Quick Tips for Buying Used Cars Online
- Determine your budget and stick to it when buying a car online.
- Search often or set alerts for new listings because online car inventory changes frequently.
- Arrange a virtual test drive or video walkaround if you cannot test-drive the car before buying it online.
- Understand delivery options and return policies when buying a car online, and use any “test-own” window to ensure the vehicle is a good fit.
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. According to Cox Automotive’s 16th annual Car Buyer Journey Study, vehicle-buying satisfaction reached record highs in 2025, with 71% of all buyers reporting high satisfaction. Cox Automotive also found that 77% of used-vehicle buyers used third-party websites during the shopping process.
Here’s how to show smarter and find the right used car online.
How to Buy a Used Car Online
Follow these proven steps to shop smarter, avoid surprises, and find the right used vehicle at the right price.
Set Your Budget
- Determine what you can comfortably afford.
- Include insurance, taxes, fuel, and maintenance costs.
- Get pre-approved, if financing.
- Avoid stretching beyond your budget.
Review Listings Carefully
- Compare multiple makes and models.
- Inspect photos and video walkarounds.
- Verify the VIN matches listing photos.
- Review history reports and service records.
- Check title history and warranty information.
Check Often
- Inventory changes daily.
- Refresh searches frequently.
- Enable listing alerts.
- Act quickly on great deals.
Contact the Seller
- Ask questions not covered in the listing.
- Clarify condition and ownership details.
- Request maintenance information.
- Confirm availability before visiting.
Test Drive the Vehicle
- Drive city streets and highways.
- Listen for unusual noises.
- Evaluate comfort and visibility.
- Check acceleration, braking, and steering.
Schedule an Inspection
- Use a trusted independent mechanic.
- Review findings before committing.
- Address concerns with the seller.
- Act quickly so the vehicle doesn’t sell first.
Negotiate the Price
- Research current market values.
- Compare similar vehicles.
- Ask about promotions and incentives.
- Be willing to walk away if necessary.
Complete the Purchase
- Review all documents carefully.
- Save copies of contracts and receipts.
- Inspect the vehicle upon delivery.
- Report any discrepancies immediately.
Set Your Budget
Evaluate your finances and establish a firm budget before browsing for cars online. Use our affordability calculator to help determine how much you can spend. Then decide what you are willing to spend. Remember to factor in insurance, taxes, fuel, and maintenance. Never overextend your budget for a car.
Once you’ve settled on a dollar amount, get pre-approved for an auto loan if you’re financing the purchase, unless you’re buying with cash. Then start comparing vehicles that fit your needs and budget.
MORE: Car Financing Glossary: Finance Terminology Explained
Review the Listings Carefully
Refine online search results to show cars within your budget. Consider several makes and models before you settle on the exact vehicle you want, especially if your budget is tight. Consider a lower trim level if you find a model you like that’s slightly out of your price range.
When reviewing each listing, read the descriptions carefully. Look closely at photos and video walkarounds to understand the vehicle’s condition before contacting the seller. Pay attention to the features, mileage, quirks, and cosmetic issues. Make sure the vehicle identification number (VIN) in the listing matches the one shown in the vehicle photos. Also review the vehicle history report for accidents, major recalls, unusual repairs, and other red flags.
Here are some other things to review:
- Service records
- Warranty
- Main features
- Title history
- Seller reviews (if applicable)
RELATED: Buying a Used Car: Does Mileage Matter?
Check Often
If nothing stands out in your initial search results, refresh your search the next day or sooner. Online inventory changes quickly. Consider setting alerts to notify you when matching vehicles are posted.
Contact the Seller
When you find something that suits your needs and fits your budget, contact the seller and ask any outstanding questions. If you’re browsing an online-only retail site, that company serves as the “seller” or “dealer.” Contact it directly if you still need more details.
Online Marketplaces
Popular online marketplaces typically have a virtual chat option or a contact form. Still, it’s worth calling and speaking with a representative. Be prepared with a list of questions to better understand the vehicle before proceeding. You might not be able to obtain additional photos or videos, but the customer service team may be able to address outstanding concerns.
Check out local listings on our Private Seller Exchange marketplace.
Used Car Test Drive Checklist
🎨 Paint & Exterior
Check for dents, rust, scratches, and mismatched paint.
🛞 Tires
Inspect tread depth and wear patterns.
🛑 Brakes
Listen for squeaks and feel for vibration.
⚙️ Suspension
Watch for excessive bouncing over bumps.
🔧 Engine
Listen for unusual sounds or shaking.
🔄 Transmission
Ensure smooth shifting without slipping.
🔋 Battery
Confirm condition and replacement history.
🚘 Steering
Check for smooth response and proper alignment.
💡 Electronics
Test lights, infotainment, windows, and controls.
❄️ HVAC
Verify heating and air conditioning performance.
🪑 Interior
Check upholstery, dashboard, and trim condition.
🛡️ Safety Features
Test cameras, sensors, seat belts, and driver aids.
Review the seller’s delivery options and return policies if you’re buying from an online marketplace. Since you typically can’t test-drive these cars before purchasing, the seller may offer a short “test-own” period to ensure it’s a good fit. Read the policy carefully. Drive the vehicle immediately after delivery. Use this time to consider all the points outlined above.
RELATED: Used Car Buying Guide
Negotiate the Price
A big part of finding your perfect vehicle is paying your perfect price. Research current market trends and the car’s fair value to determine a fair offer.
Private sellers and traditional dealerships may be more willing to negotiate. Online marketplaces are generally less likely to entertain offers. Still, it’s worth asking if there’s wiggle room. You can also ask about any promotions or incentives that could help lower the final out-the-door cost.
Use your best negotiating skills, and always be willing to walk away if the seller won’t agree to your proposed number. Buying a car online is a bigger investment than most other online shopping experiences, so stay within your budget.
RELATED: How to Negotiate a Car Deal: What You Need to Know
Schedule an Inspection
Before you finalize the deal, ask about scheduling an inspection with a trusted mechanic. Work with the dealer to have your technician perform an on-site evaluation. Without payment, the vehicle probably won’t be “on hold” for you, so act quickly. Review the mechanic’s report as soon as possible and bring any concerns to the dealer immediately.
Complete Your Purchase
Once you’ve agreed on a final number, it’s time to complete the paperwork. When you buy a car online, most of this involves digital signatures. Read all the documents before e-signing. You may still have to physically print, sign, and mail some files — especially if you’re financing through the dealer. Its web portal should walk you through the process.
Online marketplaces might only accept payment via ACH withdrawal directly from your bank account. After you submit payment, keep a copy of the receipt or bill of sale for your records. Save a digital copy and print one for your records.
Then, schedule the pickup or delivery. When you get the car, perform a visual inspection to confirm its condition matches the listing. Take a drive around the block to ensure it’s operable. If there are any glaring issues or new problems that weren’t evident in the photos or during the test drive, refuse delivery or contact the seller immediately to resolve them.
Visit Autotrader’s Buying hub page for curated articles, resources, and tools to help with your car-buying journey.
Editor’s Note: We have updated this article since its initial publication. Cynthia Ogu contributed to the report.
Use cars from two thousand ten to 2017.
Hi Donald. Use Autotrader’s advance search page to narrow your search for used cars from model years 2010-2017. You can also limit the results by price, manufacturer, model, and other criteria.