Finding a reliable used car can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack—especially with so many options and so much uncertainty about the vehicle’s history. The good news? The internet has made it easier than ever to browse thousands of listings, compare prices, and check detailed car reports before making a decision.
The trick is knowing where to look. Not all automobile websites are created equal, and if you want a good deal without sacrificing quality, you need platforms that focus on transparency, accurate listings, and seller credibility.
Below, we’ll explore the best automobile sites to get quality used cars, along with tips for navigating them like a pro.
1. Autotrader – The Veteran of Online Car Shopping
Autotrader is one of the oldest and most trusted names in online car sales. Its interface allows you to search by make, model, year, price range, mileage, and even specific features like heated seats or navigation systems.
What makes Autotrader stand out is its massive network of dealers and private sellers. You’ll find everything from budget-friendly sedans to certified pre-owned luxury SUVs. Plus, many listings include vehicle history reports, which give you confidence about what you’re buying.
Pro Tip: Use the “Certified Pre-Owned” filter to find cars that have passed rigorous inspections from manufacturers, offering better quality and warranty coverage.
2. Cars.com – Transparency and Dealer Verification
If you want a mix of dealer and private listings with detailed filtering, Cars.com is a great choice. They provide price comparison tools that let you see whether a car is fairly priced based on market value.
Another advantage? Cars.com includes dealer reviews, so you can avoid shady sellers and focus on reputable ones. This transparency is crucial when buying a used vehicle online—you’re not just checking the car, but also the seller’s credibility.
Pro Tip: Use their “Price Drop Alerts” feature to get notified when the vehicle you’re eyeing gets cheaper.
3. CarMax – Hassle-Free Buying Experience
CarMax takes the stress out of used car shopping by offering no-haggle pricing. This means the price you see is the price you pay—no back-and-forth negotiations, no hidden fees.
Every car at CarMax undergoes a 125+ point inspection, and they also offer a 7-day return policy. That’s huge because it gives you time to test the car in your daily routine before committing fully.
Pro Tip: CarMax is great if you hate negotiating and want a smooth, straightforward process. However, it might not be the cheapest option since there’s no bargaining.
4. Carvana – Buy a Car Without Leaving Your House
Carvana has completely changed how people buy used cars. It’s an online-only platform where you can browse, finance, and buy a vehicle entirely from your phone or laptop. They even deliver the car to your doorstep.
Carvana offers 360-degree virtual tours of vehicles so you can check every detail before buying. All cars come with a 7-day money-back guarantee, and their inspection process is thorough.
Pro Tip: Perfect for busy buyers or those who want a completely contactless purchase process. Just make sure you verify pricing against competitors before finalizing.
5. TrueCar – Price Transparency Champion
If you’re worried about overpaying for a used car, TrueCar is your friend. The platform shows you what other people in your area paid for the same make and model, so you know exactly where your deal stands.
TrueCar also works with a large network of certified dealers, ensuring you get vetted cars with verified histories. You can filter by accident history, mileage, and more.
Pro Tip: Use TrueCar before you even talk to a seller—it gives you solid negotiation power.
6. Facebook Marketplace – Local Deals at Your Fingertips
While Facebook Marketplace might not be a traditional car site, it’s become a major hub for used car sales, especially for local deals. You can find affordable options directly from private sellers—sometimes cheaper than dealership prices.
The key is to be cautious: always inspect the car in person, check the paperwork, and verify the seller’s identity before handing over cash.
Pro Tip: Join local Facebook groups dedicated to car sales. Many good deals never make it to the open Marketplace.
7. Edmunds – Expert Reviews Meet Used Car Listings
Edmunds isn’t just a car listing site—it’s also a trusted source for expert vehicle reviews and buying guides. This makes it ideal for people who want to research before buying.
Their used car section allows you to filter by condition, price, and location, while also giving you reliability ratings and ownership cost estimates.
Pro Tip: Read the expert and user reviews before committing. Sometimes a car looks perfect on paper but has common long-term issues.
8. AutoTempest – The Search Engine for Car Deals
Think of AutoTempest as Google for used cars. Instead of searching each site separately, AutoTempest pulls listings from multiple major platforms like Autotrader, Cars.com, and Craigslist—all in one place.
This saves time and helps you compare deals quickly. Plus, you can set alerts for specific car models, so you’ll be the first to know when one hits the market.
Pro Tip: Use AutoTempest to do your initial search, then dig deeper on the original listing site to get full details.
9. Craigslist – Still Relevant for Bargain Hunters
Craigslist might feel old-school, but it’s still a treasure chest for cheap local used cars. However, it’s also a hotspot for scams, so caution is essential.
Only deal with local sellers, meet in public places, and never send money before seeing the car. With the right approach, you can find incredible deals—especially if someone needs to sell fast.
Pro Tip: Check Craigslist in nearby cities, not just your own area, for a wider selection.
10. Kelley Blue Book (KBB) – Price Guide and Listings Combined
Most people know KBB as the authority on car values, but they also have a used car listing section. You can filter cars by fair market value, accident history, and condition—while also checking if the price is good compared to market trends.
Pro Tip: Always check KBB’s valuation before buying—it’s a quick way to avoid overpaying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Which site is best for finding the cheapest used cars?
A: If you’re hunting for the lowest prices, Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace often have the cheapest deals, especially for private sales. However, they require more due diligence to avoid scams.
Q2: Are certified pre-owned cars worth the higher price?
A: Yes—if you want peace of mind. Certified pre-owned (CPO) cars are inspected, refurbished, and backed by a warranty from the manufacturer. While they cost more than non-certified used cars, they often save you money in repairs later.
Conclusion
Buying a used car doesn’t have to be stressful. The internet has opened doors to trusted automobile sites that offer transparency, wide selections, and tools to help you make informed decisions. Whether you want a no-haggle purchase from CarMax, price insight from TrueCar, or a bargain on Facebook Marketplace, the key is doing your homework before buying.
Quality used cars are out there—it’s just about knowing where to look, what to check, and when to act.