Cars.com connects buyers with listings from dealerships and private sellers, and it helps sellers reach millions of shoppers. The platform offers tools like car valuations, vehicle history reports, financing options, and insurance quotes to simplify both buying and selling.
Cars.com: Your All-in-One Guide to Buying, Selling, and Owning Cars
Michael Kalamitsiotis
Published on: May 2, 2025
4 minutes
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Keeping vs. Selling: Weighing Your Car Options & the Value of an Extended Car WarrantyIn today’s digital-first world, finding the right vehicle—or selling one—has never been easier. At the heart of this transformation is Cars.com, a powerful online automotive marketplace that streamlines the entire car buying, selling, and ownership process. Whether you're searching for cars for sale, browsing car reviews, or calculating your car’s value, Cars.com delivers tools and transparency that make every step simpler.
This all-in-one guide breaks down how Cars.com works, what makes it stand out, and how to use it to your advantage—whether you're a first-time buyer, a seasoned seller, or just someone looking to compare car prices or find car insurance quotes.
Why Cars.com?
Cars.com launched in 1998 and has since grown into one of the most recognized names in the automotive marketplace. Its platform is designed for the modern consumer—easy to navigate, mobile-friendly, and loaded with features.
Key Features That Set Cars.com Apart:
- Over 2 million listings including new cars for sale, used cars for sale, SUVs, trucks, electric cars, and certified pre-owned cars
- Direct integration with Carfax and AutoCheck for instant vehicle history reports
- Instant car valuation tools for buyers and sellers
- Dealer and private-party listings
- Side-by-side car price comparison tools
- Access to auto loans and car insurance quotes
- A top-rated mobile app for on-the-go shopping
Learn more in Noble Quote’s Learning Center
Using Cars.com to Buy a Car
1. Start with Research
Before buying, research is key. Cars.com offers in-depth car reviews, comparisons, and consumer ratings to help narrow your search. Whether you're checking out the top [make] [model] reviews or trying to find the best used cars [year], their research tools are some of the most robust online.
You can also explore expert advice through their Car Buying Guide, which covers:
- What to look for in a test drive
- How to evaluate dealership offers
- The benefits of certified pre-owned vehicles
2. Search Filters That Work for You
Narrow your search by:
- Price
- Year
- Mileage
- Fuel type (gasoline, diesel, EV, hybrid)
- Seller type (dealerships, private party, or certified pre-owned cars)
- Cars for sale by owner in your area
You can even find specific deals like used [make] [model] under $15,000 or new [make] [model] incentives.
3. Compare Car Prices Easily
The platform allows side-by-side comparison of car features, pricing, and more. If you're debating between models, use the Compare feature—perfect for long-tail queries like “compare car prices Toyota Camry vs Honda Accord.”
Selling a Car on Cars.com
Selling your car online is easier than ever—and Cars.com gives you multiple ways to do it.
1. Get a Free Car Valuation
Before listing, use Cars.com’s instant car valuation tool to get a ballpark figure for your vehicle’s worth. Searches like what is my car worth? or how much can I get for my [year] [make] [model]? are covered with just a few clicks.
2. Create a Listing or Get an Instant Offer
You can:
- List your car with photos and vehicle details
- Receive instant offers from local dealers interested in buying your car
- Market to both dealerships and individual buyers at once
For private sellers, Cars.com even includes car selling tips on how to:
- Take compelling vehicle photos
- Write a clear, honest description
- Prepare your car for sale
And yes, it answers the burning question many ask: Is Cars.com legit? The answer is yes—it’s one of the most trusted names in the industry.
Car Ownership Made Easier
Even after the sale, Cars.com stays relevant with tools that support ownership, including:
- Car maintenance tips
- Tools to find local car dealerships
- A car service locator
- Integration with auto loan providers and insurance partners
- A robust mobile app that keeps everything organized
You can even find a vehicle history report or track local dealer specials using the app.
How Does Cars.com Make Money?
Cars.com primarily earns revenue through:
- Dealer subscriptions
- Featured listings
- Advertising partnerships
- Affiliate commissions from partners like auto lenders and insurance providers
This model ensures the core tools for buyers and sellers remain free to use—while giving dealerships access to millions of car shoppers.
Cars.com vs Competitors: How Does It Stack Up?
When comparing Cars.com vs Autotrader, CarGurus, or Edmunds, here’s where Cars.com shines:
| Feature | Cars.com | Autotrader | CarGurus | Edmunds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private Listings | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Car Valuation Tool | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Car Reviews | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Certified Pre-Owned | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| App Ratings | 4.7⭐ | 4.4⭐ | 4.6⭐ | 4.5⭐ |
Who Should Use Cars.com?
- First-time car buyers needing hand-holding through research
- Busy parents comparing best small SUVs for families
- Deal hunters searching for affordable new cars
- Private sellers wondering how to sell a car online
- Tech-savvy shoppers looking to explore electric cars for sale
If you're asking, how does Cars.com work for sellers or buyers?—the answer is: very well.
How Cars.com Supports the Whole Journey
✅ Buying
✅ Selling
✅ Research
✅ Financing
✅ Insurance
✅ Dealer connection
✅ Vehicle history reports
✅ Maintenance guidance
Cars.com has evolved into more than just a place to shop—it’s a comprehensive automotive lifestyle platform.
Cars.com Explained: Helpful Answers to Real Questions from Car Buyers and Sellers
How does Cars.com work for car buyers and sellers?
Is Cars.com a trustworthy site for buying a used car?
Yes, Cars.com is a legitimate and reputable site that partners with trusted providers like Carfax, TrueCar, and licensed dealerships. Listings often include free vehicle history reports and consumer reviews to help you make informed decisions.
Can I sell my car directly through Cars.com?
Absolutely. You can create a listing with photos and details or request instant offers from local dealers through the "Sell My Car" tool. Cars.com also provides pricing guidance to help you get a fair offer.
What tools does Cars.com offer for car research?
Cars.com provides expert car reviews, side-by-side vehicle comparisons, pricing calculators, and consumer ratings. These tools help users research everything from fuel efficiency to safety ratings before buying.
Can I get a car loan or insurance quote on Cars.com?
Yes. Cars.com partners with major auto loan providers and insurance companies, allowing you to compare loan rates and get real-time insurance quotes tailored to your vehicle and location.
What is the benefit of using Cars.com vs going straight to a dealership?
Cars.com gives you access to multiple dealerships, private sellers, and national offers all in one place. You can compare car prices, read reviews, and check vehicle history reports before ever visiting a showroom.
Does Cars.com show certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles?
Yes, Cars.com features thousands of certified pre-owned listings from manufacturer-backed programs like Toyota Certified, Ford Blue Advantage, and HondaTrue Certified.
How accurate is the car value estimate on Cars.com?
Cars.com’s valuation tool uses real-time market data from thousands of transactions to give an accurate estimate of your car’s current market value. It’s a helpful resource for both buying and selling.
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