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Saturday, June 3rd
Autotrader's used car listings go above and beyond. Not only will you get the usual brand-name dealerships and some online-only options, but here you'll see private listings and smaller used car lots too. There's plenty of detail to help you analyze each vehicle, from KBB values that are updated weekly to CARFAX reports and more. Autotrader is worth trying when you're buying a used car.
Web2Carz is helpful if you're in the research stage of buying a used car. You'll find make- and model-specific reviews and buying guides, up-to-date automotive industry news, and informative articles about every part of the process. But when it comes to actually purchasing a vehicle, this isn't the most useful platform. Listings are inconsistent, and you'll wind up having to contact the dealership anyway.
No matter what, your first step should always be research. You should determine exactly what's going to fit your needs (or your wants!). Do you have a particular make and model in mind, or are features going to be king regardless of manufacturer? Whether you're all about safety or you feel the need for speed, it's well worth your time to dig into the details of price, reliability and availability, especially when used car inventory is at an all-time low nationwide.
Fortunately, there are many websites that help you do just that - and then make it possible for you to find your perfect new-to-you ride. Some of these platforms even let you buy your car online and have it delivered right to your house. Before you start worrying about the safety of such vehicles, rest assured that most companies selling used cars will include a detailed, independently-verified history report right in the car's listing.
You can see how many owners it's had, any accidents reported, and sometimes the service history detailing oil changes and other routine maintenance. Buying used cars online is a huge time-saver too: you don't have to make a long drive to a dealership hoping they'll have something on the lot that you'll like, and you can avoid a lot of the "pushy salesperson" experience.
Most sites that sell pre-owned vehicles also have tools for determining how much you can afford and prequalifying for financing - which is one less thing you'll have to do in person (assuming you don't take the 100% online route from the get-go).
Which site should you use for buying used cars? There are a lot of similarities among them, and among the highest-rated services you can choose fairly freely without worrying about missing out. But, here are some things to consider about any used car website you're looking at:
TopConsumerReviews.com has evaluated and ranked the best online services for buying used cars. We're confident that this information will help you get your next pre-owned set of wheels at a price you'll love!
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