The global used car demand has always stayed high, with 51% people willing to consider pre-owned vehicles. The reason can be inflation, fast depreciation on new cars, or a lack of appeal to the masses. Whatever the case, people are actively looking for the best website for local used cars, and seeing this massive demand, many biggest online car marketplaces have been launched, such as KBB, Carguru, Edmunds, Carvana, and Cars.com. But which one is right for you to buy or sell 2nd hand cars? Which one can you trust? Who has the best inventory? Let’s find that out in this guide!
How Used Car Prices Have Changed Throughout The Year?
The used car market is highly valued, which is evidenced by half of the interested buyers willing to consider pre-owned vehicles instead of new ones. And when the demand is high, prices tend to increase, and that’s what happened to used cars over the years.
As per the price index of CarGurus for used cars, in July 2025, the average cost to buy a used car was $19,800. The price slightly increased to $20,000 by the end of 2018, and then to $21,000 by the end of 2019, but then went down at the start of 2020, possibly due to COVID.
However, the used car prices again started to climb and saw a sharp spike from 2021, reaching a whopping $31,000 in 2022, mainly due to supply disruptions in the pre-pandemic era, so people referred to buying used cars. Once the supply chain is restored, we can see the used car pricing is coming down, though not to the levels before the pandemic, it’s still $,3,000 down from 2022, standing at $28,000 in 2025.
Overall, in the last 10 years, we saw an approximate 41% increase in the used car prices, which shows used cars have increased in demand over the years and are not coming down any time soon.
Top 21 Best Websites For Local Used Cars:
Go through our carefully curated list of the best places to post your car for sale or buy one, read their reviews, pros and cons, and what they offer to find the best website for local used cars that caters to your preferences.
Cars.com: Offers a Private Sale Option
Cars.com is a premier marketplace embracing private transactions, serving a niche segment. While dealers form a significant chunk, users locally sell cars directly from the site.
The platform’s tools appraise resale value by taking VIN or specs input. Reviews from within a tight-knit community provide credible perspectives for prospective buyers for each car.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Browse private party cars for sale, bypassing dealers | Limited geography reaches only within the close vicinity |
| Search the inventory of local dealerships directly from the site | Must contact individuals privately for more details |
| Tools appraise used car value using VIN or specs | Dealer listings may not ensure vehicles in inventory |
| Reviews and discussions for reliable purchase insights | Not all private cars may be in running condition |
| The one-stop platform consolidates all sources nearby | Poorly advertised cars provide minimal information |
Downsides include locating poorly listed vehicles, which requires more effort, and verifying seller representations.
Despite limitations surrounding geography and sellers’ cooperation, it remains a handy platform for all sorts of local transactions.
Carvana: Most Transparent Online Pricing & Excellent Vehicle Inspection
Launched in 2012, Carvana offers an online car purchasing process, including home deliveries within a single market area. Pricing transparency, along with thorough vehicle history reports, builds trust.
Excelling where others lack, their seamless process comes at the cost of geographical reach and limited pricing flexibility versus a networked dealership.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Upfront pricing shows dealer fees and taxes included | Physical car yards situated in limited regions nationally |
| Home vehicle delivery arranges test drives locally | The chance that displayed inventory may no longer be available |
| Rigorous 150-point inspection reports are available to view | There are fewer options than local dealerships to negotiate on price |
| The 7-day money-back guarantee alleviates post-purchase doubts | Higher online prices may not consider current market trends |
| Financing assistance provided versus dealer negotiations | Vehicles come exclusively through Carvana with no third parties |
Regardless of its flaws, the comfort and certainty of Carvana appeal to many online shoppers. You can also read our detailed review on Carvana for complete information about the platform.
Edmunds: Makes it Easiest to Research, Appraise & Purchase Used Cars
Edmunds seeks to simplify research across its network of participating local dealerships. Pricing data, model analyses, and trustworthy reviews form an informed foundation.
Issues arise through the disconnection of not owning listings and negotiated sale terms deviating marginally.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extensive used car pricing reports based on VIN number | Third-party listings without in-house vehicle inspections |
| Send car valuations directly to local dealers for offers | Actual transaction terms may differ from online estimates |
| Detailed side-by-side model performance comparisons | It is time-consuming to navigate multiple dealer inventory pages |
| Safety ratings and reliability metrics evaluate choices | Not a marketplace requires following up with listed dealers |
| Incentives listed upfront without contacting sellers | Appraisals serve as guidelines, not final sale values |
Regardless, Edmund’s objective information presents an unbiased starting point for efficiently narrowing purchase options in the local area. Read our detailed guide on using Edmunds for more information.
CarMax: Great Value For Car Sellers With Instant Cash Offers
CarMax is one of the biggest online car marketplaces and a leading used car retailer in the United States. They have numerous physical locations across most states that accept vehicles for sale.
Their unique selling point is offering instant cash to anyone wishing to sell their used car. Through a short online form, sellers can get an instant quote on their vehicle’s worth based on its make, model, and condition.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Instant cash offers provided for used cars enable quick sales | Cash offers may not be the highest, depending on current used car market trends |
| A nationwide network of stores allows easy sales from any location | Vehicles must meet specific criteria to qualify for an instant cash offer |
| A simple online appraisal process determines fair market value quickly | Additional fees may apply depending on vehicle condition or recent repairs |
| Sellers receive payment immediately on accepting the cash offer price | The offer price could be lower than what a private sale may fetch |
| CarMax inspects and reconditions vehicles, increasing resale value | A lower sale price may result if the vehicle needs expensive repairs |
Should they accept the price, payment is instantly disbursed, allowing for a quick and convenient sale. However, cash offers may sometimes be lower than the actual market value, so a private sale could fetch a higher price.
TrueCar: Best For Fast Fixed-Price Offerings
TrueCar helps connect used car owners with its vast network of certified new car dealers. This provides sellers an alternative to the conventional private marketplace or trade-in options.
Leveraging real-time industry data, TrueCar’s algorithm matches cars with interested dealers and negotiates fixed sales prices on sellers’ behalf.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fixed prices provide certainty in negotiated offers from certified dealers | Fewer dealers may be available in specific rural locations |
| Convenient ability to request offers online without visiting lots | Dealers can choose to ignore or decline requests, potentially lowering offers |
| Extensive network of over 10,000 car dealers across the US. | Less information and history provided on used cars compared to new |
| Negotiation process is quite streamlined with no-haggle pricing | Sellers must still visit dealers to complete transactions, potentially facing added costs. |
| Real-time market data determines fair prices based on supply/demand | Higher mileage or older used cars may have fewer dealer matches for offers |
With a short online form to request a quote, this allows getting price offers from local dealers without visiting multiple car lots.
This makes the selling process quicker and removes uncertainty compared to traditional open negotiation. However, completion still requires visiting an agreed-upon dealer.
Autolist: Has a Large Variety of Cars
Autolist aggregates the biggest online car marketplace, indexing over 4 million cars from dealers, fleets, and private sellers.
With sources spanning the entire used car industry, this provides buyers and sellers the broadest possible selection. The site allows easy searching and filtering of massive listings.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| An index of millions of used vehicles from various sources aids broad search with less than 23% similar listings | Query results are not screened, so scams or unavailable cars could appear |
| Sources include private sellers, used car dealers, and trade-ins | Less assistance negotiating sale prices compared to other sites |
| Intuitive interface filters results by make, model, location, and price | Contacting a variety of private and dealer listings individually can be tedious |
| Comprehensive vehicle history and specifications aid in the evaluation | There are no guarantees on a car’s actual condition like with certified pre-owned programs |
| Free to search but may charge a nominal listing fee for private sellers | An additional trip to privately listed cars requires more effort than dealer lots |
However, contacting individual personal and dealer ads lacks unified support compared to other platforms providing negotiated dealer transactions or instant offers.
However, Autolist provides a wide range of car options unavailable through other higher assistance marketplaces.
CarGurus: Sometimes Offers Cheapest Options
CarGurus is among the leaders in online auto marketplaces for used vehicles, with over 37.9 million active monthly users, 4 million+ vehicle listings, and tens of thousands of local used car dealerships offering inventory to individuals and businesses online.
Cargurus offers strong search filters that help users narrow their choices by make, model, price, mileage, and other factors. Customers can read reviews from other CarGurus users who bought similar cars.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Wide selection of used cars locally and nationwide | Pricing information is not always accurate |
| Advanced search filters make finding the right car easy | Dealerships can list vehicles that are no longer available |
| User-friendly website interface and mobile app | Less filtering options compared to Autotrader |
| Customer reviews help evaluate cars | Contacting dealers can be difficult without paying for features |
| Email alerts when new vehicle listings match your criteria | May have to do more legwork to get the best deal |
However, the website could be more flawless - pricing isn’t always accurate as dealers can adjust rates, and contact options are limited without upgrading.
Still, aggressive buyers may occasionally find a better bargain here than elsewhere.
Autotrader: Great Advanced Search Capabilities
Weighing in at the biggest online marketplace for used cars, Autotrader gives robust filtering options to zero in on the right vehicle.
Search by budget, make model, year, mileage, color, drive type, location, and many other factors. Photos and vehicle histories provide a wealth of data.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Most filtering options to zero in on the ideal car | The cluttered interface can be overwhelming |
| Detailed automotive information along with HD photos | Dealer listings might not be up to date all the time |
| Tools evaluate the market price and comparable vehicles | May have to sift through many non-local listings |
| Contact Dealer feature streamlines inquiry | Pricing and stock are not as transparent as on newer sites |
| Large database of over 4 million used cars | Some question the reliability of their lead generation |
However, the interface may overwhelm some users. Location filtering could also be better at weeding out distant cars. Still, advanced hunters appreciate Autotrader’s extensive search tools.
CarStory: Best for Making Data-Driven Used Vehicles Purchases
Vroom used to be one of the top places to post your car for sale. However, they’ve now halted operations as of January 22, 2024. Their subsidiaries, such as CarStory and United Auto Credit Corporation, continue to serve their customers.
CarStory has over 4 million vehicles listed on its platform, and users can filter vehicles by make, model, body style, and more to find the right match. Some of their key features include:
- Smart matching tool based on user preferences
- Budget-based shopping by vehicle, budget, monthly payment, and maximum vehicle price
- Customization for downpayment and term length
- Get an overview of the most searched vehicles to see what’s in trend
eBay Motors: Best for Buying Unique Cars Online
eBay Motors is among the largest online car marketplaces, enabling access to customers nationwide.
With over 132 million active buyers monthly, eBay offers a large audience for unique vehicles. Many enthusiasts have found hard-to-find makes and models for sale there.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Enables reaching a large audience of potential buyers across various locations. | Many used cars have issues not disclosed in listings. |
| Offers a good selection of unique vintage and specialty cars. | Inspection of the vehicle can be difficult if it is far away. |
| Allows setting a reserve price so the car won’t sell for less than a certain value. | Fees for listing and completing a sale can add up. |
| Payment is handled securely through eBay, so there is no need to meet strangers with cash. | Sellers don’t always provide complete documentation for vehicles. |
| Cars can be listed from anywhere with an internet connection. | More competition leads to lower sale prices on average vehicles. |
While auction-style sales mean prices may be lower than on smaller sites that cater to aficionados, eBay remains a good starting place to post your car for sale and reach the broadest number of interested parties.
Craigslist: Used Cars Are Usually Cheaper Than Market
Craigslist is still one of the top places to post your car for sale or look for inexpensive used cars you can buy locally. With a very small $5 listing fee but no sales commissions, prices on the platform are usually lower than at dedicated vehicle sites.
However, there are all sorts of shady people online, and not being careful with the dealings can increase your chances of losing money. In fact, people lost $2 billion in online payment-related scams in 2024 alone. Therefore, meeting strangers to exchange cash requires greater care, caution, patience, and honesty, which typically leads to successful exchanges.
If it’s a dealership, then paying them in cash is safer because they have a brick and mortar institute, but when dealing with individuals, practice caution.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Listings are free, so there are low or no fees compared to other sites. | Scams are more common due to a lack of seller verification. |
| Local focus makes it ideal for finding cars nearby to avoid shipping. | More work is required to coordinate showings and meet buyers. |
| A huge network of classified sites across the USA reaches many potential buyers. | No payment protection means you have to meet buyers in person. |
| Simple posting interface for easy car sales and deals on used cars. | Photos and details are limited, so buyers have less information upfront. |
| Categories let you post directly to your geographical area. | No feedback system, so it takes more effort to find reputable sellers. |
Those wanting a quick sale at a fair price frequently turn to Craigslist first to reach people in their own community.
Hemmings: Best For Buying/Selling Classic Cars
Hemmings is considered the premier website for vintage cars, especially for makes no longer in production. As the largest online community dedicated to antique and collectible vehicles, it caters highly to aficionados.
Detailed listings showcase service records and restoration work to interested parties willing to invest more. For sellers seeking top dollar or buyers hunting a hard-to-find restored model, Hemmings offers the marketable, the most knowledgeable, and invested collectors.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| A specialized marketplace for antique autos attracts serious enthusiasts. | A smaller pool of buyers limits the potential sale audience. |
| Detailed vehicle histories and documentation aid in transactions. | Subscription fees are required for full marketplace access. |
| Forum and articles educate users and raise appreciation for vintage cars. | Focus only on older vehicles leaves out regular used cars. |
While its exclusive focus means a narrower pool compared to mass sites, passionate buyers and sellers regularly complete transactions there.
CarsDirect - Best For Finding Basic Options
Buyers and sellers can connect over the CarsDirect platform to buy or sell used cars across the country.
The website is intuitive, with easy-to-use search and list capabilities allowing users to find their preferred vehicles or list their own automobiles for sale.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large national inventory of used cars from dealers | May have to travel to check out or pick up listed used cars |
| Simple search filters to find the right used car | Basic listings have limited info about individual cars for sale |
| Ability to contact sellers directly with questions | No haggling on price like at a local dealership |
| Free basic listings to sell your used car | |
| Tools to get an estimated value of trade-in or potential sale price | |
| Mobile app makes car shopping easy on the go |
CarsDirect is a good place for car shoppers to kickstart their journey to finding right options. You can search by make, model, price, mileage, and location to efficiently find your preferred used cars, then you can start conversing with the seller, set up test drives, and negotiate costs. The simple tools are suitable for the early stages in finding a used car.
Autotempest: Best For Car Comparison
Autotempest operates as your search aggregator that compiles used car listings from the biggest online car marketplaces like Craigslist, Cars.com, and eBay Motors.
This gives users the ability to search inventory from the biggest online car marketplaces simultaneously to compare multiple local options.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Searches listings from main used car classified websites | Still must contact individual sellers after finding matches |
| Lets you easily compare cars from multiple local sources | Limited info on sellers since aggregating multiple sites |
| Filters searches tightly with many criteria like price, year, mileage | Can be slower to load due to processing lots of listing data |
| Save searches to get daily alerts on new listings |
Autotempest acts as a powerful central hub for used car research. Pulling relevant listings into one searchable database allows for rapid location-based comparison shopping across the biggest online marketplace.
Savvy car buyers can use it to scout multiple options in their area through a single interface.
iSeeCars: Big Data-Backed Car Information Transparency
IseeCars leverages its vast data resources to bring more transparency and objectivity to the used car search process.
This website analyzes billions of used car transactions to provide price analyses, dependability scores, and market context for individual vehicles.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| In-depth used car price analyses based on real sales data | May have limited listings for very old or unique models |
| Reliability ratings and average repair costs by make/model | Price analyses are averages, so deals are still possible |
| Flags high-risk used cars to avoid | Data resources are not helpful for test driving or negotiations |
| Comprehensive history reports on VIN numbers | |
| Large searchable inventory from its certified dealers |
Users get clearer used car information to make more informed choices. Whether they search broadly or deeply research a single model, this site helps take the guesswork out of the process.
Kelley Blue Book: Best For Getting Car Market Value & Comparisons
Kelley Blue Book has become one of the go-to websites for everything related to getting a starting value for used cars and trucks. While you cannot buy or sell cars directly on the Kelley Blue Book website, it provides an excellent starting point for researching whichever vehicle you have in mind.
The pricing reports generate fair market values based on real transaction data, options on the vehicle, mileage, condition, and location. This information lets the buyers and sellers see and determine fair pricing.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Provides reliable data on used car values by factoring in vehicle condition, mileage, and location | Pricing tools and values are only estimates |
| Lots of user-submitted photos help compare similar vehicles for sale | Can’t directly buy or sell cars on the site |
| Detailed pricing reports let you compare different trims, packages, and configurations. | It may be outdated for niche or uncommon vehicles. |
| Inspection checklists and buying advice articles provide helpful seller information | All values are estimates subject to current market conditions |
| Nationwide coverage of KBB allows users to search across a wide area to find the best deals. |
Additionally, users can submit photos of their vehicles which also helps potential buyers to compare them with similar vehicles.
Some key downsides include limited resources for uncommon vehicles that are not as frequently transacted. The estimates provided also lack customization for unique vehicle characteristics or market situations.
Car-Enthusiast Forums: Best For Getting Regular and Modified Cars From Like-Minded People
Car enthusiast forums like Nasioc, ClubWRX, or Honda-Tech and even Reddit’s r/UsedCars are thriving online communities for like-minded gearheads. Apart from just discussing the latest performance parts or events, these forums are also vibrant marketplaces for finding unique enthusiast vehicles.
The tight-knit nature of local forums means discussions around specific cars for sale are more personal compared to anonymous online listings. You get a better sense of previous owners, modifications done, and purchase intent behind unique cars posted.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Tight-knit communities of local gearheads and modifiers | Hit-or-miss selection depending on forum activity |
| Specialized forums for importing JDM cars not found elsewhere | It is consuming to sift through unrelated off-topic posts |
| People passionate about their cars provide good purchase advice | Potentially less regulated than traditional marketplaces |
| See price discussions and get a sense of fair market values | Hard to search across multiple forums simultaneously |
| Tap into otherwise undiscoverable niche vehicles for sale | Rely on individual poster responsiveness for questions |
Downsides include hit-or-miss selection depending on local activity levels and time spent searching through off-topic discussions.
The lack of centralized search also makes it difficult to scan multiple forums together, leaving some deals undiscovered.
These forums remain an excellent niche for modified import cars and connecting with fellow car lovers.
RelayCars.com: Best Site for Consumer Reviews
RelayCars.com used to offer unbiased owner reviews and valuable resources to help those researching different automobile makes and models. You do not get any used vehicle listings here, but the website used to host a massive database of user-submitted car reviews, reliability ratings, and common issues. However, they’ve now revamped their website to offer a VR platform that allows users to get a 360 degree interior view of a vehicle and view standard data such as trim detail and drivetrain..
Cars & Bids: Biggest Online Car Auction Site
Cars & Bids has become the biggest virtual auction house for enthusiast vehicles with its auction-style format. Private individuals, alongside dealers, regularly consign interesting niche cars to be auctioned on a daily basis.
Similar to their inspiration, BringATrailer.com, meticulous photography aims to convey the vehicle’s true condition. This lures car lovers nationwide and drives competitive bidding like no other website.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Daily auctions of enthusiast cars pull auction-style bidding | Vehicles may be located far from the buyer’s local area |
| Brings attention to collector cars from private consigners | Inspection contingencies are needed if buying unseen |
| “Bring A Trailer”-style photography shows true vehicle condition | Additional fees apply on top of the final sale price |
| The online platform drives more competition and higher prices | Availability depends on frequent consignments |
| Easily browse new auctions without attending in-person | Potential for undisclosed issues found after-sale |
Downsides include reliance on frequent consignments alongside usual auction risks like unexpected issues on vehicles bought unseen.
Success fees are also tacked onto the final sale price, but overall, it remains the biggest online marketplace for unique enthusiast cars.
Bring a Trailer: Best for Vintage and Classic Cars
Bring a Trailer has transformed the online vintage and classic car sales industry. A legacy of extraordinarily captured listings lives on long after auctions conclude, cementing histories of significant vehicles.
Their traditional 7-day timed format inspires spirited bidding from a global collector base. While prices may rise above general appraisals, vehicles gain tremendous exposure, befitting their significance. Discussion forums foster passion-led debates around ongoing and past auctions.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lifetime of information archived on each vehicle | Auction format drives prices above general valuations |
| “The Archives” shares a vast database of past vehicles | Reserve prices are not always met if bidding lacks momentum |
| Fanatical photography captivates vehicle enthusiasts | Buyers conduct inspections at their own cost if bidding remotely |
| Active forums to discuss auctions and related topics | Rarer vehicles receive disproportionately high attention |
| Weekly newsletter spreads awareness of new listings | Valuation research is made difficult by natural market forces |
Through constant innovation, they continue defining premier online auction standards for the enthusiast community.
Downsides include costly inspections for remote bidders and limited market-based price references due to natural hype around scarce collector pieces. Overall, their platform raises industry standards.
7 Straightforward Steps For Buying a Used Car
Follow these important steps when finding a 2nd hand car for sale for a smoother experience:
1. Do Your Research
Research is your step to make sure your car-buying journey starts correctly. Check the vehicle model that interests you on different car buying/selling platforms to know its market value, technical specifications, overall build, user experience, price to value etc.
- Make a list of 3-5 car models that seem good enough to meet your needs, including budget, passenger capacity, and tow ability.
- Review the vehicle’s reliability ratings from top publication and industry research sources like Consumer Reports. This will help you understand how specific models mechanicals have held up through previous years/miles.
- Connect online with owners of the the specific model(s) you’ve shortlisted to learn from their experiences. You can do this by joining relevant subreddits such as r/Cars or active auto forums online. You can also post your concerns or find common problems that specific vehicle models share. You’ll have better information about things to check when inspecting the car you decide to buy.
Doing proper research online and offline will help you choose a reliable used car model and also negotiate better pricing. Never buy the first vehicle you see, always get more information, use different sources to verify seller claims and you’ll be better positioned to make an offer.
2. Get Pre-Approved
Getting pre-approved for financing before shopping gives you bargaining power at the dealership. It shows you’re a serious buyer and establishes what monthly payments you can afford.
Apply with 1-2 local credit unions and regional banks in addition to large banks like Chase or Wells Fargo.
3. Explore Options
After you have an idea of the budget and where the money is coming from, it is time to scroll through inventory on different platforms we recommended.
Furthermore, you can set up searches on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Cars.com, etc. to get alerts when certain vehicles that you’re interested in are added.
Similarly, your local dealers might have inventory coming in soon containing your preferred vehicles so ask them about that as well.
Moreover, try to increase your search radius if you’re unable to find something nearby.
For instance, the biggest online car marketplace in the US, CarGurus, lets you search their dealers’ entire inventories all at once across the US.
4. Inspect Thoroughly
Once you find a potential purchase, schedule an inspection before signing anything. Bring your trusted mechanic or ask the dealer if they’ll allow an outside inspection.
Once you come across a vehicle you like, after a little bit of information exchange with the seller, set up an inspection and bring your trusted mechanic along with you. If it’s a dealer, ask them for an outside inspection. Make sure to not skip the following during inspection:
When your mechanic is inspecting the vehicle, ask him to thoroughly check the engine, transmission, body paint, brakes, alignment, fluids and other components that suffer high wear and tear.
See if your mechanic can also bring an OBD scanner so you can look for any pending or historically unceared trouble codes.
Carefully check the suspension parts, tires, vehicle underside and door seals for any damage or rust. Similarly, pay close attention to the interior for any signs of significant damage including the headliner of the roof.
Catching issues during the inspection could save you big repair costs down the road. Don’t finalize the sale without a thorough once-over first.
5. Test Drive
After you’re done with the inspection and find nothing shady or any red flags, its time to get behind the wheel and floor the pedal; you’re going for a test drive. Take the vehicle on the open roads; both smooth and bumpy so you can see how the car performs in actual road conditions.
- Does it make weight noises in bumps?
- Does the axle make sounds over turns?
- Is the vehicle smoothly going up and down the speed breakers?
- Try accelerating from stops and onto the highway, braking firmly from speed, and handling curves.
There are many more things you’ll notice when you’re driving the car. And if you’re not that experienced in driving, ask the mechanic to do it and sit beside him to notice the things he points out and note them down to discuss with the owner. A test drive is your chance to experience what it’s really like to drive before signing paperwork.
6. Negotiate Price
Pricing is usually the biggest negotiation factor when buying used. Have a target “out-the-door” price in mind, including all taxes and fees.
Request maintenance records to confirm the vehicle was well cared for. See if they’ll slash the price due to any small issues found during the inspection or test drive.
If they don’t reduce the price, ask them to include something for free, such as new tires, wiper blades, a battery, or free oil changes to make the deal better. Be polite, but be firm to get the best value possible.
7. Finalize Purchase
Take your time to read and understand the paperwork before signing the dotted line. IF something feels ambiguous, ask questions, but don’t just sign things. You must understand all terms, liabilities, warranties, finance rates, and refund policies.
Don’t let dealers rush you through important documents. Ensure you receive digital copies of all paperwork for your files once the deal is done. Also, confirm if roadside assistance came with the sale and activate that assistance program.
Remember, it pays to thoroughly research and negotiate the cost, and it helps you avoid problems or sticker shock down the line.
7 Tips To Avoid Getting Scammed When Buying a Car Online
1. Verify the Seller’s Identity
Do not believe anyone just because they’ve listed a vehicle online with HD pictures from different angles. You need to do your own verification first. Do the following:
- Request a clear photo of the seller’s driver’s license so you are able to compare their name, photo, and address with their driver’s license to verify their identity.
- You can also use an online search with their name and where they said they are located to check and see if there are any other listings, reviews, or public records that turn up, which can assist in verifying who they are operating under.
- Arranging a video call on an app such as FaceTime or WhatsApp offers a convenient means of visually verifying the seller’s appearance to ensure that it corresponds with the ID and to enable you to request further qualifying questions so that you feel more at ease with the ID verification.
2. Meet in Person Before Purchase
Never sign anything online or pay deposits before meeting the seller in person. You need to first see the vehicle with your own eyes, inspect, test drive, negotiate, read the contract, and only then make payments.
Don’t rely on photos or videos alone. A lot can be edited in this age of AI image generation. Similarly, ask for the VIN, check its history, ensure the VIN on the vehicle matches the one on the documentation (registration and title).
Also, after checking the physical condition and matching it with what was described on the listing, take the car for a test drive and pay attention to odometer readings. It should work properly and increase miles accordingly; otherwise, it might’ve been tampered with.
3. Research the Vehicle History
Knowing the vehicle’s background is important information for deciding on your purchase. Consider these report options:
You can request a vehicle history report from CarFax for a few bucks. This will give you info on past owners, services, recalls, defects, and accidents. Moreover, checking the VIN online can sometimes turn up past records from the manufacturer’s database or the National Motor Vehicle Title Information system.
You can also check the current mileage against past records to verify consistency. If something doesn’t match up, it can be an odometer tempering fraud. Signs the digits were altered, like worn-out numbers or non-sequential digits, are red flags.
4. Pay Safely and Securely
When sending funds, protect yourself from fraud by following secure practices:
Steer clear of payment methods like wire transfers or cash-only transactions that offer no recourse if something goes wrong. Using an escrow service allows the seller to provide the title before the release of funds, so neither party feels at risk.
Likewise, paying at a law office with both parties present ensures paperwork and titles are signed over at the same time as payment to avoid being taken advantage of verbally. Wait until you have received all important ownership documents before sending any money.
5. Review Contracts Thoroughly
Take the time to carefully read all agreements and be sure you understand exactly what is being outlined:
Ensure any terms or promises made through discussions are accurately reflected in writing. Watch for discrepancies that could signal an attempt to pull a fast one. Having contingencies like a money-back guarantee within a short window if you find undisclosed issues protects your investment.
Arrangements that require test driving over long distances warrant temporary license plates obtained from the seller to avoid any legal concerns along your journey in the new potential purchase. Protect yourself with proper documentation at all stages of the sale.
6. Trust Your Instincts on the Seller
Listen to your gut feeling about the person on the other end of the deal:
Prices well below the fair market average could mean trouble, so investigate why it seems too good to be true. Watch out for sellers who are evasive about details you need disclosed or who apply pressure tactics to wrap things up in haste. These behaviors are red flags of a potential scam or a flawed vehicle being offloaded.
Likewise, carefully consider interactions with a seller who is curt or dismissive of transparent questions you have every right to ask as a buyer. Trust issues are better resolved before exchanges of money or personal information occur.
7. Consider Insurance for New Purchases
Protection is wise, especially for higher-risk used vehicles:
Though careful exams and history checks help, unseen repairs or failures are still possible as vehicles age. Investigate independent extended warranty coverage options offered by companies not tied to the seller. Read the fine print closely on any add-on plans to avoid getting suckered.
Peace of mind comes from paying a professional technician, unbiased from the sale itself, to inspect key systems before finalizing your purchase. Detecting problems upfront allows negotiating repairs into the price or walking away if issues are too substantial.
Feel Free to Ring Easy Auto Ship For Trouble-Free Car Transports:
After you’ve sold or purchased your car online, you may need to safely move it to/from the other party. Granted, you can drive it there if the distance is like 100 miles, but if it’s longer, there’s the risk of the vehicle getting damaged and having a significant amount of money slashed off its value.
We at Easy Auto Ship can help you move your vehicle from the seller to the buyer or vice versa. Whether you’re an individual, an auction house, or a dealership, we have the equipment and professionals to assist you with the auto haul.
You can call one of our friendly and professional car transport specialists to get free auto shipping quotes or use the vehicle transport cost calculator to get shipping rates in minutes and get started then and there.
