We buy almost everything online, from garbage bags to video games, so
why would cars be the exception to the rule? Whether you’re looking for
a very specific make and model or just something that runs and doesn’t
cost much to own, odds are you can find it online instead of spending a
Sunday walking through every used car lot in town. Here are the
classifieds sites you need to browse and the resources you should use
when shopping for your next car online.
Alternatively, if you’re buying new, automakers and dealers are increasingly making the buying process digital.
Further reading
How to sell your car
Best cars for teens
Best used cars under $15,000
You can browse these virtual car lots from the comfort of your living
room; you don’t even need to put pants on. The best used car sites show
you listings, but they also provide key information about a specific
vehicle’s condition, features, and ownership history. They’re useful,
but remember that it’s always wise to check out a used car in person
(and, if possible, take it for a thorough test drive) before you hand
over a big wad of your hard-earned cash.
AutoTrader.com
The best well-known site
Few sites surpass AutoTrader.com when it comes to advanced search
tools. Like most sites on our list, Auto Trader’s initial search lets
you choose the make, model, and price of your desired used cars. It also
lets you filter your results based on fuel economy and a host of other
parameters. Do you want a car with an intuitive navigation system? How
about a sedan with four doors and keyless entry? Tick the options you
need and let the results come to you.
CarsDirect.com
The best site for the basics
Simple and straightforward, CarsDirect is
all about the basics. You can search for used cars within a specific
area based on body style, price, make, and/or model. Search results
include offerings from both dealers and owners, with an option to view
your desired car’s Carfax report. When you find what you’re after, you
can submit an inquiry about it to receive more details from the seller,
or request special financing if needed. There are links to car dealers’
websites, as well as comprehensive maps with directions to each store’s
location.
Hemmings.com
The best site for classic car lovers
Hemmings is a classic car collector’s
dream. The site is a blast from the past, reveling in everything from
1960s Chevrolet Impalas to Studebakers from the 1930s to newer classics
from the 1980s while offering tools for locating specific parts and
services pertaining to a car you already own. It publishes a daily
newsletter, a fascinating blog that’s regularly updated by a team of
knowledgeable writers, and several other resources aimed at the classic
car owner. It even touts an online store where you can buy die-cast models, apparel, books, or wall calendars.
If that’s not enough, Hemmings is also an excellent resource for buying tips and links to upcoming local auctions, and it launched an auction service
that lists anything from a classic Mini to a modified Corvette. Knowing
how much to pay for a classic car is tricky. If you have a question,
the experts at Hagerty likely have the answer.
Autolist.com
The best site for browsing on the go
Autolist may look similar to other sites here at first glance, but it
has a leg up on the competition when it comes to mobile connectivity.
Although the Autolist website is attractive and easy to use, it’s the
accompanying mobile app for Android and iOS
that makes it a standout. The intuitive software allows you to quickly
scour the databases of other shopping apps, as well as various
dealership websites. It also provides helpful information, such as how
long the vehicle has been on sale, how its asking price has fluctuated
over time, and what its Carfax report looks like. If you prefer to shop
for your next ride while on the move, this is the resource for you.
