Best Sources for Buying Used Cars in the US

A comprehensive guide to finding your perfect pre-owned vehicle through top-rated platforms and dealerships

used car dealership showroom with multiple vehicles

Key Takeaways

Top online platforms include CarMax, Cars.com, Carvana, Edmunds, and AutoTrader, offering extensive inventories and user-friendly features
Major dealership groups like CarMax, AutoNation, and Lithia Motors provide in-person shopping experiences with certified pre-owned options
Specialized websites cater to specific needs, from enthusiast vehicles to budget-friendly options with various pricing and warranty packages

Leading Online Platforms

The digital revolution has transformed how Americans shop for used cars. Today's top-rated websites offer extensive inventories, detailed vehicle information, and convenient buying processes.

Top-Rated Used Car Websites for 2025

CarMax

As the largest used car retailer in the United States with over 396,000 used units sold annually and 103 dealership locations, CarMax offers both online shopping and physical locations. Their no-haggle pricing model eliminates negotiation stress, and all vehicles undergo a rigorous inspection process.

Cars.com

Cars.com provides extensive search filters and aggregates listings from dealerships nationwide. The platform offers detailed vehicle history reports and pricing information to help consumers make informed decisions.

Carvana

Known for its innovative car vending machines and home delivery service, Carvana offers a fully online car-buying experience with a 7-day return policy and complimentary delivery in many markets.

Edmunds

With over fifty years of automotive expertise, Edmunds provides comprehensive vehicle information, including expert reviews, pricing guides, and a vast inventory of dealership-sourced vehicles with prices ranging from $1,999 to $638,788.

AutoTrader

A pioneer in the online car marketplace, AutoTrader offers one of the largest selections of new and used vehicles with advanced search features and dealer reviews to guide your purchase decision.

Major Dealership Groups

For those who prefer in-person shopping experiences, these major dealership groups offer extensive inventories across multiple locations.

Top Used Car Dealer Groups by Volume

Rank	Dealership Group	Annual Used Units Sold	Number of Locations	Notable Features
1	CarMax Inc.	396,181	103	No-haggle pricing, 7-day return policy, rigorous inspection process
2	Lithia Motors Inc.	50,751+	86	Both new and used inventory, Fortune 500 company, extensive West Coast presence
3	AutoNation Inc.	45,000+	300+	Largest automotive retailer, presence in 20 states, comprehensive CPO program
4	Carvana	41,000+	Online + vending machines	Car vending machines, home delivery, 7-day return policy
5	Penske Automotive Group	30,000+	150+	Luxury brand focus, international presence, strong CPO selection

Certified Pre-Owned Programs

Many major dealership groups offer manufacturer-backed Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles that have undergone comprehensive inspections and come with extended warranties. These vehicles are typically less than five or six years old with fewer than 60,000 to 80,000 miles.

The Used Car Buying Process

flowchart TD A[Research] --> B[Set Budget] B --> C[Search Inventory] C --> D[Vehicle History Check] D --> E[Test Drive] E --> F[Inspection] F --> G[Negotiate Price] G --> H[Financing Options] H --> I[Complete Purchase] I --> J[Registration & Insurance] subgraph "Online Platforms" C D H end subgraph "Dealership Visit" E F G I end

Evolution of Used Car Buying

Used Car Inventory Comparison by Platform

Specialized Platforms for Specific Needs

Beyond general used car platforms, several specialized websites cater to specific buyer needs and preferences.

Enthusiast and Collector Vehicles

Cars & Bids

Focusing on enthusiast vehicles from the 1980s and newer, Cars & Bids offers an auction format for unique, performance, and collectible vehicles.

Hemmings

The premier marketplace for classic, vintage, and exotic vehicles, Hemmings caters to collectors and enthusiasts seeking rare and historical automobiles.

Budget-Friendly Options

AutoTempest

AutoTempest aggregates listings from multiple sources including Craigslist, eBay Motors, Cars.com, and more, creating a one-stop search for the best deals.

Feature Comparison of Top Used Car Sources

Platform	Home Delivery	Return Policy	Inventory Size
CarMax		7 days	45,000+
Carvana		7 days	20,000+
AutoTrader	Varies by dealer	Varies by dealer	2,500,000+
Cars.com	Varies by dealer	Varies by dealer	2,000,000+
Edmunds	Varies by dealer	Varies by dealer	250,000+