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Shopping for a car at a dealership can be time-consuming and stressful. Between haggling with salespeople and driving from lot to lot, it’s easy to waste an entire weekend just trying to find something decent.
Thankfully, the best websites to buy a car online now let you skip all that. You can browse vehicles, compare pricing, and even handle financing—without ever setting foot in a dealership.
10 Best Online Car Buying Sites
We’ve ranked the top online car buying platforms of 2025 based on inventory selection, user experience, price transparency, financing options, and buyer protections. Whether you’re shopping for a new ride, a used deal, or something rare and collectible, these trusted sites can help you get it done faster and easier.
CarGurus offers a wide selection of both new and pre-owned vehicles. Easily find the perfect car for you by searching by model, body style, and budget.
Prefer to stick close to home? No problem – CarGurus allows you to prioritize local listings.
Each vehicle listing comes with a comprehensive summary, including a helpful evaluation of the listing price, letting you know whether it’s a good deal or not.
CarGurus removes the hassle of checking multiple sources and provides a seamless car shopping experience.
Pros
If a car you like is priced high, you can sign up for email alerts and the company will let you know if the price drops.
The website enables you to see if you’re getting a good deal on price or not.
You can find both new and used cars on the website.
Cons
You’ll have to pay to see the full report for the vehicle.
The site will post sponsored vehicles at the top of every search.
Want to drive away in your ideal vehicle at a price you’ll love? Look no further than CarsDirect. This online platform makes it easy for you to find unbeatable deals on new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles.
With just a few clicks, you can browse through a vast selection of cars, filtering your search by model, make, and budget.
Narrowing down your options to just a few vehicles? CarsDirect’s side-by-side comparison feature is helpful.
Compare all the important details and make an informed decision, ensuring you end up with the perfect car for you.
Say goodbye to the hassle of haggling at dealerships and hello to a stress-free car buying experience with CarsDirect!
Pros
The website provides detailed information about each car.
On the company’s home page, they feature some of the best auto deals of the month.
CarsDirect provides a wealth of information about the car buying process.
Cons
The website won’t necessarily show results from local dealers.
Autotrader stands out as a leading online platform for buying and selling new, certified, and used cars. With an intuitive interface and powerful search tools, it simplifies the process of finding the perfect car to match your needs and budget.
The platform offers a massive inventory from dealers and private sellers nationwide, making it easy to compare prices, features, and conditions of various vehicles.
Autotrader enhances the buying experience with detailed vehicle information, high-quality photos, and the ability to save searches and get alerts on new listings that match your criteria.
Additionally, Autotrader provides valuable resources such as car reviews, buying advice, and comparison tools to help buyers make informed decisions.
Financing options are also available through the site, along with tools to estimate your monthly payments and get pre-approved for a loan.
Pros
Large selection of new, certified, and used cars from both dealers and private sellers.
Advanced search filters to narrow down options based on specific criteria.
Free vehicle history reports available to ensure transparency and trust.
Helpful car buying resources, including reviews, advice, and financing tools.
Cons
The sheer volume of listings can be overwhelming for some users.
Private seller listings may vary in detail and quality compared to local dealer listings.
Vroom is an online platform that allows you to purchase or sell a vehicle with ease. With thousands of options at your fingertips, you can effortlessly browse and find your dream car.
Vroom provides detailed information on each vehicle, including photos, features, and even a comprehensive CARFAX vehicle history report. And, with a seven-day return window and a 90-day warranty, you can shop with confidence.
Plus, enjoy a year of free roadside assistance for added peace of mind. Experience a smarter, simpler way to buy or sell a car with Vroom.
Pros
Vroom makes sure that every car it sells passes multiple inspections.
Whether you’re in the market for a new or used vehicle, or looking to trade in your current ride, TrueCar has you covered.
With various search options, including model, price, and mileage, finding your ideal car has never been easier.
TrueCar takes the guesswork out of shopping for a car by giving you insight into what others have paid for the same car you’re interested in.
Plus, you’ll know if the price is above or below-market value, ensuring you get the best deal possible. Get a stress-free car shopping experience with TrueCar instead of endless negotiations.
Pros
Transparent pricing.
You can trade in your current vehicle.
Browse through both new and used cars online.
Cons
You’ll have to pay to view the CARFAX report.
The car buying process is not entirely online—once you’re matched with a car, you’ll have to finish the process with the dealer.
Craigslist is a well-known name in the world of peer-to-peer car buying websites. Boasting a vast community of private sellers, it presents a treasure trove of local vehicles for potential buyers to explore.
However, the level of detail provided on Craigslist may leave some car shoppers wanting more, when compared to other online car buying platforms.
Just remember that Craigslist doesn’t perform any background checks on the vehicles listed on their site. Thus, it falls on the buyer to thoroughly research the seller and the car, to ensure they’re not being taken for a ride.
Pros
A peer-to-peer auto-buying option.
You can browse through thousands of used cars for sale.
If you’re knowledgeable about cars, you could find a good deal.
Cons
Craigslist doesn’t vet any of the vehicles.
Unlike Facebook Messenger, you have no idea who you’re buying from.
If you aren’t knowledgeable about cars, you could get taken advantage of.
Are you on the hunt for a vintage car or motorcycle? Then, Bring A Trailer could be the ideal solution for you. This car buying site serves as a virtual auction house for rare and classic cars.
Sellers have the option to list their vehicles on the Bring A Trailer platform, where the company rigorously evaluates each one. Afterward, buyers can place bids and compete for the car of their dreams.
The auction process is open for seven exciting days, after which the bidding closes. The winner then concludes the transaction directly with the seller, without any involvement from Bring A Trailer.
Pros
A good place to find rare and classic cars.
Every car is vetted thoroughly.
Not all cars are accepted for auction, so you know that you only see the best options.
Cons
There are no “buy now” pricing options.
Car prices are often high, so it’s not ideal for bargain shoppers.
Is there anything you can’t do on Facebook? In addition to selling old baby clothes and household items, Facebook Marketplace sellers can also list a car.
With the surge of popularity, Facebook Marketplace has emerged as a convenient platform for buying and selling second-hand cars.
One of the biggest perks of utilizing Facebook Marketplace is the opportunity to purchase a vehicle from private sellers, offering a more customized experience compared to the generic feel of Craigslist.
However, make sure you are vigilant and thoroughly research the seller and the car before making any decisions.
Pros
You can see exactly who you’re buying a car from.
It can be easier to avoid scams than sites like Craigslist.
You can negotiate the price with the seller.
Cons
You’ll have to do your homework and make sure it’s a good deal.
Your options will be more limited than on online car buying sites like Carvana.
Are you looking to buy a car from a dealership, but hate negotiating on price? Then Authority Auto could be a great option for you.
You simply let the company know what you want, and they consult multiple dealerships to find you the best deal on a new car.
Authority Auto allows you to be as hands-off as you would like. The company will review the final contract and even deliver the car to your home once the deal is finalized.
Pros
A simple, hands-off way to buy a car online.
The company doesn’t take commissions from car dealers, so the process is unbiased.
Authority Auto will find the right car for you, which will save you a lot of time.
Cons
Any money you save on the vehicle purchase will likely be paid to Authority Auto in commissions.
Instead of browsing through 10 different car sites looking for the best deal, why not try AutoTempest? The site pulls listing from major car buying sites like Carvana, CarsDirect, AutoTrader, and more.
Whether you’re searching for local options, brand-new cars, or gently used vehicles, AutoTempest has it all. You can even select the type of seller you prefer, either a dealership or a private seller.
Pros
A one-stop shop for used car listings.
Each search result provides detailed information about the vehicle.
You’ll receive a free guide on negotiating the price.
Cons
The site pulls from numerous car sites, so there’s no consistent standard for the information provided.
Tips for Buying a Car Online
If you’re looking to bypass the high-pressure sales tactics of a traditional car dealership and buy a car online, there are some things you should know. It’s important to understand these tips so you can find the best car deals when car shopping online.
1. Set a Budget
Figure out how much you can afford to spend, and don’t forget to factor in fuel, insurance, registration fees, and maintenance. If you’re planning to finance the purchase, the interest rate you qualify for can have a big impact on your monthly payment and total cost. The better your credit scores, the better your rate.
2. Get Preapproved for a Loan
Before you start shopping, make sure your financing is lined up. Getting preapproved for a car loan not only gives you a clear budget—it also gives you leverage to negotiate a better deal. Check out our picks for the best auto loans to see current rates and top lenders.
3. Research the Car and the Site
Use multiple car buying websites to research models, features, and price ranges. Bookmark the ones that offer the best search filters and buyer tools. Use Kelley Blue Book values or Edmunds to make sure pricing is fair.
4. Consider a Test-Drive
If you’re buying from a local dealer or seller, try to schedule a test-drive first—even if it’s not the exact car you’re purchasing. You want to make sure it handles well, feels right, and fits your lifestyle.
5. Get a Vehicle History Report
If you’re buying used, ask for a CARFAX or AutoCheck report. It’ll show you accident history, service records, and title status. Most dealers will provide this for free. If you’re buying from a private seller, you may have to buy it yourself—but it’s worth it.
6. Check the Return Policy
Not every online car buying site offers a return window, so it’s important to confirm before you commit. Some platforms offer a 7-day return period, giving you time to test the car and back out if something doesn’t feel right.
7. Watch for Scams on Peer-to-Peer Platforms
If you’re buying from Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, be extra cautious. Red flags include sellers who won’t meet in person, want payment through gift cards or wire transfers, or offer prices that seem too good to be true. Always meet in a public place and bring someone with you if possible.
8. Don’t Forget Sales Tax and Registration
Buying a car online doesn’t mean you can skip the paperwork. If you’re purchasing from out of state, you may have to handle your own registration and pay sales tax separately. Some online platforms help with this, but not all—so double-check the details before you finalize the sale.
9. Negotiate the Price
Even online, there’s usually room to negotiate. If you’re preapproved for a loan, you can use that as leverage. Don’t be afraid to walk away if the numbers don’t make sense.
10. Review the Final Contract Carefully
Once everything looks good, you’ll need to sign the bill of sale and financing documents. Go through the contract line by line. Make sure there are no hidden fees, add-ons you didn’t agree to, or changes from what you discussed. When in doubt, ask questions—or walk away.
Final Thoughts
Buying a car online can save time and eliminate the stress of traditional dealerships, but it’s important to do your research. The best online car buying sites offer a mix of convenience, selection, and pricing tools to help you find the right vehicle at the best price.
Whether you’re looking for a brand-new car, a used vehicle, or a classic collector’s item, these platforms make the process easier. Take advantage of price comparison tools, vehicle history reports, and financing options to ensure a smooth transaction.
Jamie is a freelance writer with extensive experience covering personal finance and small business topics. She specializes in credit, investing, and entrepreneurship, providing readers with clear, actionable financial advice.
