Best Used Car Site

Shopping for a used car can feel overwhelming, especially online. There are dozens of websites promising the best deals, but which sites are really worth your time and trust? Whether you want to browse nationwide listings, buy direct from owners, or find certified pre-owned vehicles, choosing the right used car website can save you time, money, and frustration. Here’s your easy, up-to-date guide to the best used car sites available now.

Quick Picks

• Best Overall: Autotrader – Massive nationwide inventory, filters for every need, trusted for decades.
• Best for Private Sellers: Craigslist – Direct deals with owners, often best prices, but buyer beware.
• Best for Certified & Dealer Cars: CarGurus – Powerful search tools, dealer ratings, and price analysis.

Buyer’s Guide: What Makes a Great Used Car Site?

• Selection: Large inventory with local and national options.
• Filters: Powerful tools to sort by price, mileage, features, and history.
• Trust & Transparency: Vehicle history, dealer reviews, and price comparisons up front.
• User Experience: Easy navigation, fast search, and good mobile apps.
• Extra Tools: Payment calculators, trade-in values, and car value estimates.

Detailed Reviews of the Best Used Car Sites

1. Autotrader

Who it’s for: Buyers who want a massive, trusted selection and the ability to search across dealers and private sellers nationwide.

• Key Benefits:
  • Millions of cars, new and used, with easy filtering and alerts.
  • Certified and non-certified cars, plus private party listings.
  • Trusted brand, helpful buying guides, and car reviews.
• Pros:
  • Comprehensive, reliable, and transparent.
  • Powerful mobile app.
  • Nationwide reach with local deals.
• Cons:
  • Some dealer listings can be overwhelming.
  • Private sales sometimes lack detail.

Final Verdict: Autotrader remains a go-to site for shoppers who want it all in one place. Browse Autotrader now

2. CarGurus

Who it’s for: Smart shoppers who want data-driven deals and insight into dealer pricing and reputation.

• Key Benefits:
  • “Deal ratings” help spot under- or over-priced cars.
  • Dealer reviews and car history reports integrated.
  • Powerful filters for new, used, and certified cars.
• Pros:
  • Transparent pricing with price history charts.
  • Lots of photos and dealer ratings.
  • Good nationwide and local coverage.
• Cons:
  • Some “great deals” are from less reputable dealers.
  • High demand means some listings go fast.

Final Verdict: CarGurus is perfect for shoppers who want to quickly identify good deals and compare cars. Browse CarGurus now

3. Craigslist

Who it’s for: Bargain hunters and buyers wanting to deal directly with private owners.

• Key Benefits:
  • Often the lowest prices with direct negotiation.
  • Wide variety, from daily drivers to rare finds.
  • Easy to filter by location and budget.
• Pros:
  • No middleman fees or dealer markups.
  • Local deals can mean quick sales.
• Cons:
  • No guarantees—buyer must inspect carefully.
  • Some risk of scams or misrepresented cars.

Final Verdict: Craigslist is great for finding deals, but you must know what you’re looking for. Always meet in a safe place and get a vehicle history report. Browse Craigslist now

4. CarMax

Who it’s for: Buyers who want a no-haggle, low-stress experience and nationwide shipping.

• Key Benefits:
  • Fixed prices and 30-day return policy.
  • Inspected cars and straightforward financing.
  • Online buying and home delivery available.
• Pros:
  • No negotiation—clear prices up front.
  • Extensive warranty and return period.
• Cons:
  • Prices can be higher than private sales.
  • Limited selection for older/rare cars.

Final Verdict: CarMax is ideal if you value peace of mind and a no-pressure shopping experience. Browse CarMax now

5. Facebook Marketplace

Who it’s for: Local buyers who want to browse deals quickly and negotiate with real people.

• Key Benefits:
  • Lots of local cars and easy messaging with sellers.
  • Good for quick sales and seeing cars in your area.
• Pros:
  • Simple, familiar interface for most people.
  • Many listings with photos and seller info.
• Cons:
  • Quality and accuracy can vary a lot.
  • Always inspect and verify before buying.

Final Verdict: Facebook Marketplace is great for casual shoppers and finding deals fast, but be ready to do your homework. Browse Facebook Marketplace now

Comparison Table

Name	Best For	Key Features	Price Link
Autotrader	All-in-one shopping	Huge inventory, trusted, powerful filters	Browse Autotrader
CarGurus	Price analysis, dealer ratings	Deal ratings, reviews, price transparency	Browse CarGurus
Craigslist	Private sellers, low prices	Direct deals, local options	Browse Craigslist
CarMax	No-haggle, easy process	Fixed price, inspection, return policy	Browse CarMax
Facebook Marketplace	Local, fast deals	Easy messaging, wide variety	Browse Facebook Marketplace

FAQ Section

• Q: Which site is best for certified pre-owned cars?
  A: Autotrader and CarGurus both offer extensive certified listings and can connect you with franchise dealers nationwide.
• Q: Where do I find the cheapest used cars?
  A: Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace usually have the lowest prices and most private-party deals. Always inspect in person!
• Q: Can I get financing online?
  A: Yes, sites like CarMax, CarGurus, and Autotrader offer pre-qualification, payment calculators, and dealer financing options.
• Q: Which is safest for buyers?
  A: CarMax and Autotrader offer peace of mind, vehicle history, and some guarantees. With Craigslist and Facebook, use caution and always verify paperwork and meet in safe locations.
• Q: Do these sites ship cars?
  A: Many (CarMax, Autotrader partners, some CarGurus dealers) offer nationwide shipping for a fee. Always read the fine print.

Conclusion

The best used car site for you depends on how you like to shop—wide inventory, local deals, no-haggle pricing, or bargain hunting. Start with Autotrader or CarGurus for broad selection, use Craigslist or Facebook for low prices, and CarMax for peace of mind. Compare, research, and test drive before you buy, and you’ll find a great car at a fair price!