Think back to your last visit to a used car dealership. Those pushy salespeople, endless haggling, and that nagging feeling about overpaying didn’t make for an enjoyable weekend.
My extensive research into second-hand car websites has shown that dealership visits are no longer necessary to get great deals on used vehicles.
You can save thousands of dollars by finding the right online platform, whether you want a reliable family SUV or a classic collector’s car. Our team has tested and compared dozens of platforms. We’ve selected the 7 most trusted websites where you can browse, compare, and buy used cars with complete confidence.
Let’s take a closer look at these platforms to help you find your next great car deal.
Image Source: Autotrader
Autotrader stands out as one of the most extensive platforms in the online car marketplace. The platform boasts an impressive network of over 20,000 sellers and more than 6 million vehicles available.
The platform’s integration with Kelley Blue Book’s Price Advisor tool makes it unique and helps buyers get fair deals. Their new Price Ratings system shows if a car’s price is ‘great,’ ‘fair,’ ‘low,’ or ‘high’ compared to similar models. Buyers can spot green badges marking “Good Price” or “Great Price” deals in the top corner of each listing.
The sort of thing I love about Autotrader is their included vehicle history reports at no extra cost. Buyers can make informed decisions without additional expenses, especially with private sellers.
The mobile app deserves its 4.7-star rating from 289,500 App Store reviews. These features make it exceptional:
The app unites what used to be three separate search sections into one interactive widget. Users can find exactly what they need. This proves helpful while searching through their massive inventory of new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles.
Image Source: Car Gurus
CarGurus isn’t just another car listing site – my research shows it’s an analytics-powered platform that takes the guesswork out of used car shopping.
The sort of thing I love most is their sophisticated deal rating algorithm that analyzes thousands of listings. The system sets high standards – only 30% of listings earn a “Good” or “Great” deal rating. The algorithm evaluates everything from model and year to mileage, trim, options, and vehicle’s history data in more than 5 million car listings.
The price monitoring system saves countless hours of manual checking. CarGurus automatically notifies you about price drops and sends new deals that match your search criteria once you save a vehicle. This feature becomes especially helpful when you have major market shifts – used car prices have decreased by 8% year-over-year, bringing the average price to $28,496.
Their Instant Market Value (IMV) calculation makes this platform stand out. CarGurus analyzes millions of used cars through proprietary algorithms to determine fair market values. The market analysis proves most valuable during winter months – January and February specifically – which their data reveals as the best times to buy used cars.
The platform’s ability to combine IMV data with dealership ratings creates a complete view of each listing. They evaluate specific details like:
Image Source: www.cars.com
My time learning about different platforms led me to Cars.com, which really shines with its smart search technology and pricing tools. The platform has over 3 million car listings from dealers nationwide. This makes it a treasure trove for used car shoppers like me.
The smart filtering system on Cars.com adapts to your priorities perfectly. You can narrow down searches by specific features, dealer ratings, and even virtual appointment availability. The platform’s filters update live, which saves hours of scrolling through listings that don’t match what you want.
The badge system proved invaluable during my car-buying experience. Cars.com uses machine learning to review each listing and shows one of three badges:
These badges take into account regional needs and specific vehicle features that affect pricing. This gives buyers confidence in understanding a car’s price point.
The local inventory feature stands out as a game-changer. The platform shows nearby dealership stock and has dealer ratings and reviews to help find reliable sellers. The trade-in value calculator adds extra value by helping estimate your current car’s worth before making a deal.
Image Source: Facebook
Facebook Marketplace has evolved beyond social networking into a powerhouse for used car sales. The social elements create a unique car shopping experience that traditional websites are no match for.
Messaging has emerged as the preferred method to reach sellers. The numbers tell the story – 65% of millennials and 63% of baby boomers prefer messaging over calling dealers. The sort of thing i love about Facebook’s messaging system is how it displays seller response times, which helps identify serious and active sellers quickly.
The platform’s local search precision stands out remarkably. 81% of Facebook users access the app via mobile phones, which makes finding nearby vehicles smooth. The algorithm gives priority to geographic relevance, making it ideal to:
Facebook’s direct messaging system excels at price negotiations. Platform data reveals successful negotiations need at least three message exchanges within 24 hours. The algorithm rewards quick responses – sellers earn a “Very Responsive” badge by replying within 15 minutes. This badge helps identify committed sellers effectively.
The platform’s ability to handle flexible price discussions while keeping communication records are a great way to get clarity when finalizing deals. Both parties stay informed about the agreed terms clearly.
Image Source: eBay
I checked out many used car platforms and eBay Motors caught my eye with its auction-based approach to car buying.
eBay Motors’ flexible auction system really makes it stand out. Sellers can set reserve prices to protect their minimum acceptable price while buyers compete for the best deal. The platform gives me options between reserve and no-reserve auctions. No-reserve options often lead to better deals if you wait and plan your bids carefully.
The “Buy It Now” feature has reshaped my online car shopping experience. Sellers list their cars with immediate purchase options next to auction listings. Price negotiations become easier with the “Best Offer” option. Sellers can also change their Buy It Now price during auctions, which creates chances for quick deals.
The Vehicle Purchase Protection program gives me peace of mind with coverage up to $100,000. This protection is great especially when you need:
My confidence grows knowing that purchases through ebaymotors.com or their mobile app include this protection at no extra cost. I always use their suggested payment methods like credit cards or PayPal to stay eligible for the protection program.
Image Source: AutoStar Transport Express
My car hunting experience over the last several years shows that Craigslist stands out as one of the best places to find local used car deals. The platform’s simple design works in its favor when users browse through thousands of listings.
The sort of thing I love about Craigslist is its local-first approach. Large cities need area-based filtering that saves a lot of travel time. Buyers can connect with nearby sellers directly, and this often results in better deals without any middlemen involved.
Built-in search filters have made my browsing much easier. These filters are the foundations of an efficient search:
Phone communication is a vital part before meeting any seller. My response checklist includes:
The platform’s messaging system helps me evaluate seller’s responsiveness before viewing the car. This no-nonsense approach eliminates dealing with multiple intermediaries. Note that meeting in public places for viewings should be your top priority.
Image Source: Bring a Trailer
BaT (Bring A Trailer) is a great place to find unique vehicles. The platform started in 2007 and now has a thriving community with over 350,000 users and 140,000 registered bidders.
The platform runs week-long auctions with a smart anti-sniping feature that I love. Any bid in the last two minutes adds another two minutes to the clock. This gives everyone a fair shot at bidding. Most auctions start slow in the first few days and then get really exciting in the final hour.
BaT’s knowledgeable community makes it special. Each listing’s comment section lets experts share their thoughts about the vehicle’s history, potential risks, and market value. These discussions are a great way to get expert advice – it’s like having mechanics and collectors right by your side.
The platform has three service tiers:
BaT’s professional team checks every submission before listing to maintain high quality. Each listing has detailed information, photo galleries, and maintenance records. The platform’s careful vetting process means you’ll see well-curated vehicles instead of a huge, unfiltered database.
At the time of choosing the best second hand car website, I’ve discovered that each platform caters to different needs. After learning about these top sites, I can share what makes each platform stand out.
Several factors come into play to find the right search platform. Your location and how far you’ll travel matter most. The type of vehicle you want shapes your choice – whether it’s regular models or collectibles. The way you prefer to buy makes a difference, through direct purchase or auction. Buyer protection levels and your comfort with negotiating prices also affect your decision.
My experience shows that Autotrader and CarGurus are perfect for buyers who want informed market analysis. Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist work well for local deals, but you’ll need to be more careful. Cars.com strikes a balance with its verified dealer network and user-friendly design.
The sort of thing I love about Bring A Trailer is its exciting auction format with expert community feedback. eBay Motors gives you both auction excitement and buyer protection, which works great for common and specialty vehicles alike.
The best used car search engine depends on what you need. I get the best results by using multiple platforms at once. First, I check the informed sites for price research, then look at local options to find better deals. This approach helps me balance price and convenience every time.
| Website | Platform Type | Notable Features | Pricing Tools | Protection/Safety Features | Special Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Autotrader | Dealer & Private Listings | – 20,000+ sellers – 6M+ vehicles – Mobile app (4.7-star rating) | – Kelley Blue Book integration – Price Ratings system | Free vehicle history reports | AI-generated descriptions |
| CarGurus | Analytical Platform | – 5M+ car listings – Price drop alerts | – Deal rating algorithm – Instant Market Value (IMV) calculation | Dealer reputation scores | All but one of these listings earn below “Good” ratings |
| Cars.com | Dealer Network | – 3M+ car listings – Smart filtering system | – Machine learning price evaluation – Badge system | Dealer ratings and reviews | Trade-in value calculator |
| Facebook Marketplace | Social Platform | – Direct messaging – Local search priority | Flexible price negotiations | “Very Responsive” seller badges | Millennials prefer messaging sellers at 65% |
| eBay Motors | Auction Platform | – Auction & Buy It Now options – Best Offer feature | Reserve and no-reserve pricing | Vehicle Purchase Protection up to $100,000 | Adjustable Buy It Now prices |
| Craigslist | Local Classifieds | – Direct seller contact – User-friendly interface | Simple price filtering | Not mentioned | Focus on local transactions |
| Bring A Trailer | Specialty Auction | – 350,000+ users – Expert community comments | Three-tier service pricing | Professional listing review | Anti-sniping auction feature |
Q1. What are some of the best websites for buying used cars?
Some top-rated websites for buying used cars include Autotrader, CarGurus, Cars.com, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay Motors. Each offers unique features like price comparison tools, local listings, and buyer protection programs.
Q2. How can I ensure I’m getting a good deal when buying a used car online?
To get a good deal, use websites with price comparison tools like Autotrader’s Kelley Blue Book integration or CarGurus’ Instant Market Value calculation. Also, check for price drop alerts, read user reviews, and always get a vehicle history report before purchasing.
Q3. Are there any advantages to using social media platforms for buying used cars?
Yes, platforms like Facebook Marketplace offer benefits such as direct communication with sellers, local search prioritization, and the ability to negotiate prices flexibly. Many buyers prefer messaging sellers directly rather than going through dealerships.
Q4. What safety measures should I consider when buying a used car online?
Look for platforms that offer buyer protection, such as eBay Motors’ Vehicle Purchase Protection program. Always request a vehicle history report, arrange in-person inspections when possible, and use secure payment methods recommended by the platform.
Q5. How do auction-style websites differ from traditional used car listings?
Auction-style websites like Bring A Trailer offer a unique buying experience with features like timed bidding, anti-sniping mechanisms, and often attract enthusiasts and collectors. They typically provide more detailed vehicle histories and foster community discussions about each listing.
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