The Best Car-Buying Sites: Where to Shop Online in 2025
Excellent
Been here before? Get your quotes back.
)
)
Written byAmy Beardsley
)
Amy Beardsley is a seasoned insurance expert who’s been writing for Compare.com since 2023. She has more than 12 years of industry knowledge and expertise in auto, home, life, commercial, and other insurance products. Amy’s work has been published by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance, Legal & General, NerdWallet, Robinhood, Insurify, NEXT Insurance, and more.
Amy worked as a court administrator before becoming a content marketing writer. Her legal background has equipped her with the ability to simplify complex technical language into easy-to-understand content.
She graduated magna cum laude from Ferris State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Legal Studies.
)
Edited byKatie Powers
)
Katie Powers is an insurance and personal finance editor for Compare.com. Katie loves using her extensive writing and editing experience to help readers make more informed decisions with their money. She's also a licensed insurance producer in the state of New York and has seen her work appear in several notable outlets, including the Boston Globe, Insurify, Penguin Random House, and more.
Katie earned a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in writing, literature, and publishing from Emerson College. She has been editing for Compare.com since 2025.
Updated
Why You Can Trust Compare.com: At Compare.com, it’s our mission to find simple ways to help our customers save money on the things they need. While we partner with some of the companies and brands we talk about in our articles, all of our content is written and reviewed by our independent editorial team and never influenced by our partnerships. Learn about how we make money, review our editorial standards, and reference our data methodology to learn more about why you can trust Compare.com.
Advertiser Disclosure
At Compare.com, it’s our mission to give you the tools to find the best (and most affordable) insurance for your unique needs and budget. We strive to provide information that’s helpful, clear, and unbiased, and we believe that comparing insurance companies should never put you at risk of spam. Our editorial team — which is made up of experienced writers, editors, insurance agents, and data analysts — has spent thousands of hours researching and creating the coverage overviews, side-by-side comparisons, and detailed reviews you see across our site.
While we make money through partnerships with some of the brands we discuss in our articles, our editorial team operates 100% independently, and these partners never influence or affect the topics, reviews, ratings, or recommendations we provide. We never guarantee favorable reviews or mentions in exchange for compensation from any brands or partners, and we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure our content is always independent, truthful, and unbiased.
In This Article
These days, you can buy a car online from all sorts of different websites. If you’ve already spent hours sifting through these sites, you’ll know that the quality can vary. Some sites bury you in endless listings without the option to filter results, while others don’t give you enough detail.
The best site for you will depend on your location, the type of vehicle you want, and what you’re looking for in a shopping experience. For example, Autotrader has an extensive new-car inventory, Edmunds provides accessible information, and Carvana’s site also lets you apply for loans and receive a car insurance quote while you shop.
This guide compares the best car-buying sites to help you find the right one for your goals.
The Best Car-Buying Websites at a Glance
Site  | What It’s Best for |
|---|---|
| Autotrader | New-car inventory |
| CarMax | Used-car inventory |
| Carvana | Convenience |
| TrueCar | People who know what they want |
| Cars.com | People who don’t know what they want |
| Edmunds | Information and research |
| Kelley Blue Book | Understanding vehicle values |
| AutoTempest | Compiling results in one place |
| Facebook Marketplace | Private sales |
| eBay Motors | Enthusiasts |
| Bring a Trailer | Collector cars |
Find Affordable Insurance for Your New Ride
Compare personalized quotes and rates from dozens of insurers.
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 1395+ reviews
4.7/5
The 11 Best Places to Buy a New or Used Car Online
Car shopping is a personal journey. The best car-buying websites have distinct qualities that work well for different types of customers. Our top picks include AutoTrader for sheer selection, CarMax for convenience, and Edmunds for digging into the details.
Here’s what makes each car-buying website stand out and when to use them.
Autotrader: Best for new-car inventory
Pros
Massive new-car inventory
Shows vehicle safety and history reports
Many filters to help narrow your search
Cons
No direct loan application
Photo quality varies by seller
Paid listing may appear first
Autotrader connects buyers to one of the largest inventories of new and used cars from dealerships and private sellers.[1] You can narrow your car search with filters by location, body type, interior color, transmission type, mileage, price, vehicle history, and more.
Since sellers pay to promote car listings, you may have to scroll past ads in the user interface to find what you want.
CarMax: Best used-car inventory
Pros
No-haggle up-front pricing
10-day return guarantee
Quick loan pre-qualification without credit hits
Cons
Used inventory only
Not in every state
Can’t negotiate price
CarMax lets you shop the way you like. You can buy a car online, in person, or a combination of both.[2]
The pricing approach of “what you see is what you get” means you can’t negotiate vehicle cost. But the 24-hour test-drive and generous 10-day money-back guarantee give you options if the car doesn’t work out.
Carvana: Best for convenience
Pros
360-degree virtual tours
Free CARFAX vehicle reports
Seven-day return policy
Cons
No in-person shopping
No tool to compare vehicles side by side
Fewer cars than other sites
Carvana is an online-only car-buying site that provides a 360-degree tour and a free CARFAX report for each vehicle.[3] You can trade in your current vehicle, apply for a loan, and shop for car insurance right through the website.
Home delivery is available for a fee, or you can pick up your vehicle from a Carvana location.
TrueCar: Best for people who know what they want
Pros
Shows current dealer incentives
Price tools tell you if it’s a good deal
Includes vehicle history reports
Cons
No real-time car prices
Multiple car dealers may contact you
Price doesn’t reflect final cost
TrueCar doesn’t sell cars, but it can connect you with pricing data and dealer networks to help you find the car you want.[4] The default sort option is “best match,” which may put your ideal car hundreds of thousands of miles away. You’ll need to adjust the filters for local results.
One thing to note: TrueCar uses AutoCheck for vehicle history instead of the more familiar CARFAX reports.
Cars.com: Best for people who don’t know what they want
Pros
Payment calculators available
Vehicle research tools
Auto loan pre-qualification
Cons
Only offers two-car comparisons
Prequalified cars might not be available
Shares contact information with advertisers
Cars.com lets you browse through thousands of new- and used-car listings and offers loan and affordability calculators to see what works with your budget. You can also search with loose parameters.[5] For example, you may want to search for a car that costs less than $25,000, has all-wheel drive, or is blue.
Edmunds: Best for information and research
Pros
Built-in price analysis
Expert reviews and ratings
Can compare up to four cars
Cons
Not a buying platform
Information can feel overwhelming
No private-party listings
Edmunds has many research tools for buyers who like to dig into the details. The Price Checker lets you know if you’re getting a good deal, while the True Cost to Own calculator shows long-term expenses beyond the sticker price.
You’ll also find current lease deals, dealer incentives, and detailed buying guides with video reviews to help with your decision.[6]
Kelley Blue Book: Best for understanding values
Pros
Trusted industry standard
Market data updated weekly
Can compare up to five cars
Cons
May favor dealer interests
Can’t buy a car on the site
Limited older vehicle data
Kelley Blue Book (KBB) has 90 years of pricing expertise to help you understand vehicle values when shopping for a new or used car.[7] The Fair Purchase Price uses real transaction data, so you’ll know what cars sell for, not just what dealerships ask.
You can track up to 50 vehicles with price alerts, calculate payments, check trade-in values by vehicle identification number (VIN), and apply for financing.
AutoTempest: Best for compiling results
Pros
Listings from multiple car retailers
Extensive filtering options
Speeds up vehicle research
Cons
Doesn’t pull in data from Autotrader
Can’t buy cars directly
Overwhelming result volume
AutoTempest is your one-stop shop for buying a car. It pulls inventory from top car websites, such as eBay, Cars.com, TrueCar, and Carvana, and puts it into a single search.[8] With millions of car listings to sort through, AutoTempest has multiple filters to help you find exactly what you want without visiting multiple car-buying websites separately.
Facebook Marketplace: Best for private sales
Pros
Many local car options
Fast, flexible deals
No dealer markup pricing
Cons
Manual paperwork required
Higher scam risk
Fewer filter options
Facebook Marketplace connects you instantly with private sellers through Messenger. This gives you a direct line to ask questions and negotiate.
Since new- and used-car dealerships can’t list here, you’ll find only private-party sales.[9] It’s perfect if you’re a hands-on buyer who doesn’t mind managing your own inspections, test-drives, and paperwork.
eBay Motors: Best for enthusiasts
Pros
Financing and insurance available
Automatically includes purchase protection
Wide variety of vehicles
Cons
Third-party financing options only
Bidding wars can drive up car prices
Title and document services cost extra
eBay Motors attracts collectors and everyday buyers with its wide variety of new and used vehicles.[10] Some car listings have auction-style bidding, while others offer fixed “buy-it-now” pricing.
The auto marketplace automatically includes purchase protection of up to $100,000 with your purchase. You can also access financing and insurance options through the site, though third-party companies may provide these services.
Bring a Trailer: Best for collector cars
Pros
Complete sales histories available
Sniping protection on auctions
Get alerts for cars you want
Cons
Auction only, no “buy-it-now” pricing
Must handle all paperwork yourself
Not all auctions use U.S. dollars
Bring a Trailer is an online auction platform for car lovers.[11] The platform carefully screens vehicles before listing, and you can set up alerts for specific models so you never miss your dream car. Auctions run for a week and come with built-in “sniping” protection that adds two minutes to the clock each time someone places a bid.
)
A Guide to Used-Car Insurance
How to Choose the Right Car-Buying Site
)
Your shopping style will guide you to the best car-buying site for you. For example, Edmunds or Kelley Blue Book are good sites for comparing features and doing some research. For the biggest possible selection without scouring multiple car websites, check out aggregator site AutoTempest.
Carvana and CarMax are good fits if you want convenience and straightforward pricing.
What to Look Out for When Buying a Car Online
)
Online car shopping is convenient, but it’s essential to be aware of potential problems that could lead to expensive mistakes.
Get a pre-purchase inspection. Have a mechanic inspect any used car you’re serious about before you buy it.
Get financing quotes early. If you need a vehicle loan, consider checking with banks or credit unions before accepting financing from the dealer or website. This can help you get the best deal.
Read the return rules. Each site has different policies regarding returns and warranties so you know what you’re getting into.
Check market prices first. Research vehicle values on Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds before you start shopping so you’re ready to negotiate.
Factor in all costs. Add the delivery fees, taxes, and registration costs when considering the vehicle’s total cost.
Understand insurance costs. The specific year, make, and model of car you drive plays a somewhat substantial role in how much you pay for auto insurance. If you’re having trouble deciding on your next car, understanding average car insurance costs can help you make a more informed decision. Online car insurance calculators can get you general estimates in seconds.
Find Car Insurance
Compare personalized quotes from top insurers.
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 1395+ reviews
4.7/5
Best Car-Buying Site FAQs
Getting the right answers before you start shopping for cars online can save you time and frustration in the long run. The following information can help answer your remaining questions.
What’s the best website to buy a car online?
The “best” auto marketplace website depends on your priorities and car-searching preferences. Most buyers benefit from checking multiple auto marketplaces.
What’s the most trustworthy used-car site?
The best used-car site depends on your needs. Consider Carvana, CarMax, and Cars.com for car buying, and Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds for trustworthy research.
What site do most car dealers use to sell cars?
Most dealerships post used cars on several car websites. AutoTrader and Cars.com are two of the most popular platforms for dealership partners.
Is CarMax or Carvana better for buying a used car?
It depends. CarMax is better for in-person shopping and test-drives, while Carvana is best for the convenience of online shopping and home delivery.
Related Articles
)
What Is a Car Insurance Inspection?
April 1, 2024
)
Baby on Board: The 6 Safest Cars for Babies
May 26, 2022
)
How Much Should I Spend on a New Car?
May 20, 2022
)
What Is a Clean Title and How Does It Affect Insurance?
April 22, 2022
)
Is There a New Car Insurance Grace Period?
March 1, 2024
)
How Does a Rebuilt Title Affect Insurance?
February 21, 2024
)
Vehicle Recalls and Your Car Insurance
December 9, 2022
Your Guide to Used-Car Insurance
October 5, 2023
Sources
- Autotrader. "About Autotrader."
- CarMax. "About CarMax."
- Carvana. "How It Works."
- TrueCar. "General TrueCar Questions."
- Cars.com. "Shop cars for sale."
- Edmunds. "Let’s find your perfect car."
- Kelley Blue Book. "Frequently Asked Questions."
- AutoTempest. "How AutoTempest Works."
- Meta. "Creation of vehicle and home listings from Facebook business Page discontinued on Facebook Marketplace."
- eBay. "eBay Motors."
- Bring a Trailer. "About Bring a Trailer."
)
Amy BeardsleyInsurance Writer
Amy Beardsley is a seasoned insurance expert who’s been writing for Compare.com since 2023. She has more than 12 years of industry knowledge and expertise in auto, home, life, commercial, and other insurance products. Amy’s work has been published by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance, Legal & General, NerdWallet, Robinhood, Insurify, NEXT Insurance, and more.
Amy worked as a court administrator before becoming a content marketing writer. Her legal background has equipped her with the ability to simplify complex technical language into easy-to-understand content.
She graduated magna cum laude from Ferris State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Legal Studies.
Katie Powers is an insurance and personal finance editor for Compare.com. Katie loves using her extensive writing and editing experience to help readers make more informed decisions with their money. She's also a licensed insurance producer in the state of New York and has seen her work appear in several notable outlets, including the Boston Globe, Insurify, Penguin Random House, and more.
Katie earned a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in writing, literature, and publishing from Emerson College. She has been editing for Compare.com since 2025.