15 Best Websites to Buy & Sell Used Cars Online in 2027

In the past you had to drive around to car lots to buy or sell a car. Now there are many websites that allow you to do this from your home. There are so many sites that it can get overwhelming. Some will be a classified website, others will have dealers on their site and some may have a different process to buy and sell on their website. Below is a list of 15 popular sites that sell used cars. We will go over what they have to offer and things to keep in mind when buying a car on each site. At the end we will give you some tips on how to buy safely and transport your vehicle.

This is a list of all websites we found that currently have an open marketplace to buy and sell used cars on. We have tried to find information on each website through their official website and will note if something is constantly updated.

Quick Answer: Which Site Fits Your Goal?

• Widest shopping choice: CarGurus, Autotrader, Cars.com
• Fixed-price retail with return windows: Carvana, CarMax, Enterprise Car Sales
• Fast offer for your car: CarMax, Carvana, Kelley Blue Book Instant Cash Offer
• Collector and enthusiast cars: Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids
• Local deals with higher scam risk: Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist

The 15 Sites at a Glance

Big Marketplaces for Used Car Shoppers

These sites collect thousands of listings in one search. Let’s break them down.

1. CarGurus

CarGurus will list what kind of deal its considered to be. It could be listed as a Great Deal, Good Deal, Fair Deal, High Price or Overpriced. On auto traders page that describes this it states that the price of the car is analyzed along with vehicle information and dealership reviews. These vehicles can be sold by dealerships or private parties. CarGurus has CarGurus pay for when buying from a private seller.

Best for: shoppers who want a price check before they message a seller. 

Watch for: one independent review notes that ratings track price and specs, not condition. Inspect the car yourself.

2. Autotrader

There will be used vehicles on Autotrader from both dealers and individuals. RV’s, Classic Cars and Motorcycles are also available. You can filter your search by Make Model Year Price Miles and Location. If you would like to sell your car you can list it on there.

Best for: shoppers who want both dealer and private-party choices in one place. 

Watch for: Autotrader is a listing site, so you still handle price talks, payment, and paperwork with the seller.

3. Cars.com

Cars.com is a long-running dealer marketplace. Independent coverage describes it as connecting shoppers to dealers who send price quotes.

Best for: comparing dealer inventory across your region. 

Watch for: confirm dealer fees and add-ons in writing before you agree to a price.

4. Edmunds

Edmunds started in 1966 as a paperback car-pricing guide. Today it lets buyers shop new and used cars, read reviews, and see the average price paid in their area. Reporting on the site also notes that dealers pay to join its network.

Best for: research before you buy or sell. 

Watch for: compare its price data with a second source, such as Kelley Blue Book.

5. TrueCar

TrueCar connects buyers with certified dealers and publishes local price data. Independent reviews describe a no-haggle approach where certified dealers agree to upfront pricing.

Best for: buyers who dislike negotiating. 

Watch for: a review of the service notes fewer certified dealers outside large metro areas.

Online Retailers With Return Windows

These companies own the cars they sell. That means fixed prices and a set return period.

6. Carvana

They sell cars online and can have them delivered to you as soon as the next day. They allow 7 days to return your car if you decide its not for you. To sell you just put in your VIN or license plate. Answer some questions and they will give you an offer good for approximately 7 days. Someone will come to you to look over your vehicle.

Best for: shoppers and sellers who want to finish everything from home. 

Watch for: consumer reviews note that an offer can change if the car does not match your description.

7. CarMax

CarMax uses no-haggle pricing. Its appraisal gives you a written offer good for seven days, and you do not have to buy a car from CarMax to sell yours. A company announcement describes a 30-day money-back guarantee, with a refund up to 1,500 miles. Confirm today’s terms, since policies change.

Best for: sellers who want a firm offer without listing the car. 

Watch for: an iSeeCars analysis notes that selling to a retailer usually pays less than a private sale.

8. Enterprise Car Sales

Enterprise sells Enterprise Certified used cars that pass an inspection by ASE-certified technicians. Each one carries a 12-month, 12,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and a 7-day buyback. The buyback runs 7 days or 1,000 miles, whichever comes first, minus a $200 restocking fee as allowed by law. You can browse its nationwide inventory online, and the company also gives trade-in values.

Best for: buyers who want inspected, warranty-backed cars. 

Watch for: the company discloses that many cars came from rental or lease fleets, so check each car’s history report.

Instant Offers and Private Sales

9. Kelley Blue Book Instant Cash Offer

When using Kelley blue book you will be given an actual offer. This is good for 7 days and can be used at a dealer once your vehicle is inspected. They will give you a list of dealers they work with you can use up to 3. There is no cost to receive your instant cash offer..

Best for: sellers who want a quick dealer offer. 

Watch for: Kelley Blue Book says the offer may be lower than its trade-in value, and the dealer can adjust it if the inspection differs from your description. Kelley Blue Book does not buy the car itself.

10. Kelley Blue Book Private Seller Exchange

For more control, Kelley Blue Book lists a Private Seller Exchange that connects you with verified buyers. Its published values can guide your asking price based on similar vehicles, mileage, condition, and local demand.

Best for: sellers who want a higher price and can handle showings. 

Watch for: a private sale means you manage the buyer, the payment, and the title paperwork.

Auction Sites

11. eBay Motors

You can bid or purchase with buy now. With Vehicle Purchase Protection from eBay Motors you will be protected against some types of fraud on eligible items purchased through eBay up to $100,000*. At no cost to you please review the exclusions. If you are offered our protection plan by anyone other than eBay this person is committing fraud. Do not offer instant cash wires. 

Best for: shoppers who want a protected checkout and a huge pool of listings. 

Watch for: protection applies only to transactions finished on eBay.

12. Bring a Trailer

Bring a Trailer runs online auctions for classic, exotic, and collector vehicles. Buyers pay a 5% fee with a minimum and a maximum, and sellers pay a listing fee that starts at $99 for the Classic service. Outlets report different fee caps over time, so check the current fee page. The sale itself happens between buyer and seller, and a ConsumerAffairs review notes that the site does not guarantee a car’s authenticity or condition.

Best for: collectors and sellers of enthusiast cars. 

Watch for: arrange an independent inspection before you bid high.

13. Cars & Bids

Cars & Bids focuses on modern enthusiast cars from the 1980s through the 2020s. Submitting a car is free, and winning bidders pay a 4.5% buyer’s fee with a $225 minimum and a $4,500 maximum. The site places a hold on your card when you bid, and some listings carry an Inspected tag. Independent coverage says auctions run about a week.

Best for: sellers of newer enthusiast cars and bargain-minded bidders. 

Watch for: the site accepts only cars that fit its focus, and a car listed here cannot be listed elsewhere at the same time.

Local Classifieds

14. Facebook Marketplace

People can still sell their vehicles on facebook marketplace. When meta removed car sales from their pages back in January of 2023 they suggested dealers use paid advertising. The buyer and seller will be working with each other there for no one is in between them.

Best for: quick local deals where you can see the car in person. 

Watch for: use the safety checklist below, and meet in a public place.

15. Craigslist

Craigslist is a local classifieds board with no purchase protection. The FTC warns that scammers post cheap used cars they do not own, and eBay notes that no eBay protection extends to Craigslist sellers.

Best for: local cash deals where you can inspect the car and check the title. 

Watch for: any seller who will not meet or who asks for gift cards or wire transfers.

Tips to Buy & Sell Used Cars Online Safely

The FTC lists clear warning signs of a fake car ad. Here is the short version:

1. Check the seller. Search the name, phone number, and email with words like review, complaint, or scam.
2. Insist on seeing the car. Be wary of a seller who cannot or will not meet or let you inspect it. The FTC says an independent mechanic should inspect any used car before you buy it.
3. Never pay with gift cards or wire transfers. The FTC calls those payment requests a scam.
4. Match the VIN. If the VIN does not match the car in the ad, walk away.
5. Test the photos. Run a Google Image Search to see whether the pictures appeared in other ads.
6. Report fraud. You can file a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Sellers can protect themselves too. Price the car with a published value guide, list the VIN, describe damage honestly, and confirm that the name on the buyer’s ID matches the payment.

After the Sale: How to Get the Car Home

Online there is always someone buying cars from different states. There will be times that you can’t get the car yourself. This is where shipping a vehicle comes into play. Onyx Auto Transport is one company that provides shipping to those who buy cars online. They provide service to people who buy and sell cars online, dealers and auction houses. Their auction page talks about how they insure cars shipped from local and nationwide auctions.

Here is what its published information says:

• Open transport is the most affordable option and the industry standard.
• Enclosed transport suits luxury, classic, and high-value cars.
• Door-to-door pickup and delivery happens as close to your addresses as is safe and legal.
• Quotes stay valid for about 48 hours, and you pay $0 upfront. Your card is charged after a carrier is assigned.
• Digital inspection photos and reports are shared by email, and every shipment includes insurance coverage.

Its calculator page lists estimated price ranges by distance. Open car transport runs $600 to $1,000 for 500 to 1,000 miles and $1,100 to $1,800 beyond 1,500 miles. Enclosed runs $1,000 to $1,600 and $1,800 to $2,800 for the same bands. An inoperable car may need a winch, which can change the price, so choose the right condition in the quote form.

Next Steps

Select the website that best fits what you’re looking for and follow these steps. Always get a couple of offers before selling your vehicle. And get a shipping estimate before buying a vehicle from out of state. You could save money and headaches by taking the time to do this.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest way to sell a used car online?

Instant-offer tools from CarMax, Carvana, and Kelley Blue Book return an offer within minutes, and each offer stays good for about seven days. Expect an inspection before payment. A private sale often pays more but takes longer.

Is it safe to buy a used car online?

It can be, with precautions. Have an independent mechanic inspect the car, match the VIN to the listing, and never pay by gift card or wire transfer. The FTC lists a seller who refuses to meet as a scam sign.

Which website is best for classic or enthusiast cars?

Bring a Trailer and Cars & Bids focus on collector and modern enthusiast cars. Both use auctions with buyer fees. Plan on enclosed transport for a valuable car, and read each site’s current fee page before you list.

Do these sites charge fees?

Yes, and they vary. Cars & Bids charges buyers 4.5%, with a $225 minimum and $4,500 maximum. Bring a Trailer charges a 5% buyer fee plus a seller listing fee. Retail sites post fixed prices, so compare the final total.

How do I ship a car I bought online?

Request a quote with pickup and delivery points, vehicle details, and open or enclosed transport. Onyx Auto Transport quotes stay valid about 48 hours, and a card is charged only after a carrier is assigned. Ask about insurance and inspection reports.