The biggest used-car sites are CarGurus, Autotrader, Cars.com, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist, each with different strengths depending on what you want to check before you buy.

CarGurus shows inventory from dealers and private sellers, flags overpriced listings with a "Great Price" badge based on local market data, and lets you filter by accident history and service records. Autotrader and Cars.com work similarly — both pull from dealer lots and private listings — but Autotrader emphasizes dealer inventory while Cars.com has stronger tools for comparing prices across regions. Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are peer-to-peer only, which means lower overhead and sometimes lower prices, but no built-in verification of the seller or the car's history.

Which site works best depends on whether you want dealer protections, how much time you have to vet a private seller, and whether you need financing or trade-in help. A dealer listing on Autotrader comes with some recourse if something goes wrong; a private sale on Craigslist does not. That trade-off is worth understanding before you start searching.

Key Takeaways

  • CarGurus, Autotrader, and Cars.com all pull from both dealer and private inventories, but each emphasizes different data — price comparisons, dealer stock, or regional pricing — so checking more than one site usually finds more options.
  • Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist connect you directly to private sellers and often have lower prices, but you handle all verification yourself and have no recourse if the car has hidden problems.
  • Dealer listings typically include accident history reports and service records; private sellers may not have these documents or may not share them until you ask.
  • Most sites let you filter by mileage, year, price range, and transmission, but the reports available for each listing vary — compare what each site shows before you narrow your search.

How dealer sites differ from peer-to-peer marketplaces

Dealer-focused sites like Autotrader and Cars.com connect you to franchised dealerships and independent used-car lots. These listings usually include a Carfax or AutoCheck report showing accident history, title status, and service records. The dealer has already run these reports and often prices the car accordingly. If you buy from a dealer, you may have a short warranty period (typically 30 to 90 days) and a return window, depending on the dealership's policy and your state's lemon laws.

Private-seller sites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace put you in direct contact with the person selling the car. You negotiate price one-on-one, and the seller sets the terms. No warranty is implied unless the seller offers one in writing. You are responsible for ordering your own Carfax or AutoCheck report, arranging an inspection, and checking the title yourself. The upside is that private sellers often price lower because they have no overhead; the downside is that you have no safety net if the car breaks down a week after purchase.

CarGurus and Cars.com sit in the middle — they list both dealer and private inventory on the same platform, so you can compare side by side. This makes it easier to spot when a dealer is overpricing relative to private sellers in your area.

What information each site shows you before you contact the seller

CarGurus displays a price estimate based on local market data, a "Great Price," "Fair Price," or "Overpriced" label, and links to Carfax reports if the dealer has provided one. You can filter by accident history, number of owners, and whether service records are available. The site also shows dealer ratings and reviews from past buyers.

Autotrader lists the dealer's asking price, mileage, transmission, and exterior color on the main listing. Click into a dealer's inventory and you often see a Carfax report, photos of the interior and undercarriage, and sometimes a video walkthrough. Independent used-car lots and franchised dealers use Autotrader differently — franchises tend to provide more documentation upfront.

Cars.com shows similar data: price, mileage, color, and transmission. The site has a "Find Similar Listings" tool that shows you what comparable cars in your area are priced at, which helps you spot a deal or an overpriced listing quickly. Like Autotrader, Cars.com often includes Carfax reports for dealer listings.

Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist show only what the seller chooses to upload: photos, a description, and a phone number or email. No accident history, no service records, no dealer ratings. You have to ask the seller for these details, and they may not have them or may not want to share them until you meet in person.

How to search across multiple sites without duplicating effort

Start by setting your search criteria — make, model, year range, price ceiling, and mileage limit — on CarGurus first. This site's price-comparison badge helps you see whether a listing is a genuine deal or overpriced relative to the market. Save the listings you like.

Then search Autotrader and Cars.com with the same criteria. You will see some overlap, but each site has dealers and private sellers who list exclusively on one platform. Autotrader tends to have more franchised dealership inventory; Cars.com has a larger private-seller base in some regions. Jot down the VIN (vehicle identification number) of any car you want to investigate further — the VIN lets you order your own Carfax report and cross-reference the same car across sites.

If you find a car on a dealer site that interests you, search its VIN on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist to see if a private seller is offering the same model nearby for less. This is rare but happens, especially with common models like Honda Civics or Toyota Camrys.

Checking accident history and service records on each platform

On CarGurus, Autotrader, and Cars.com, dealer listings often include a Carfax or AutoCheck report embedded in the listing. Read the "Accident History" section first — it shows whether the car was in a reported collision, flood, fire, or had a salvage title. A single minor accident does not necessarily mean the car is unsafe, but multiple accidents or a flood history are red flags.

The "Service History" section shows whether the car was serviced at a dealership or independent shop. Regular oil changes and maintenance suggest the previous owner cared for the car; long gaps between services suggest neglect. If the report shows no service history at all, the car may have been serviced at a shop that does not report to Carfax, or the owner did their own work.

For private-seller listings on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, ask the seller directly: "Do you have service records or a Carfax report?" If they say no, you can order a Carfax report yourself using the VIN for about $25 to $30. This is money well spent before you commit to an inspection or test drive. If the seller refuses to provide a VIN or says they do not have one, walk away — that is a sign the car may have a salvage title or other legal issues.

When to use each site based on your timeline and budget

If you have time and want the lowest price, start with Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. Private sellers often price 10 to 20 percent lower than dealers because they have no overhead. The trade-off is that you spend more time vetting the car and the seller, and you have no recourse if something goes wrong after the sale. This route works if you are mechanically savvy or willing to pay for a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic.

If you want speed and some protection, use Autotrader or Cars.com to find dealer inventory. Dealers handle paperwork, often offer a short warranty, and have already verified the car's history. You pay more, but the process is faster and you have a business to contact if the car has a problem within the warranty period.

If you want to compare both dealer and private options in one place, CarGurus is the most efficient starting point. The price-comparison tool shows you when ready whether a dealer is overpriced, which saves time and helps you negotiate.

Red flags to watch for across all platforms

On any site, be cautious of listings with very few photos, vague descriptions, or prices significantly below market rate. A car priced 30 percent lower than comparable listings nearby may have hidden damage, a salvage title, or a mechanical problem the seller is hiding.

On Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace, watch for sellers who refuse to let you inspect the car in person, insist on payment before you see it, or ask you to wire money or use a gift card. These are common scams. Legitimate private sellers expect you to see and test-drive the car before money changes hands.

On dealer sites, check the dealer's reviews on Google and the Better Business Bureau. A dealer with dozens of complaints about odometer fraud, title issues, or mechanical problems that appeared after purchase is a sign to shop elsewhere, even if their prices look good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I trust the price estimates on CarGurus?

CarGurus bases its price estimates on recent sales of similar cars in your area, so the estimate is usually within a few hundred dollars of fair market value. However, the estimate does not account for the specific car's condition, mileage, or accident history — it is a regional average. Use it to spot obvious overpricing, but get a pre-purchase inspection before you commit.

Should I buy from a dealer or a private seller?

Dealers offer a warranty, handle paperwork, and have already verified the car's history — you pay for that convenience. Private sellers price lower and give you more room to negotiate, but you handle all verification and have no recourse if the car breaks down. Choose based on your budget, how much time you have, and your comfort level inspecting a used car.

What is a Carfax report and do I need one?

A Carfax report shows the car's accident history, title status, mileage records, and service history based on data from insurance companies, repair shops, and DMV records. It costs about $25 to $30 per report if you order it yourself. Yes, you should get one before buying from a private seller; dealer listings often include one already.

How do I know if a private seller on Craigslist or Facebook is legitimate?

Meet in a public place during daylight, bring someone with you, and always inspect the car in person before discussing price. Ask for the VIN and order a Carfax report. If the seller refuses to provide a VIN, refuses an inspection, or pressures you to pay before you see the car, do not proceed — these are common scam tactics.

What should I do if I find the same car listed on multiple sites?

Check the VIN to confirm it is the same car. If a dealer is listing the same car on Autotrader and Cars.com, contact the dealer directly — they may offer different terms or discounts depending on which site you found them on. If a private seller is listing on both Craigslist and Facebook, it just means they are trying to reach more buyers; proceed normally.