The best places to find a used car

• Dealerships often have a large inventory of makes and models that vary in age and mileage.

• They typically perform a thorough inspection on each used vehicle and repair major issues before making it available for purchase.

• Many dealerships offer financing. This means, rather than having to secure a loan in advance, you can work directly with the dealership. They can also help you through the administrative work that comes with purchasing a car, such as transferring the title.

• Some dealerships offer warranties on used vehicles. Depending on your warranty, you may have a reasonable window of time to return the vehicle, and the dealership may also provide guarantees on major systems, such as the drivetrain, for a period of time or specific mileage limit.

• Dealerships frequently list their vehicles for higher prices than private sellers, and can be less open to negotiating.

• In rural areas, you may not have access to certified dealerships, and your local dealerships may have limited inventory.

• People selling their own vehicles can be more willing to negotiate compared to dealerships. Oftentimes they need to sell their old vehicle before they can make a down payment on a new one, so you can use their urgency to your advantage.

• You can usually find private sellers in your area via Craigslist or eBay.

• If you have a mechanic perform an inspection and they identify issues, many private sellers are willing to reduce the price to account for the cost of repairs.

• Cars from private sellers tend to be older and have higher mileage—and thus more wear and tear—than the cars you find at dealerships.

• Buying from a private seller requires more legwork on your part than purchasing a used car from a dealership.

  • If you need financing or a loan, you’ll need to work with a bank or credit union to secure that before you purchase the vehicle.

  • You’ll want to hire someone to complete a thorough inspection of the vehicle, since the vehicle won’t come with a warranty or any kind of money-back guarantee.

• Companies like Vroom or Carvana specialize in selling cars online. They operate similarly to brick-and-mortar dealerships, but you can browse their vehicle selection—and ultimately finalize your purchase—without leaving the comfort of your home. Some online retailers will even transport your new car to you.

• Online retailers perform their own inspections of each car and review its history before purchasing it from its previous owner. For example, Vroom only purchases cars they verify as accident-free.

• Like dealerships, most online retailers offer financing and warranties. Many online retailers offer a test period during which you can return your vehicle with no questions asked.

• You don’t have the opportunity to test drive the vehicle or have it inspected by a mechanic you know and trust prior to purchase.

• Online retailers’ price points are often higher than private parties, and transport fees can add up, especially if you live in a rural area.

• Asking friends and family if they’re looking to sell a vehicle may bring up some good options you wouldn’t have found otherwise. Some people aren’t comfortable selling items online, so they rely on word of mouth.

• Because this is essentially a private seller, you’ll want to have the car thoroughly inspected before purchasing. You wouldn’t want to strain a friendship if an unknown mechanical issue pops up just days after you buy the used car.

You know where to look for a used car. So when should you start? Check out the best times to buy a used car to help with your search.

Once you purchase a car—new or used—you’ll need to insure it. Check out our frequently asked questions about auto insurance to learn about the process of buying car insurance.