7 Best Websites to Buy a Car in 2025

Best Overall: AutoTempest

Search 100,000,000+ car listings across the web in one place. Free, fast, and finds the best deals.

Best Value: Shift

Get upfront pricing and expert reviews, and compare cars side-by-side. Make confident car buying decisions with Shift.

Most Features: Cars.com

Millions of listings, expert reviews, and powerful research tools. Your one-stop shop for buying and selling cars.

Buying a car can be a real pain, right?

Dealing with pushy salespeople and endless negotiations can make you want to pull your hair out.

But what if I told you there’s a better way?

In 2025, you can find your dream car from the comfort of your couch.

We’re talking about online car buying and changing the game.

This post will reveal the seven best websites to buy a car in 2025 so you can easily skip the dealership drama and cruise into your future.

What is the Best Website to Buy a Car in 2025?

Ready to ditch the dealership and find your perfect ride online? We’ve got you covered. And remember, when it’s time to ship your car, let us handle that for you!

These websites offer a vast selection, competitive prices, and a hassle-free experience.

Let’s dive into the top places to buy your next car!

1. AutoTempest

Ever feel like you’re searching for a needle in a haystack when car shopping?

AutoTempest eliminates that feeling! It’s a super search engine that scans all the major car sites for you.

Think of it as your one-stop shop for finding the perfect ride.

No more jumping between tons of different websites. Pretty cool, right?

Key Benefits

• Massive reach: Searches over 100,000,000 listings across the web.
• Saves you time: No need to browse multiple sites.
• Unbiased results: Don’t favor any specific site.

Pricing

AutoTempest is completely free to use! No hidden fees or subscriptions.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Easy to use and navigate.
• Saves time and effort.
• Comprehensive search results.
• It helps find the best deals.

Cons:

• You can’t buy directly on the site.
• Relies on other sites for listings.
• Sometimes, it shows duplicate listings.

Rating

I give AutoTempest a 9/10. It’s beneficial for simplifying car shopping and finding great deals. The only reason it’s not a perfect 10 is because you still have to go to another site to complete the purchase.

2. Shift

Shift aims to make buying a used car as easy as ordering a pizza.

Okay, maybe it’s not easy, but they offer a smooth experience. They have a curated selection of used cars with a 150-point inspection.

Plus, they bring the vehicle to you for a test drive, so you don’t even need to leave your house.

Key Benefits

• Convenience: Test drives are delivered to your door.
• Quality: Cars are inspected and reconditioned.
• 7-day return policy: Gives you peace of mind.

Pricing

Shift’s prices are competitive with the market. They offer financing options and often have special offers.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• No-pressure test drives.
• Good quality used cars.
• Convenient home delivery.
• Helpful customer service.

Cons:

• Limited inventory in some areas.
• Not as many filtering options.
• It can be slightly more expensive.

Rating

I rate Shift an 8.5/10 10. It’s a great option if you value convenience and want a more personalized experience.

3. TrueCar

TrueCar wants to take the mystery out of car pricing.

They partner with dealers to give you upfront pricing information. This means you can see what others paid for the same car in your area.

No more wondering if you’re getting a good deal!

Key Benefits

• Price transparency: See what others paid.
• No-haggle pricing: Get a fair price upfront.
• An extensive network of dealers: Lots of choices.

Pricing

TrueCar is free for car buyers. They make money through their partnerships with dealerships.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• It helps you negotiate confidently.
• It saves time on haggling.
• Large selection of cars.
• Easy-to-use website.

Cons:

• You still have to deal with a dealer.
• Not all dealers offer TrueCar pricing.
• You can receive a lot of dealer contacts.

Rating

I give TrueCar a 7.5/10. It’s a valuable tool for getting a reasonable price but doesn’t eliminate the dealership experience

4. Cars.com

Cars.com is like the veteran of online car buying.

They’ve been around forever and have many car shoppers’ resources.

You can find everything from new and used car listings to expert reviews and advice.

Key Benefits

• Colossal inventory: Millions of new and used cars.
• Comprehensive research tools: Compare models side-by-side.
• Dealer reviews: See what other buyers say.

Pricing

Cars.com is free for car buyers. They generate revenue through advertising and dealer partnerships.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• There are tons of cars to choose from.
• Helpful research tools.
• It is easy to compare cars.
• A trusted name in the industry.

Cons:

• It can be overwhelming with so many options.
• Some listings may be outdated.
• Relies on dealers for information.

Rating

I give Cars.com an 8/10. It’s a reliable resource with much to offer, but it can be overwhelming for some users.

5. Hemmings

Do you love classic cars? Hemmings is your go-to place.

They specialize in vintage, classic, and collector cars, including muscle cars and antique trucks.

It’s a haven for car enthusiasts!

Key Benefits

• Specialized in classic cars: Find rare and unique vehicles.
• Community of enthusiasts: Connect with other collectors.
• Resources for restoration: Find parts and advice.

Pricing

Hemmings is totally free for buyers.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• It’s the best place to find classic cars.
• A passionate community of car lovers.
• Valuable resources for restoration.
• High-quality listings.

Cons:

• Not for everyday car buyers.
• It can be expensive for sellers.
• Limited to classic and collector cars.

Rating

I give Hemmings a 9/10 for classic car enthusiasts. It’s a niche site, but it excels in its area of focus.

6. Bring a Trailer

Bring a Trailer (BaT) is like the cool kids’ club of online car auctions.

It features a curated selection of interesting and unique vehicles, including vintage Porsches, classic Land Rovers, and JDM imports.

It’s a fun site to browse, even if you’re not buying!

Key Benefits

• Curated selection: Interesting and unique cars.
• Auction format: You can find good deals.
• Engaging community: Discussions and comments on listings.

Pricing

You don’t have to pay any extra charge to buy a car from Bring a Trailer.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Fun and engaging auction format.
• High-quality listings with great photos.
• A strong community of car enthusiasts.
• You can find rare and desirable cars.

Cons:

• It can be competitive and expensive.
• Not for finding everyday cars.
• Buyer’s fee adds to the cost.

Rating

I give Bring a Trailer an 8.5/10 for car enthusiasts looking for something special. It’s a unique platform with a lot of personality.

7. eBay Cars

eBay Cars is like the giant flea market of online car buying.

You can find almost anything here, from used daily drivers to project cars and parts.

It’s a bit like the Wild West, but you can score some fantastic deals if you’re careful.

Key Benefits

• Massive selection: There is a huge variety of cars and parts.
• Auction format: You can find bargains.
• Buyer protection: eBay offers some safeguards for buyers.

Pricing

eBay Motors is free to browse. Sellers pay fees to list their vehicles, and there may be transaction fees for buyers.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Huge selection of vehicles.
• You can find great deals.
• The buyer protection program offers some security.
• Good for finding parts.

Cons:

• It can be risky due to scams.
• Listings can be of varying quality.
• Requires more due diligence from buyers.

Rating

I give eBay Motors a 7/10. It’s a good option for experienced buyers who know what to look for but comes with some risks.

What to Look for in a Car Buying Website?

• Large inventory: A wide selection ensures you find the right car.
• Detailed information: Look for vehicle history reports, specs, and multiple photos.
• Pricing tools: Compare prices and get an idea of fair market value.
• User reviews: See what other buyers say about their experiences.
• Financing options: Check for pre-approval or loan calculators.
• Delivery or pickup options: Understand how you’ll get your car.
• Buyer protection: Look for warranties, return policies, or guarantees.
• Customer support: Easy access to help if you have questions or issues.

How Can These Websites Help You?

These websites offer many benefits, but here’s the real kicker: they empower you.

You get to take control of the car-buying process.

You can research, compare prices, and make informed decisions without feeling pressured by a salesperson.

Many sites offer extra resources, such as vehicle history reports, financing options, and even car shipping services.

Remember the added convenience. Imagine skipping those long trips to multiple dealerships. You can browse cars from anywhere, anytime.

This saves you time and reduces stress.

For those who dread negotiating, some websites even offer upfront pricing or tools to help you get a fair deal.

Finally, keep in mind that car shipping costs can vary greatly.

Many of these sites provide resources or connections to help you find the best rates and arrange transportation if you buy a car that’s not located near you.

Buyers Guide

When searching for the best websites to buy a car in 2025, we considered various factors to ensure we provided you with the most accurate and helpful information.

Here’s a breakdown of our research process:

1. Identified Key Features: We pinpointed the essential features that make a car-buying website stand out. These included a large inventory, detailed vehicle information, user reviews, pricing tools, financing options, and customer support.
2. Explored Diverse Websites: We delved into a wide range of websites, from well-known giants like Cars.com and Autotrader to more specialized platforms like Hemmings (for classic cars) and Bring a Trailer (for unique and collectible vehicles). We even looked into general marketplaces like eBay Motors to provide a comprehensive overview.
3. We analyzed user experience on each website, paying close attention to ease of navigation, search functionality, and the availability of helpful resources like car comparisons, vehicle history reports, and car shipping services.
4. Evaluated Pricing and Fees: We examined each website’s pricing structure, including any fees associated with listing a car for sale, trade-in options, and the availability of tools to estimate monthly payments or secure financing for a car purchase.
5. Assessed Customer Support: We investigated the customer support options offered by each website, including FAQs, contact information, and the responsiveness of their support team.
6. Compared Features and Benefits: We created detailed comparisons of each website, highlighting their key benefits, unique features, and potential drawbacks. We also considered factors like delivery or pick-up options, buyer protection policies, and the availability of post-car shipping checklists.
7. Read User Reviews: We scoured user reviews and testimonials to understand real-world experiences with each website. This helped us gauge customer satisfaction and identify any recurring issues or concerns.
8. Consulted Expert Opinions: We consulted with industry experts and car enthusiasts to gather insights and validate our findings.
9. Considered Value and Convenience: We assessed the overall value and convenience offered by each website, considering factors like pricing, inventory, user experience, and customer support.
10. Factored in Unique Needs: We recognized that different buyers have different needs. Whether you’re looking for a new car, a used car, a classic car, or need to sell or lease a vehicle, we aimed to provide options that cater to diverse preferences.

This comprehensive research identified the seven best websites for car buying in 2025.

It provides the information you need to decide and find your perfect ride.

Wrapping Up

Finding your dream car should be exciting, not exhausting.

These seven websites are revolutionizing car buying in 2025 by offering convenience, transparency, and a wide range of choices.

Whether you’re a tech-savvy shopper or want to avoid the hassle of the dealership, there’s a platform for you.

Remember to do your research, compare prices, and read reviews before making a decision.

And if you’re buying a car from out of state, don’t let car shipping myths scare you.

Technology has made it easier and more reliable than ever.

We’ve done the legwork to bring you the best options so you can confidently navigate the world of online car buying. Happy cruising!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to buy a car online?

Yes, it’s generally safe if you use reputable websites and take precautions. Look for buyer protection programs, secure payment options, and vehicle history reports. Do your research and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.

What are the advantages of buying a car online?

Buying online offers convenience, a wider selection, transparent pricing, and a less pressured environment. You can shop from home, compare prices easily, and often avoid haggling with salespeople.

Can I finance a car online?

Yes, many online car buying platforms offer financing options. You can often get pre-approved for a loan or use online calculators to estimate monthly payments.

How do I get the car after buying it online?

Most websites offer delivery or pick-up options. Some even provide car shipping services if you’re buying from out of state.

What if I need to return the car?

Check the website’s return policy. Some offer trial periods or money-back guarantees, allowing returns if unsatisfied. This is helpful when buying from a local dealer online, letting you test drive before committing.