Dozens of apps and websites make it easy to shop for a used car with a few taps on your phone. The best used car sites help you save time by filtering search results according to the criteria that matter most to you, including cost, monthly payment, mileage and year. You can even sort by features like heated seats or Apple CarPlay.
We’ve evaluated over 20 of the best car buying websites and narrowed the list to the top five based on a series of objective metrics. Below you’ll find our ratings, along with a summary of what to expect with car shopping on each site.
| Used car website | Best for... | Key features |
|---|---|---|
 | Comparing options | Millions of listings Compare five cars at a time |
 | Full vehicle history | Free Carfax vehicle history reports Detailed search filters |
 | Generous return policy | Seven-day return policy 360-degree photos |
 | Consumer reviews | Car model review in each listing A+ Better Business Bureau |
 | Car price valuation | Expert in car valuation Compare five cars at a time |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Compare up to five car listings at a time Build financing offer online Extensive inventory | Low consumer reviews |
AutoTrader’s comparison tool lets you compare up to five car listings at once based on price, monthly payment, mileage, fuel economy and additional features. This tool is particularly useful once you’ve narrowed down your options and will save you time toggling between listings when you’re deciding which car is best for you.
If you’re looking for a site with extensive inventory, this is it — AutoTrader has millions of listings for you to search and filter. Plus, you can choose a car financing option and submit it directly on their site.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Free Carfax reports on vehicle history Filter by history of ownership, accidents and service records Detailed value estimation | No comparison tool |
If your top priority is to find a car with a known vehicle history, using Carfax may be your best bet. In addition to the typical filters that allow you to search by car make, model and year, you can also limit your search results to cars with no accidents or damage, single ownership and records of regular service. Carfax also provides free vehicle history reports for each of its listings, so you’ll be able to identify any potential issues before you speak with the seller.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Seven-day return policy Home delivery Cars come certified with 150-point inspection Apply for financing and insurance online 360-degree photos | No comparison tool Complaints with Consumer Finance Protection Bureau |
Carvana’s car listings provide you with all the information you need to buy your next ride without seeing the car in person or needing to take it for a test drive. Its 360-degree photos allow you to explore any of their vehicles inside and out, and you can review the free Carfax vehicle history report and the results of the Carvana 150-point inspection to ensure the car you’re interested in is road ready.
Carvana distinguishes itself from the competition with its limited warranty and seven-day car return policy, which can give you the peace of mind you need to buy a car sight unseen.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Car model reviews on each listing A+ rating on Better Business Bureau | No comparison tool Must pay for full vehicle history report |
Cars.com has a solid industry reputation and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, which can give you confidence when you use it as a search engine to find used cars. In addition to solid search filters and an easy-to-use interface, it also offers car model reviews at the bottom of each car listing. These consumer reviews can help you decide if a particular model is the right one for you.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Financing and market value tools to help you negotiate best offer Compare up to five car listings at a time Dealer ratings | No free vehicle history report Smaller inventory |
Kelley Blue Book uses its expertise in car valuation to provide a detailed price advisory on each listing, which can help you determine whether a particular car is worth the asking price. You’ll see where the MSRP falls compared to the market value of the vehicle, and you’ll also find any promotional offers for specific groups (e.g., military members and rideshare drivers).
Kelley Blue Book makes it easy to finance your car without leaving the site. You can build and send a financing offer based on your budget and desired auto monthly payment directly on any car listing.
Learn more about how to buy a car.
