Best Online Car Buying Sites

Buying a new car requires lots of time and research. More people are turning to online car shopping to help them narrow and compare their options before purchasing their vehicles (as opposed to visiting a dealership in person).

Before you get too far along in your search, consider the pros and cons of online car shopping versus the in-person dealership experience. Then, when the time comes, you can feel confident in your new ride.

Whether you’re shopping for a new car or a used one, knowing the right questions to ask can help eliminate any concerns you have about the vehicle you plan to purchase. If you can’t find specific information about a car online, it’s always a good idea to first ask the dealership or individual seller, especially if the car you want to buy is used.

Used cars

When buying a used car, always ask the buyer questions about the service history, previous owners and past repairs. Having this information upfront gives you a better idea of how the car has been maintained and the likelihood of future problems.

Why are you selling the car?

This is a good question to ask if you’re dealing with an individual seller rather than a dealership. This is one of many questions that will help you get a better understanding of the car’s overall health.

Has this car been in an accident?

The best car buying websites run a vehicle history check to prevent vehicles that have been in accidents from being sold on the site. If a vehicle has been in an accident, it’s a major red flag.

Aside from visible damage to the car, you can learn more about a vehicle’s accident history by reviewing the CARFAX report. You’ll need the car’s vehicle identification number (VIN) to learn more about its service and accident history.

Is the car under warranty?

It's helpful to know if a car is still under warranty because it can help cover costs if your vehicle breaks down. Depending on its age and mileage, a used car may have passed out of its coverage period. If this is important to you, consider purchasing an extended car warranty from a third-party company.

Do service records prove that the maintenance is up to date?

Most good online car buying sites can provide the ownership history of the vehicle. This gives you a better idea of the condition of the car. If service records are available, that’s a good sign. Make sure to review them carefully. If they aren’t readily available, that might mean the car hasn’t received proper service in the past.

Some online car purchasing sites will provide an oil change and a car wash for a used car. Even so, it’s good to also check whether other important maintenance is up to date. A history of several owners on a relatively new vehicle might imply something is wrong with the car.

Would anything stop me from taking the car on a long road trip?

This is another question that tells you more about the car’s condition and lets you know what might need to be fixed — which gives you a better idea of the true cost of the car. Features like the heater, air conditioner, turn signals, lights and audio system should all be working.

Asking if any features aren’t functional helps you fish out any details about how the car’s condition may be less than optimal. It’s vital you have a transparent history of a used car before buying.

Can I take the car to a mechanic for inspection during the test drive?

If you’re about ready to buy, this is a good question to ask. The assumption here is that you’ll buy the car if the mechanic gives you the go-ahead. If a dealer is reluctant to let you do this, consider it a red flag.

However, not all car buying transactions provide an opportunity for a physical test drive. In this case, the seller usually offers a grace period for free returns. It’s a good idea to take the car to a mechanic for an inspection during the trial window.

What is the Kelley Blue Book value of the car?

Kelley Blue Book lists the value of used vehicles as well as new cars. Estimates are based on private party value, trade-in value and certified pre-owned (CPO) value, among other factors. It’s a good idea to ask what the KBB estimated value is, even if you already know.

New cars

New cars don’t have an extensive history that you need to know about; however, there are still a few questions you should be asking. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of buying a new car online or in person and forget to ask the right questions. Make sure you know how to best take care of your car and that it fits your current needs.

Consider it a red flag if the seller can’t or won’t provide answers about any new cars on the lot.

Are there any additional fees?

Nothing’s more annoying than hidden fees popping up at the last minute. Many online sellers charge shipping and delivery fees separately from the price of the vehicle. Make sure to ask about additional fees so you can see the full financial picture.

What do repairs typically look like for this make and model?

Sometimes it can be hard to get an answer on this one, so it might help to look at other user reviews online for answers. Look for patterns in repairs and factor these into your budget.

What’s the gas mileage?

It’s important to know what kind of gas mileage a car gets as you’re budgeting for monthly payments. Many of the better sites provide this information before you have to ask for it. Refer to original manufacturer information to get mileage figures.

Does this vehicle have four-wheel drive?

All-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) help with traction and acceleration when driving on slippery surfaces or in inclement weather. They typically cost more and require more maintenance than two-wheel-drive (2WD) vehicles. If this is important to you, make sure to ask about it. You don’t want to need it and not have it.

What does the warranty on this car cover?

If something goes wrong with your new car through no fault of your own, it’s always comforting to know you can repair it at a low price. But warranties don’t cover everything, so it’s important to know what yours does cover.

Is it possible to hold the vehicle?

Some car dealers will put a hold on the vehicle for you while you decide if you really want to buy. Holds can range from 24 hours up to a week. It’s better to take time and think over a big decision like buying a car than rushing into it.

In general, it can’t hurt to start shopping for a car online, do thorough research on the make and model you’re interested in, and then bring that knowledge to a dealership. There, you can test drive the car and talk with a salesperson about pricing. If you’re not happy with the negotiation, you can move back to online car shopping.

Some online car buying sites let you negotiate the price of the car you’re looking to buy, but some won’t. Sites that connect you with a private seller typically allow for more negotiation room than those that are associated with dealerships.

For example, Carvana and CarMax have fixed-price vehicles, while Autotrader allows for negotiating. Make sure to research the site’s rules and policies as well as the fair market value of the car you're looking to buy before assuming you can or need to negotiate the price.

Much like online car buying sites, some dealerships allow for negotiation and some don’t. The price you get your vehicle for depends on several factors, including the demand for the specific car you’re looking at, the condition of the vehicle and the time of year you’re looking to buy.

The best plan of action is to narrow your list to the vehicle you want, and then shop around to see where you can get the best price.

Yes, online car buying sites are generally trustworthy. It’s always important to exercise caution when shopping online, though. Before giving any site your personal information, check out customer reviews, look for appropriate accreditation or certificates, and read through any return policies and information on warranties. If something seems way too good to be true, chances are it is and could be a scam.