The main places to search for cars depend on whether you want new, used, or a specific type
You can find cars through dealer websites, classified marketplaces, manufacturer sites, and local dealerships. Each route shows different inventory, charges different fees, and protects you differently if something goes wrong. The best choice depends on whether you want a new car, a used car from a dealer, a used car from a private seller, or a specific make and model.
Most people start with one of the large classified sites because they show thousands of listings in one place. But dealer websites often have better photos and more details about the car's history. Private sellers usually price lower but offer no warranty. Understanding what each type of site offers helps you narrow your search before you spend time on the phone or visiting lots.
Key Takeaways
- Large classified sites like Autotrader, Cars.com, and Facebook Marketplace let you filter by price, mileage, and location, but they mix dealer and private listings so you need to read carefully.
- Dealer websites and manufacturer sites show only their own inventory and often include detailed service records and vehicle history reports.
- Private seller sites like Craigslist and local Facebook groups tend to have lower prices but no warranty or buyer protection.
- Each site charges different fees to sellers, which sometimes affects the price you see, so comparing the same car across multiple sites can reveal better deals.
Large classified sites that show cars from many sellers
Autotrader and Cars.com are the two largest sites for used cars in the United States. Both let you search by make, model, price range, mileage, and location. Both show listings from dealers and private sellers mixed together, so you need to check who is selling before you contact them. Autotrader tends to have more dealer inventory; Cars.com tends to have more private sellers.
Facebook Marketplace has grown as a place to buy used cars from private sellers and small dealers. It shows the seller's name and profile history, which can help you decide whether to trust them. Facebook does not verify the cars or the sellers, so you are responsible for inspecting the car and checking its history before you hand over money.
Craigslist remains common for private sellers in many regions, though it has fewer safety features than Facebook or the large classified sites. Craigslist does not verify sellers or cars, and scams are more common here than on other platforms. If you use Craigslist, meet in a public place, bring someone with you, and never wire money before seeing the car in person.
Manufacturer and dealer websites
Every major car manufacturer — Toyota, Ford, Honda, Chevrolet, BMW, and others — runs a website where you can search their new and used inventory by location. These sites show only cars that dealerships in your area have in stock. They usually include detailed photos, the full service history, and a link to the specific dealership selling the car.
Individual dealership websites often have better information than the manufacturer site because the dealer controls the listing. You can see exactly what work has been done, what warranty comes with the car, and sometimes the dealer's return policy. Many dealerships also list their cars on Autotrader and Cars.com at the same time, so you may see the same car in multiple places.
Manufacturer sites sometimes let you build a car to your specifications and see the price before you visit a dealership. This is useful if you want a new car with specific features. You can then contact local dealerships to see if they can order that car or have something similar in stock.
Specialty sites for specific types of cars
Carvana and Vroom are online-only used car retailers. They buy cars, inspect them, and sell them through their websites. You can browse their inventory online, and they deliver the car to your home or a local pickup point. Both offer a return period — usually seven days — if you change your mind. They charge more than private sellers but less than traditional dealerships, and they handle all the paperwork.
CarMax is a large used car chain with physical locations and an online site. You can search their inventory online and visit a store to see cars in person. CarMax offers a warranty on used cars and a return period. Their prices tend to be higher than private sellers but they handle financing and trade-ins in one place.
If you want a specific make or model, search for specialty dealers that focus on that brand. For example, if you want a Subaru, a Subaru-focused dealer may have more inventory and staff who know that brand well. These dealers often appear in search results when you search "[your city] [car brand] dealer."
How to compare prices across sites
The same car often appears on multiple sites at different prices. A dealer might list a car on their own website, Autotrader, and Cars.com, sometimes at different prices. Before you contact a seller, search for the car's year, make, model, and mileage on at least two other sites to see what others are asking.
Keep in mind that dealer sites sometimes show a lower price online but add fees at the dealership that were not listed on the website. Private sellers usually show their true asking price. When you call or email, ask whether the price shown online includes all fees, or whether there are additional costs for paperwork, delivery, or inspection.
Price comparison sites like Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book show what similar cars in your area are selling for. These sites do not sell cars themselves, but they help you understand whether a price is fair. They also show the typical price range for a car based on its age, mileage, and condition.
What to check before you contact a seller
Before you call or email, read the full listing carefully. Look for the number of miles, the year, the condition (new, like new, excellent, good, fair, salvage), and what the seller says about any damage or repairs. Many listings include a vehicle history report link — click it to see whether the car has been in an accident, had a title issue, or been flooded.
Check the seller's feedback or rating if the site shows one. On Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, look at the seller's profile to see how long they have been active and whether other buyers have left comments. On Autotrader and Cars.com, dealers have ratings based on customer reviews.
If a price seems much lower than similar cars, ask why. The car may have high mileage, damage, or a mechanical problem that the seller did not mention. It is also possible the seller made a mistake in the listing. Either way, it is worth asking before you waste time visiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safer to buy from a dealer or a private seller?
Dealers usually offer a warranty and a return period, which gives you some protection if something breaks. Private sellers typically sell cars as-is with no warranty. However, private sellers often price lower. Either way, have a mechanic inspect the car before you buy, regardless of who is selling it.
Do I have to pay a fee to list a car for sale on these sites?
Autotrader, Cars.com, and Facebook Marketplace charge sellers a fee to list cars. Craigslist charges a small fee in some cities but not others. These fees do not affect you as a buyer, but they may affect the price a seller asks — some sellers raise their price to cover the listing fee.
Can I negotiate the price shown on the website?
Yes. The price shown online is usually the asking price, not the final price. Dealers and private sellers often expect negotiation. Contact the seller and ask if they would accept a lower offer. The worst they can say is no.
What should I do if I find the same car listed on multiple sites at different prices?
Contact the seller and ask which price is correct. If it is a dealer, they may have listed the car on multiple sites and not updated all of them. If the prices are very different, the lower price may not include fees, or the listing may be out of date and the car may already be sold.
How do I know if a car's history report is real?
Real history reports come from Carfax or AutoCheck, the two major providers. Both charge a small fee if you buy a report directly, but many listings include a free link to the report. Be cautious of listings that claim to have a history report but do not provide a link — ask the seller to send you the actual report before you visit.