EVs are selling like hotcakes, and as such, it can feel like it’s a little hard to get your hands on one. Add in the fact that most of the decent EVs cost more than $40,000, and you might find that a used car is more compelling than ever. Shopping used is a great alternative to long waiting lists and inflated prices, and a used EV may even be eligible for tax rebates if you read the fine print.
But where should you look to find one?
The best used car sites offer a user-friendly interface that provides shoppers with comprehensive details about the car they’re looking at, like high-resolution photos showing the interior and the exterior, its service history, plus its standard and optional equipment. Some even use historical data to tell you if you’re looking at a great deal, or if the price isn’t quite fair.
We’ve put together a list of the classifieds and auction sites you should browse when shopping for your next used car online. Alternatively, if you’re buying new, automakers and dealers are increasingly making the buying process digital.
These sites are 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.
Few sites surpass AutoTrader when it comes to advanced search tools. Like most sites on our list, AutoTrader’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.
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 model. Search results include offerings from both dealers and private 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. CarsDirect provides links to car dealers’ websites, as well as comprehensive maps with directions to each store’s location.
If you’re looking for the most convenient end-to-end used-car-buying experience, then Carvana is the way to go. Carvana is known for its massive car vending machines and for dropping off cars right to your door, making it perhaps the best choice for those who don’t want to trek long distances to get a new car. In fact, Carvana will deliver cars right to your door, if you live in the U.S. If you sell on Carvana, the process is also incredibly convenient — Carvana will pick up the car you’re trying to sell, straight from your door.
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, books, or wall calendars.
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 dealer 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 on the move, this is the resource for you.
If you’re looking for a bargain, CarGurus is your best bet. It ranks ads based on dealer reputation, when applicable, and price. The site goes a step further to educate buyers with information about a vehicle’s market value. That way, you’ll know whether now is the best time to shop or if you need to expand your search area. You can also see how long a vehicle has been listed on the site and how its list price has changed over time. This gives you negotiating power on cars that have been listed for a while, or lets you know when it’s too soon to ask for a price cut.
If you’ve ever used sites like Kayak or Sky Scanner, AutoTempest will be right up your alley. The site combines search results from eBay Motors, Cars.com, AutoTrader, CarsDirect, and others, casting an all-encompassing net over a smattering of other used car sites on our list. AutoTempest’s homepage also features buying guides, checklists, and advice, as well as tips on negotiating and how to avoid purchasing a lemon, among other topics. The site provides specific guides for a selection of makes and models, along with car reviews and a compilation of frequently asked questions. And, it saves search results for easy access later, while offering suggestions for top-notch shipping services.
The Kelley Blue Book is a car buyer’s best friend. It provides accurate estimates of what your car is worth, how much you should pay for a used car, and a deep selection of used and new car listings. You can browse top picks and tips, calculate a monthly car payment, and compare several cars. Expert and consumer reviews are also available, along with options for finding local dealers and checking your credit score. You can browse an assortment of awards pages, too, giving you a way to quickly peruse the best of the best.
Launched by Doug DeMuro in the summer of 2020, Cars & Bids quickly became the go-to destination for enthusiasts looking to buy or sell a car. If you want a 2018 Corolla, you won’t find it on this platform. If you’re after something a little bit more special, like a low-mileage Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG or a one-year-only BMW L6, the site has you covered. Each auction includes a full gallery of the car (including close-ups and service records when they’re available) and a thorough description that highlights its main features, its ownership history, and its known flaws. Carfax is included as well. Many sellers include videos, too, which takes some of the stress out of buying a car sight unseen.
Although it’s easy to search by make, model, and year using any of the aforementioned sites, there’s no harm in concentrating your search. If you’re looking for something specific, don’t be afraid to check out the online car owner and enthusiast groups associated with what you’re seeking. If using Google, tack on “forums” or “owners club” to whichever vehicle you’re searching for. Whether you’re seeking vintage Porsches or cars from the late AMC brand, there’s a community for almost every vehicle out there — even unloved ones. Browsing the classifieds section on these sites increases your chances of finding what you’re looking for. Plus, most of the listings are from experts who not only know what they are selling but are also invested in not getting a bad name in their respective communities.
Related Posts
This is the tech that makes Volvo’s latest EV a major step forward
The 2027 Volvo EX60 boasts engineering improvements in a package that’s likely to have mass appeal. It’s based on a new architecture that offers improved range and charging performance, backed by software with now-obligatory AI integration. And as a five-seat SUV similar in size to the current Volvo XC60 — the automaker’s bestselling model — it’s exactly the type of car most people are looking for.
Your cheap Chevrolet EV might not be cheap for Long
This shift comes as GM continues reshuffling its manufacturing footprint, with its Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas City, Kansas, set to switch from Bolt EV output to other vehicles, including gas-powered models and a relocated Buick crossover. The decision marks a significant pivot away from making one of the U.S. market’s most affordable electric cars, at least for now.
Tesla kills Autopilot for good and Musk warns of FSD price hikes
This pivot is clearly about money and control. Elon Musk has been hinting at this for a while, but the timeline is now set in stone: the option to buy Full Self-Driving (FSD) for a one-time fee of around $8,000 is disappearing on February 14, 2026. After that date, it is subscriptions all the way down, currently priced at about $99 a month. Musk has already warned that this price will likely climb as the software gets smarter, effectively turning driver assistance into a recurring utility bill rather than a feature you own. It is essentially the "Netflix-ification" of your daily commute.