Best in class car-buying. Only on Autotrader.
Ease
Designed to feel easier
A more intuitive way to shop for your next car—without the usual friction.
Flexible
Built for flexibility
Move between online and in-store seamlessly, on your timeline.
Stay Connected
No Starting Over
Your search and progress stay with you, wherever you continue.
Local Dealers
Backed by real dealers
Get the confidence of dealer support throughout your journey.
Start online, then visit a local dealer.
Buy from anywhere, talk to someone anytime, and finish your way—without ever starting over.
Buy Your Way. Start here.
Start Your Search
Begin online, wrap it up your way—IRL or on your couch. You run the show.
Search from Local Dealers
See What You Can Afford
Skip the surprises. Know your numbers before you fall in love with your dream car.
Search by Budget
Got Questions?
Curious? Confused? We got you. Dive into the FAQs and check out the latest from our experts.
Learn moreDownload the App. Really.
Take Autotrader anywhere. Everything you need to search, finance, and buy your next car—right from your phone.
The convenience of buying online. The confidence of a test drive. Caffeine completely optional.
What’s your vibe? Search by style.
Expert Advice on Online Car Buying
Buying a Used Car Online
Buying a used car online is now a mainstream option, helped by digital tools that let shoppers compare inventory, research prices, review vehicle history, and contact sellers before visiting a dealership.
Buying a Car Out of State
Buying a car from a long distance or another state can be time-consuming, and you may wonder if it makes sense. With the right information, you can save money and find the car you want.
Do I Need to Visit the Dealership
Here’s what you need to know about online car shopping and whether you will have to visit a physical dealership at any point during the process.
How Online Buying Changed Car Shopping
We’re living in a time when you can order just about anything online and have it at your doorstep within days or even hours. This has a lot of people wondering, why can’t this be the case with cars?
More questions? Let’s clear a few things up.
Can I really buy a car completely online on Autotrader?
Really. You can shop, get financing, value your trade-in, build your deal, and purchase eligible vehicles online—all from wherever you happen to be sitting right now.
What makes Autotrader different from other online car-buying sites?
Great question. Plenty of companies offer online tools. Autotrader combines those tools with a nationwide network of local dealers, giving you the convenience of buying online plus the flexibility and support of real people when you want them.
Wait… do I still get to see the car first?
Absolutely. Buying online doesn’t mean buying blind. Many shoppers still want to see or test drive a vehicle before making a decision, and Autotrader gives you that flexibility.
What if I start online but want help from a real person?
That’s the beauty of it—you don’t have to choose one or the other. Start online, finish with a local dealer. Or do it the other way around. Autotrader lets you move between digital and in-person shopping without starting over.
Do I have to fill everything out again if I go to the dealership?
Nope. One of the most-liked features in consumer testing was exactly this: your information stays with you throughout the process, so you’re not re-entering everything from scratch.
Can I finance my car online?
Yep. You can explore financing options, review payments, and build a deal online before heading to the dealership—or without heading there at all.
Can I trade in my current vehicle?
You sure can. Autotrader includes trade-in tools that help you understand your vehicle’s value and apply it to your next purchase.
How do I know what I’ll actually pay?
No crystal ball required. Buy Online helps shoppers work through financing, trade-in values, and payment details upfront so there are fewer surprises later. We know these “money moments” are some of the most important questions you want answered. So we answered it.
Is my personal and financial information secure?
We know buying a car is a big deal. That’s why security and transparency are built into the process. Many consumers are concerned with sharing financial information online, so we’ve designed the experience to help shoppers complete key steps digitally with confidence.
Can I have the vehicle delivered?
Depending on the vehicle and dealer, you may be able to choose delivery or dealership pickup. Either way, you decide what works best for you.