The best places to buy and sell a car online are websites or apps that offer security, competitive pricing, and user-friendly features like instant cash offers, verified listings, and return policies. Sites like CarGurus, Carvana, AutoTempest, and Facebook Marketplace all have advantages for your different buying or selling goals.

Whether you’re selling privately or buying your next ride, knowing where to list or shop online can help you maximize profits, avoid scams, and streamline a purchase or sale. Learn about the top websites for used car sales, what each one does best, and offer tips to stay safe while getting the most for your money.

What to Look for in an Online Car Platform

When looking for the top websites to buy or sell your car, you need to know what makes one stand out from the crowd. Security, for example, is an essential consideration when dealing with any car transaction online. Look for sites that use security measures like two-factor authentication as well as GDPR or CCPA compliance. This will ensure that your information remains private and that you don’t have to worry about hacking or data leaks with your bank account info.

The best online car platforms will also have many options open to you when it comes to making the right choice. Look for sites that offer inspection options as well as robust return policies. The used car buying process can be fraught with issues, but if the site you use has your protection in mind, you can rest easy knowing that you’ll make the best choice and make the most of your purchase.

Best Online Car Platforms

Vroom

Vroom is a used car buying and selling platform that operates completely online with everything from searching to financing. With Vroom, you can take a 360-degree tour of the vehicle and each car on the platform goes through a 150-point inspection, ensuring that everything is in the best possible condition before it gets listed on the site. With a 90-day or 6,000-mile warranty and a seven-day return policy, you can be sure that your vehicle purchase is exactly what you were looking for before you fully commit to it.

Pros

• Vroom offers nationwide home delivery for vehicle purchases
• Instant cash offers for sellers
• Access to multiple lenders with fast approval for financing

Cons

• Deliveries can take up to 14 days, especially in more rural areas
• Inventory varies wildly for some locations
• Some users have reported delays in license plate and car title processing

AutoTempest

Sometimes, your best bet for finding the right vehicle is widening your search as much as possible. With AutoTempest, you can get aggregated used car search results for a large range of car-selling websites, including Carvana, Cars.com, eBay Motors, Craigslist, AutoTrader, CarGurus, Hemmings, TrueCar, and more. The search parameters and asking prices are varied as well, with the ability to filter your search by make, model, fuel type, mileage, and color. If you are looking for a way to find the exact right vehicle for your needs, AutoTempest could be your best bet.

Pros

• A one-stop shop for your used car purchase
• Free to use with no sign-up process
• Allows you to track price changes so you can find the best deal

Cons

• No transactions are processed through the site, as it is only a search tool
• Not all platforms are covered, with some only offering links
• There are no scam filters, making it a riskier option

Cars.com

Cars.com is one of the largest used car platforms on the internet and adds over 50,000 new listings for car buyers daily, making it the best place for variety. It was also redesigned in 2021 for an 87% boost in site performance, meaning it has never been quicker to search through listings and find the perfect car and sale price. The site also has a new AI-powered matchmaking tool that will take your lifestyle and preferences and match you up with the ideal vehicle. If you want help finding a car that will perfectly suit your needs, Cars.com is a great choice.

Pros

• A massive inventory means you don’t have to settle for anything other than the best
• The design of the site is focused on research, with expert reviews and side-by-side comparisons
• A service and repair tool allows you to prepare for maintenance costs

Cons

• Listing fees may be too pricey for those looking to sell their vehicle
• All transactions are handled through car dealers instead of through the site
• Some details may be inaccurate or out of date by the time you see them

Carvana

When searching for the easiest way to buy or sell a car online, Carvana will almost certainly stand out from the crowd. Carvana’s platform is 100% online, meaning you finance, purchase, and schedule the delivery of your new car completely on the website. The pricing on Carvana is transparent, with a no-haggle, fixed-price policy, and all vehicles come with a 100-day warranty and a seven-day or 400-mile return policy. Plus, Carvana’s car vending machine system makes it easy to go pick up your vehicle and see the car’s condition if you don’t want to have it delivered.

Pros

• Carvana is perhaps one of the most efficient and convenient ways to buy or sell a car
• There are no hidden fees, and all prices are incredibly upfront
• The Car Vending Machine pickup experience is unique and fun

Cons

• There is no way to physically test-drive a vehicle before you decide to make the purchase
• Trade-in offers for your old car through the site are notoriously low
• Financing is limited to the company’s own inventory

RelayCars

For those who want to use car-buying technology to its fullest, RelayCars is a great option. RelayCars utilizes a VR showroom that gives you a close approximation to physically going to a dealership. There is also an augmented reality app that allows you to size up vehicles to ensure that they will fit in your garage or driveway. While you will still have to head to a dealership to make the purchase, you can get a good idea of what you are getting into before you make the trip.

Pros

• The VR experience allows you to get a good feel for the vehicle
• The VR option is accessible through all devices, including mobile phones and desktops
• There is no charge to use the app

Cons

• No transaction support, which means you still have to go to the dealership
• Only includes models built after 2015
• Very little adaptability for things like trim levels and interactivity, which is important when you buy cars

CarGurus

CarGurus is one of the most popular vehicle listing online platforms in the world, and the company has done a lot to make the experience even more convenient over the years. The site uses Instant Market Value pricing to help show you whether a vehicle is a good deal or not, and a new AI chatbot allows you to search for vehicles using conversational English instead of adjusting different parameters. For sellers, CarGurus has instant cash offers and selling tools like photo uploads and secure transaction facilitation to keep you and your prospective buyers safe online throughout the selling process.

Pros

• The clear pricing and market value ratings make it hassle-free to find a car’s value.
• A large inventory and robust analytics tools are perfect for narrowing down your search with vehicle information.
• The baseline offers for sellers are some of the highest on the market.

Cons

• Some listings have shown to be inaccurate, with some users reporting vehicles already sold.
• No integrated transaction tools.
• Private sellers are not as common as car dealerships on the platform.

Facebook Marketplace

While Facebook Marketplace is not strictly limited to cars, it can be a great way to keep your search and your purchase local. The platform will automatically filter the listings to your specific area, simplifying test drives and pickups. Sellers can also list their vehicles free of charge with plenty of options for photos and information. While there are no transactions done on the site, the large user base opens up your choices when buying or selling.

Pros

• If you want to shop locally, Facebook Marketplace is your best bet
• Due to the free listings, it is cost-effective for both buyers and sellers
• Seller profiles make it easy to see who you are buying from

Cons

• Very little protection for users and high instances of scams
• No transactions on the site
• Inconsistent quality of listings

Safety Tips for Buying or Selling a Car Online

Whenever you are searching for a car online, it is essential that you know what scams to watch out for and how to keep yourself safe. One of the most important things for buyers and sellers is to avoid wire transfers at all costs. Wire transfers are notorious for being red flags for scammers, as users can easily reverse charges or gain bank information. Safe online car sales will always be through a trusted transaction site like PayPal, or you should make the purchase in person.

Some other red flags to watch out for are cars that are too cheap for their current market value or sellers rushing you to make the purchase. These are sure signs that the vehicle either doesn’t exist or is not the car you are looking at. When possible, be sure to get a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic to check the vehicle’s condition and a vehicle history report so you can be certain the vehicle is worth the price.

Protect Your Used Car With Endurance

No matter how you buy your used vehicle, protecting it is key. Endurance offers vehicle service contracts, commonly called extended warranties, for a wide range of cars, including everything from older high-mileage vehicles to top-of-the-line luxury cars. While it is important to make sure your purchase is in good condition, it is just as essential that you can get the repairs you need should an issue come up in the future.

In addition to top-notch used car coverage, Endurance also offers a range of extra perks that can help keep you safe on the road. These include things like 24/7 roadside assistance, towing service, rental car coverage, and trip interruption coverage. Plus, for a small activation fee, Endurance customers can access Elite Benefits, which include tire repair or replacement, key fob replacement, windshield coverage, and more.

If you want the best protection for your used car, get in touch with our award-winning customer service team at (800) 253-8203 for a FREE quote. You can also see your price and plan recommendations through our online store.