">__Facebook Marketplace__</a>  
<a href="#Autotempest">__Autotempest__</a>  
<a href="#CarGurus">__CarGurus__</a>  
<a href="#Autolist">__Autolist__</a>

---

<a name="Autotrader"></a>  
[__Autotrader__](https://www.autotrader.com)

Autotrader is one of the oldest used car marketplaces in existence, and has its roots in catalogs from well before internet shopping became commonplace. The company is one of the most trusted names in used car sales, and lists everything from standard production cars to rare and exotic sports and luxury vehicles. 

The site lets you search by price, style, and other parameters, and there is even a car deals section highlighting some of the best bargains available around the country. Plus, you can get an instant cash offer on your current car if you want to trade in.

[Go to Autotrader](https://www.autotrader.com)

---

<a name="Carvana"></a>  
[__Carvana__](https://www.carvana.com/)

Carvana is your best option if you're looking for the most hassle-free, convenient way to buy a used car. While the company's prices are slightly higher than the market value, they make up for it with easy shipping right to your door. 

If you don't want to work with a dealership or a private seller, the Carvana site can save you a lot of time and effort. Carvana also uses the car vending machine system at some locations, allowing you to get your vehicle right away and hit the road without worrying about shipping or any other roadblocks.

[Go to Carvana](https://www.carvana.com/)

---

<a name="Craigslist"></a>
[__Craigslist__](https://craigslist.org/)

Buying a car from a private party is more complicated than simply shopping from an online inventory, but it can save you some money and help you find a great deal. Craigslist has been around for decades, and is a local marketplace with listings for everything from jobs to real estate to automobiles. 

All the communication and paperwork is up to you and the private party you're buying from, making it more of a self-starter experience than going to a dealership. However, it is an excellent tool for searching for a bargain. You might be surprised at how many options are available in your local area and how much money you can save.

[Go to Craigslist](https://craigslist.org/)

---

<a name="eBay Motors"></a>  
[__eBay Motors__](https://www.ebay.com/b/Auto-Parts-and-Vehicles/6000/bn_1865334)

While it's better known as a hub for enthusiasts and collectors of vintage items, eBay Motors is an excellent resource for car buyers. There, you can bid on vehicles of all kinds and get deals you couldn't get with a standard, fixed-price online marketplace. Plus, since the listings are from all over the country, you can choose from a wide range of available vehicles, including rare and vintage cars that you can't find anywhere else.

[Go to eBay Motors](https://www.ebay.com/b/Auto-Parts-and-Vehicles/6000/bn_1865334)

---

<a name="KBB.com"></a>  
[__KBB.com__](https://www.kbb.com/)

Kelley Blue Book is probably the most well-known place to find the market value of a vehicle, so you can be sure you aren't paying too much. While the company still provides this service, it has been combined with an online marketplace to help you find the perfect vehicle at the ideal price. KBB partners with dealers, which means that you may not have access to every single vehicle in a particular listing, but it's a great place to start if you want to know what to expect when it comes to pricing. 

[Go to KBB.com](https://www.kbb.com/)

---

<a name="Cars.com"></a>  
[__Cars.com__](https://www.cars.com/)

Cars.com has a specific and helpful set of search tools that make it easy to find the right vehicle for your lifestyle. The company does comprehensive studies every year for car seat fitting, safety, and reliability ratings, which can be included in your search. 

Cars.com partners with dealers, which means you'll still have to go to a dealership to pick up your vehicle, and your options may be slightly limited, but you can be sure that the car you are looking at will be perfect for you and your family.

[Go to Cars.com](https://www.cars.com/)

---

<a name="CarMax"></a>  
[__CarMax__](https://www.carmax.com/)

Perhaps the main reason why people are apprehensive about shopping for a car online is the shipping process. However, CarMax has a system that makes getting your vehicle as simple as possible. 

Since CarMax has many brick-and-mortar locations throughout the United States, vehicles from locations far away from your closest store can be transferred by the company, sometimes without a fee, or even shipped to your door in certain circumstances after the online buying process has been completed. CarMax also buys vehicles, which means you can trade in your old one at the same time. 

[Go to CarMax](https://www.carmax.com/)

---

<a name="Edmunds"></a>  
[__Edmunds__](https://www.edmunds.com/)

Edmunds is at the top of the heap in the world of trusted automotive resources. In addition to excellent vehicle knowledge and guides, the Edmunds website also offers new and used car listings that can be used in conjunction with the in-depth research tools that are available on the site. You can check the car's value and find expert ratings, among other resources.

[Go to Edmunds](https://www.edmunds.com/)

---

<a name="Bring a Trailer"></a> 
[__Bring a Trailer__](https://bringatrailer.com)

For those in the market for unique or vintage cars, BringATrailer.com is a go-to resource. It's an automotive auction site that curates vehicles and ensures the cars you can search are not your run-of-the-mill. 

Whether you're looking for a Nissan GT-R or a Ford Model T, you can usually find what you want on Bring a Trailer. Plus, the bidding function ensures you can get a competitive price without traveling to an actual auction or a local dealer.

[Go to Bring a Trailer](https://bringatrailer.com)

---

<a name="Cars & Bids"></a>  
[__Cars & Bids__](https://carsandbids.com)

Unlike other auction sites, Cars & Bids specializes in vehicles from the 1980s and later, emphasizing specialty cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs. If you want used cars that are harder to find than they used to be but aren't considered antiques, this will be your best option. The site also features a community where users can post questions and seek out specific vehicles, which is incredibly helpful for collectors of all kinds.

[Go to Cars & Bids](https://carsandbids.com)

---

<a name="Facebook Marketplace"></a> 
[__Facebook Marketplace__](https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/)

Like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace is simply a listing site that allows private sellers to post their vehicles for sale. One thing that sets it apart is that it's connected to Facebook and has many fail-safes in place, such as the ability to browse the seller's profile and see their other activity on the site. While you still have to take precautions to protect yourself when making a purchase, knowing who you're buying from and what their online activity looks like can be incredibly helpful.

[Go to Facebook Marketplace](https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/)

---

<a name="Autotempest"></a>
[__Autotempest__](https://www.autotempest.com/)

With so many options for buying a car online, it can be difficult to pinpoint which marketplace is best for you and your needs. That's why AutoTempest is such a great option, because it doesn't host individual listings of vehicles for sale but aggregates listings from a wide range of other sellers. 

AutoTempest lets you narrow down your search using the databases of services such as eBay, Cars.com, TrueCar, Hemmings, and others. With all these listings in one place, you can avoid having to search through different sites and save yourself a lot of time. Plus, with AutoTempest's robust search tools, you can find a car that's ideally suited for you.

[Go to Autotempest](https://www.autotempest.com/)

---

<a name="CarGurus"></a>  
[__CarGurus__](https://www.cargurus.com)

CarGurus is most likely the first site you think of when the subject of buying a car online comes up. With almost 20 years in the business, CarGurus is your best option if you want transparent pricing and excellent information on car values. The company also lists certified used cars, which are a smart choice for used car buyers, since they've already been inspected and maintained by the manufacturer. 

CarGurus' search tools also allow you to efficiently narrow your choices and find the perfect vehicle for your needs and budget. You can filter your search results via body style, price, fuel type, transmission type, and much more.

[Go to CarGurus](https://www.cargurus.com)

---

<a name="Autolist"></a> 
[__Autolist__](https://www.autolist.com)

Autolist offers an extensive collection of search tools that allow you to find the perfect car for your needs and your budget. With listings separated by price, body style, and popularity, you can narrow down your search and make the shopping process as simple as possible. 

The Autolist app has been downloaded more than seven million times, and is one of the most popular mobile apps for car shoppers. With the award-winning app, you can find your ideal vehicle on the go, and be sure you don't miss a listing that could be perfect for you.

[Go to Autolist home page](https://www.autolist.com)

---

## What to Consider When Buying a Car Online 

Like any online purchase, being aware of scams and other potential problems is crucial. Taking steps to protect yourself and your finances during the purchase process will keep you safe and ensure you get the right car.

__Pre-Purchase Inspection__

Before you decide a car is right for you, it's essential to get some pre-purchase inspections done. While this can be difficult to do when buying a car online, it's still an important step. Having an experienced and trustworthy mechanic test drive and examine the vehicle you want to buy is a great way to avoid unexpected and expensive repairs and ensure that you don't lose out on a lot of money.

__Vehicle History Reports__

Vehicle history reports from Carfax, AutoCheck, or other companies are incredibly important, especially when buying a vehicle online. They're a great way to see whether the car you're looking at has been in any accidents, had any significant repairs, or had issues with liens or other registration problems. It's all valuable information you should have before taking ownership of the car.

__Shipping__ 

There's a chance you'll have to deal with shipping costs when you buy a car online. Unless you use a local service, such as Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, you'll need to coordinate vehicle pickup or transport with the seller. 

Know what your responsibilities are when it comes to shipping before you agree to purchase a vehicle. Some sites make shipping easy, while others have a more complicated process that can be difficult to navigate. 

__Financing__ 

Many used car sites offer in-house financing so you can take care of all your car buying needs in one place. However, many of these financing offers have incredibly high interest rates and may not be your best option for saving as much money as possible. 

If you want the best price for your vehicle, you may be better off arranging funding separately from a standalone financial institution. Whether you're buying a Mercedes-Benz or a Toyota Camry, spending less should always be a top priority. 

__Secure Payment Methods__ 

Ensure payments are secure whenever you buy anything online. You don't want your bank details to be stolen or to leave your bank account vulnerable to fraud. At the online checkout, look for a padlock icon in the URL bar on your browser. That will inform you that you're using a secure payment method and that the transaction is protected from hackers. 

The car buying process can be incredibly intimidating, and many try to avoid it for as long as possible. The idea of going to a dealership, haggling with a salesperson trying to sell you an extended warranty and other extras you don't want, and paying for administration fees can be frustrating.

With such a wide range of online car marketplaces, you no longer have to go through all that hassle to find a new car. By knowing what used car websites are available to you and what each of them has to offer, you can search wisely and make a sage choice. 

Best website for used cars: when searching for your next vehicle, use these proven used car websites to find the best deal.

What Are the Best Used Car Websites in 2025?

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