You do know you can buy a car online, right? Yeah! It’s literally possible to buy almost anything from the comfort of your home. Thanks to evolving times, you can comfortably order whatever you want and have it shipped to your location. There are advantages and disadvantages involved but I can assure you that the pros outweigh the cons.
Buying a car online is not just like buying a wristwatch online. There are thorough processes to it to enable a seamless purchase and a smooth delivery. This includes car inspections and a few other processes.
In this article, we will be reviewing some of the best stores to buy a car online. Most of these stores are well known and have been tested and trusted with reviews from other customers.
These stores are also registered and licensed to operate as car dealers. Some of them have physical locations where buyers can go inspect the cars before payment.
Let’s get straight to business.
Where are the best places to buy cars online?
20 Best Places to buy Cars online
We have found some trusted online stores where you can get good cars from. They are among the best and most trusted places to buy cars. Here, we would review them, so you can have multiple options to choose from if you need to.
1. Autotrader
Autotrader is one of the top online car stores that sell used and new cars. It is a store that displays a variety of cars in different colors, sizes and prices. AutoTrader is a licensed and registered company that is allowed to operate car sales and transactions.
The company’s headquarters is located in Manchester, United Kingdom. At AutoTrader, the cars are divided into used and new cars, and each section is further divided into categories depending on car types. There are over 40,000 cars on the website ready to be sold and shipped out.
The mode of operation for car sales is quite easy because customers can check out everything about a car before purchasing. They operate a transparent mode of operations so that buyers can trust them. The company offers security and buying advice so that customers can know what they are getting into before payment.
They offer different kinds of car services, including leasing, selling and reviewing. Intending sellers can also register to put up their cars for sale on the website.
The current car brands for sale on the website include Audi, Corolla, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Citroen, Ferari, Bentley, Dacia, Fiat, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Lexus, Land Rover, Maserati, Mazda and so many more. They buy and sell cars, bikes, trucks, vans, motorhomes, caravans and trucks. A store is a place where you can get quality and tested automobiles of all types. It is more of an e-commerce store for automobiles.
Pros
- Tested and inspected vehicles.
- Buying and selling services.
- All vehicle brands available.
- Registered buyers and sellers.
- Free inspection by the buyer.
Cons
- Doesn’t deliver to certain places.
- Buyers must be registered.
Check out the website here.
2. Hemmings
A second option for this list of best places to buy cars online would be Hemmings. Hemmings is an online store that sells some of the best classic and exotic cars. It also sells classic trucks and car parts.
The brand has existed since 1954 and has done a great job in collecting and selling vintage cars and their parts. At Hemmings, the sole idea is to provide vintage cars in their newest forms. You can literally get an old car model looking like it was just built.
The brand’s specialty is classic cars, trucks and their parts. They are known to be the world’s largest vintage car collectors. Hemmings carries out different car services such as hiring, selling and advising. They also have car auctions from time to time to sell out antique cars that are high in demand.
The categories featured on the site include classic cars, trucks and SUV, muscle cars, motorcycles, sports and exotics, restomods and customs. Some of the brands sold on the site include Ford, Chevrolet, Porsche, Pontiac and so many more.
In terms of prices, the cars are not exactly cheap because they are vintage and most of them are one-in-a-kind. The site organizes online auctions frequently, and the bidding does not last for long.
Pros.
- The best online store for vintage cars.
- Vintage car parts sales.
- Inspected vehicles.
- Auctions
Cons
- Delivery is not available in certain areas.
- The brand deals in only used cars, not new ones.
Read more about it here.
3. TrueCar
Another store to buy car online is TrueCar. This is a well established brand that deals with the sales and export of used and new cars. It is a website that offers different types of car services such as researching information on cars, selling cars, helping customers to sell their cars, car listings and more.
It is one of the most recognized car dealers in the world, especially in the USA. The brand describes itself as a modern-day marketplace for car buying and selling. TrueCar gives you all the information you need about a car before buying it. The process of getting a car on the site is very easy.
Buyers need to first find the type of car they need, negotiate a price for it, go through the inspection process and make payment. It is a secure site that gives out all the needed information about the car before the buyer purchases it. The site practices a transparent policy system that allows the buyers or sellers to be a full part of the car journey.
The website is divided into used cars and new cars, so that it would be easy for buyers to make their choices. The brand of cars available on the site include Chevrolet, Honda, BMW, Toyota, Ford, Audi and so many more.
Pros
- Sells according to buyer’s budget.
- Different car brands are available.
- Easy registration process.
- Experienced car dealers’ advice.
Cons
- Limited delivery locations.
Click here to learn more about the brand.
4. AutoTempest
The next on this best places to buy cars online list is known as AutoTempest. It is another well known site for buying and selling cars. Intending car owners could check out their services to see if it appeals to their needs. AutoTempest provides car listings for buyers in particular, with verified sources on the website. It has mostly used cars on its site, and it categorizes them according to prices or listing from sources. The basic job of the website is to provide car buyers with sources where they can get the best cars for their budget. It directs them to sellers on their website after verifying information about them and the cars. Buyers are allowed to carry out inspections before buying the car. There are lots of brands available on the website ranging from Toyota to Corolla, Honda, Mercedes, Volvo and so many others.
AutoTempest searches locations nearby for buyers before showing the listings available. The sole aim is to provide options and legit sources for people. The site was created by Nathan Stretch and it currently has a mobile application.
Pros
- Lists cars close to the buyer’s location.
- Lists cars according to budget.
- Verifies sources.
Cons
- No direct link between car sellers and buyers. The website does more listings.
Click here to visit the site.
5. eBay
The next option on this list of places where you can buy the best cars online is eBay. eBay is a huge e-commerce site that sells a variety of items that include home fittings and furniture, cars, electronics, clothes, auto parts, collectables, accessories and so many more.
It is one of the biggest online marketplaces that buys, sells and conducts deliveries to customers. eBay has different sections for all their goods, so customers can easily stop for items according to what they want. The trading platform was designed in 1995 and has been rendering services for over two decades.
They have gathered a lot of experience which is very useful in their dealings with customers. The site even has a blog where updated posts on the newest goods are posted. The site has some of the lowest prices you can’t find anywhere else. They also provide free shipping to some areas.
On the part of eBay motors, which is part of eBay company, they sell according to categories that include cars and trucks, motorcycles, ATV, side-by-side and UTV parts, tools and supplies, performance and racing parts, motorcycle parts, vintage car and truck parts and other categories. The website allows you to choose your cars according to models.
Pros
- eBay sells new and used cars.
- Free delivery services to some areas.
- Low prices.
Cons
- Depending on buyer’s location, personal inspection may not be possible.
Click here to visit their official website.
6. CarsDirect
The next on this list is CarsDirect. It is another popular website that supplies car services for buyers and sellers. It is an American company that was that created for the ease of buying and selling cars. It has its headquarters in El Segundo, California and it was established in 1998.
With over two decades of experience, the brand has continuously made waves in the sales of automobiles. At CarsDirect, buyers and sellers get researched advice on how to trade cars online. The brand is security conscious and puts this first in all its dealings. It also handles issues that affect car loans and directs customers on how best to go about it.
The site sells both new and used cats. Their mode of trading is quite easy because the brand has physical locations in many parts of the world. The pictures of the cars are uploaded online, and after the buyer has chosen what s/he wants, s/he can go to the office for an inspection.
Prices can be negotiated online or physically. From ratings and reviews, the company is doing well, and they have a lot of customers. An advantage they have is that they give car loans, which makes it easy to get people to buy from them.
Pros
- Offers car loans
- They have physical offices in many locations.
- Offers delivery services.
- Sells used and new cars.
Cons
- Limited delivery locations.
Learn more about the brand here.
7. Autolist
The next on this list is Autolist. Autolist is a car listing site that provides you with details of cars you can buy according to their make or model, style or price. The website sources through all available listings and presents buyers with cars that fit their preferences.
Autolist is one of the world’s most trusted listing sites for cars. It has been used by many people and has a good rating generally. The originators of the brand understand how hard it could be to get a good car, so they have taken it upon themselves to find the best of the best and list them for customers to see. The idea is to make buying and selling of cars easier and quite different from the usual.
They have facilitated up to a million sales of cars. There are always new listings from the best sources on Autolist. The brand has a unique style of carrying out its trade and it works out great for the customers.
At Autolist, the listings are verified so that the customers do not risk buying from the wrong dealers. Most times, they work with dealers that are well known and have made progress in the field.
The brand comprises a team with good car knowledge and a great customer service system that actively works daily to satisfy customers.
Pros
- Great customer service customers can call or chat with daily.
- Trusted listings.
- Sourced according to car models and buyer’s budget.
Cons
- Autolist does not have direct links to the sellers. They are mainly in charge of listing places for buyers.
Click here to learn more about it.
8. CarMax
CarMax is one of the best places you can buy a car online. It is a brand that specializes in buying and selling of cars to customers online. It renders these services for both used and new cars.
The brand is well known for trading cars of all models and types. It helps customers find the right car, with thirty days guarantee attached to their purchase in case anything happens.
CarMax has inspection offices in different locations so that customers can physically inspect their cars before buying. It is an international brand that has widespread offices in many locations. It is also licensed and registered and can operate from any part of the world.
The company scrutinizes all parts and documents of the cars for sale before selling them out. There are two options after purchase; pickup or express delivery. Buyers can decide to trust the process and buy without testing it, or they can decide to take a free 24-hour test drive before buying.
Also, they can return and get refunds if the car doesn’t satisfy them. The brand sells brands of cars that include Chevrolet, Acura, Ford, Electric cars, Chrysler, Dodger, Honda, Hyundai, Jeep, Lexus, KIA, Nissan and many more.
Pros
- Multiple brands to choose from.
- Blog articles on the latest and best cars to use.
- Return policies.
- Free 24-hour test drive.
Cons
- Delivered cars may come with scratches or taints.
Visit the brand website here.
9. Vroom
Vroom is a car dealers website that sells used cars online. It is one of the best car websites where customers can buy cars online. The website is available for only customers in the United States.
It buys and sells all kinds of cars and trucks. The company offers different car services such as rentals, car purchase advice, car loan advice and car trading. Vroom was established in the United States for its residents to be able to rent or buy choice cars from their comfort zone comfortably.
They display all brands of cars on their website, and after all necessary processes have been completed, intending buyers can do a physical inspection. They also have delivery options for those who desire it.
Vroom ‘s mode of operation is very easy, and it is so because they want to make car shopping very easy for buyers. Their cars are verified and sourced from the best places. Especially for the rental cars, they can be well relied on.
The company’s active customer care system takes care of all orders and processes them quickly and seamlessly. Buyers can communicate directly with customer service to get what they want. The site has good brand suggestions for its buyers.
Pros
- Easy payment process.
- Multiple brands.
- Affordable prices.
Cons
- The company functions only in the US. Deliveries cannot be made outside the country.
Learn more about Vroom here.
10. Tred
The next most suitable website to buy cars online is Tred. It is one of the most trusted websites for used cars. Tred was established to connect buyers with sellers. It is a person to person to personal online marketplace.
At Tred, cars are listed for buyers to survey, and when they find the right one, they are connected to the buyer. Tred handles all paperwork to make sure that nobody is scammed. The official documents are facilitated by the company so that it shows that they have verified the car.
Customers can meet up with the buyers, with an agent from Tred, to guide the process. Inspection can be carried out physically. The brand handles the sales of used cars, trucks, buses, vans and other automobiles. The company’s headquarters are in Seattle, USA.
It has one of the largest networks of car dealers. Its prices are also affordable. They have advanced technology for all their online processes for the sake of ease and accountability. The company is currently a part of Kelly Blue book and the Autotrader family.
Pros
- Affordable used cars.
- Brand Variety
- Person-to-person transactions.
Cons
- They sell only used cars and they don’t deliver to some areas.
Click here to learn more.
11. CarGurus
From the name of this next online car store, we can already assume that they are professionals at what they do. CarGurus is a company that comprises a knowledgeable team of car experts that have been put together to render car services to customers online.
The company was designed to help people find the best cars through reviews and verified details. The website gives unbiased suggestions for used and new cars. It is more of a listing company that sources different areas and presents customers with the best car deals.
Most times, it reveals deals according to location and buyer’s budget. Buyers can interact with sellers and get real-life photos of the cars they want to purchase. The website does thorough research before putting up photos. Also, they give general advice on car dealing.
People can also sell their cars on the website in the same way. All users must be registered, so it is easy to track trading activities.
The company was created in 2006 and had over ten years of experience in the business. Its headquarters is in Massachusetts, United States.
Pros
- Verified listings
- Real life photos from sellers.
- Registered car dealers.
Cons
- The website is more of a listing site.
- No direct contact with the sellers.
Visit the website here.
12. Craigslist
Craigslist is a popular advertising company. The company is solely streamlined to the advertisement. It advertises different items that include jobs, houses for sale, electronics, cars, services, resumes, gigs, shows, and so many more. It literally advertises anything that is put up on it.
For instance, if a person wants to advertise a new product in a particular area, they can put it up on Craigslist to get the needed attention. You can call Craigslist a listing company. It gives people opportunities to list anything they want to sell off, organize or buy.
In the automobile section, people can list their cars for sale or buy cats from the already listed ones. Craigslist is in charge of verifying that everything is legit before putting it up. The company also gives important details to allow buyers to know what they are looking for.
There are photos, videos and detailed conditions of the automobiles on the website. Listings are also done according to location, brand and price, so that it would be easy for customers to make purchases. It is one of the best places you can buy cars online because it is a trusted and popular site.
Craigslist was founded in 1995 and had up to six listing sites in different countries. You can find a Craigslist site in Massachusetts, Atlanta, Detroit Metro, Vancouver, Los Angeles and Texas.
Pros
- Multiple options to choose from.
- Listings nearest to buyers.
- Budget-friendly.
Cons
- The company is not concentrated on only cars, so the end product may not be satisfying.
- The company is not affiliated with the sellers on the list.
Learn more about it here.
13. Jiji
Jiji is an online marketplace. It was established in 2014 in Nigeria by Anton Volianskyi. Its services are mostly rendered in African countries. Its headquarters is in Warsaw, Poland.
It is functional in Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania, Ghana and Ethiopia. Jiji is a wide market space where sellers can advertise their goods to find suitable buyers. It is one of the most popular and experienced trading websites for electronics and automobiles in Africa.
Jiji has won multiple awards for its excellent delivery of services. The company also has a blog that gives detailed information on business, lifestyle, technology, entertainment and more. In this way, it keeps its customers engaged and informed. The websites supplies services related to sales of cars, houses, electronics, phones, laptops and more.
Registered members can put up photos or videos of their wares to attract buyers. The company, being the middleman conducts all necessary research, inspections and links up the trading parties. Jiji is a safe and secure platform and it supplies necessary services.
Pros
- It is a multipurpose website.
- Company agents go for inspection with the buyers and sellers.
- Licensed and registered.
Cons
- Restricted to certain countries in Africa.
Click here to check out the headquarters website.
14. AuctionExport
Another online store where we can buy cars is AuctionExport. AuctionExport is a company that conducts live auction for cars so that buyers can bid them to win. The cars location are in the USA and can be exported to choice country.
The company was established in 2007 and has since been doing well in the car dealing business, especially as it involves importing and exporting. The steps for getting a car on the website is quite easy.
Buyers need to register on the company’s official website, pay a 10% deposit to bid or buy a car and join in the bidding/buying live auction. At the auction, they can buy a car for a fixed price or they can bid a car to suit their budget.
After which, they pay up the remaining percentage of the money and have the car shipped to their desired port. The process is fast and simple. Shipping takes up to 45-60 days depending on location.
Payment is usually done through internationally recognized debit cards or any other internationally recognized means of payment. AuctionExport has a great customer service system that aids all the processes.
Pros
- Live Auction
- Trusted customer service system.
- Delivery services.
Cons
- It is strictly online business. Buyers cannot inspect the cars physically.
Click here to learn more about the website.
15. Cazoo
Cazoo is another great place where people can buy cars online. It is a British car trading company that was created by Chesterman in 2018, with its headquarters in London, United Kingdom.
Cazoo deals in the buying and selling of used cars. It is a retailers platform where people can buy and sell their cars with thorough supervision and inspection. It is an online company established to make car trading very easy for people. Cazoo deals in the sales of all brands of cars including automatic cars.
Cazoo allows you complete all transactions from the comfort of your home and gives you the options of pick up or drop off. Inspection of the car is also allowed. The company has a good team that facilitates all of these and provides you with a seamless trading.
They also have widespread customer services where you can walk in for physical transactions. Cazoo was established with the air of convenience for its customers, so that everything can be done from anywhere without stress.
Pros
- Financial services
- Delivery services
- Detailed information on car condition.
- Great customer service.
Cons
- Limited delivery services.
You can read up more about the brand here.
16. Heycar
Another top place to buy cars online is at Heycar. It is an European car group located in different parts of Europe with its headquarters in Berlin, Germany. It was founded in 2017 by Markus Kroger. It is currently in Spain, Germany, UK and France.
The company has up to 500 employees who are actively pushing the brand forward. The company has up to 450,000 cars, both those that have been sold and are still in stock. The company deals with the sales of used cars that are sourced from trusted dealers.
The company has sold thousands of cars through its website and it can be trusted to deliver excellently. The company has advanced technology which helps it to carry out online business effortlessly. It is one of Europe’s finest car dealers. It sells all types of car brands. Buyers can find Lexus, Ferrari, Bentley, Toyota, Audi, Nissan and many others.
The company is designed in a way that brands and dealers can collaborate easily without stress. There are up to 8000 dealers affiliated with the company. Buyers can also find suitable deals for themselves.
The site is very easy to use as it is also well detailed. The four countries have their individual websites in their national languages.
Pros
- Leading online car marketplace in Europe.
- Available in four countries.
- Dealers in all car brands.
Cons
- Restricted sales and delivery locations.
Check out the official website here.
17. Carsnip
Carsnip is one of the best places to buy cars online. It is a brand that renders car buying and selling services. It is one of UK’s biggest search engine for finding cars to buy, both new and used ones.
Carsnip directs the buyers to the one place where they can get their choice cars, with a brand and budget in mind. The brand is designed to function in a way that it displays different types of cars and vans and categorizes them according to brands, models and prices, so it can be easy for buyers to select.
The brand has the widest variety of cars, with up to 700,000 cars available to choose from. The brand is quite big, with a large team of experts and advisers, helping people get their dream cars. They also have good customer service and suitable policies for shopping on the site.
Buyers must be up to eighteen years of age, living in the United Kingdom and having a strong financial system to be able to purchase from the brand. There is a sales office in Nottingham where buyers can do physical purchase. You can also register to become a dealer with the brand.
Pros
- Multiple brands to choose from.
- Car advice services
- Dealer partnerships.
Cons
- Works best in the UK, than outside the country.
Click here to visit the website.
18. Motorpoint
Another option among the best places to buy cars online is Motorpoint. It is also based in the UK, just like Carsnip. It deals in the sales of used cars in particular. Motorpoint has a wide range of dealers that supply the brand with used cars for people to buy.
It has a wide variety of cars for sale that include First, Nissan, Toyota, Lexus, Mercedes, Honda, Hyundai, Fiat and so many more.
The company has partners all over the world that supply it with used cars which are displayed on the website for buyers. Buyers can select their desired car according to brand name or price.
The cars that are up for sale are usually verified and inspected before they are advertised. Since the buyers do not have direct contact with the buyers, the company takes care of all the details. The company also gives automobile advice, so that buyers can choose well.
They offer other services that include valuing cats, so that intending sellers can know the worth before selling. Generally, Motorpoint is a great place to buy cars online, especially used ones.
Pros
- Offers advice on cars.
- Detailed website.
- Physical stores at designated locations.
- Delivery services.
Cons
- Available in the UK only.
Click here to learn more.
19. Autochek
The next place on this list is AutoChek. It is one of the best places to buy cars online. It is a brand that has a website and a mobile application to help people find fit cars around them for sale.
People can also use it to sell their cars. Autochek verifies all information about a car for you. You can simply input a VIN or Plate number and it gives you all the details of the car you intend to buy.
The brand also offers other car services that include getting loans for customers to buy cars. It is a full-on agency for everything about cars. The site is for both new and used cars.
It sells and buys all brands; Audi, BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar, KIA, Lexus, Toyota, Nissan, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and many more. The brand website is very organized.
The cars are arranged according to prices to make it easy for buyers to pick. There are also popular cars displayed daily on the site, so that people can choose from there. Pictures are available for customers to view.
Pros
- Loan offers.
- Installment payments
- Active customer service.
- Mobile application for ease of use.
Cons
- Limited delivery locations.
Learn more about it here.
20. Shift
Shift is another place where you can buy cars online. It is a company that was developed by an executive team of knowledgeable people, who have skills in running a trading platform for cars.
The well-organized brand has a website where people can buy and sell their cars. They deal in different brands of cars and vans. The company runs the site with a high level of advanced technology that makes the process easy and straightforward.
The idea behind the creation of the website was to make buying and selling of cars fun and fair. The transparency is also important to help people know what they are paying for and trust the brand.
The brand buys and sells convertibles, SUVs, Electric cars, Sedans, Coupe, Trucks, Vans, Hatchbacks and more. All cars sold on this website must pass a 150 point inspection process by ASE- certified technicians. Minor faults are fixed and the cars are refurbished.
Pros
- Delivery services available.
- Minor faults are fixed.
- Strict inspection rules.
Cons
- Limited delivery locations.
Click here to visit the site.
Related: Best Places To Buy Furniture Online (Best Stores)
Summary
Buying cars online can be hassle-free if you get the right place to shop from. Everything may not be 100% guaranteed, but once the company is trusted and has good refund and return policies, you are good to go. If you must buy online, buy right, especially if you don’t get the opportunity to test its capacities before payment.
This is why this list would be very useful to you. We have reviewed the twenty best places to buy cars online. You can go through them independently and see which works best for you.