Top Websites to Trade Pre-Owned Cars Online in 2025

In 2025, the process of buying and selling used cars online is faster, easier, and more secure than ever before. With a wide selection of platforms tailored to different needs—whether you're looking to buy a rare collector's car or quickly sell your daily driver, there’s a perfect site for everyone. After sealing the deal, many buyers and sellers also need to ship a car across state lines, which is where trusted car shipping services in the USA come in. From sourcing the right vehicle to finding the cheapest car shipping companies in the USA, we’ve got you covered.

 

Let’s explore the six best websites for used car transactions this year and how you can transport your car effortlessly once you find the right one.

 

1. AutoTempest – Best for Accessing Millions of Listings in One Place

 

AutoTempest is a powerful search aggregator that pulls listings from across the internet, including Cars.com, Carvana, eBay, and Craigslist. It’s the ideal platform if you want to see every possible used car option in one place without jumping from site to site.

 

AutoTempest doesn’t complete the transaction itself, so you'll have to handle payment and delivery arrangements separately. If you're buying from a different state, this is where car shipping companies in the USA become essential. You can easily get quotes online from some of the cheapest car shipping companies in USA to ensure a safe and budget-friendly delivery.

 

2. AutoTrader – Best for Advanced Search Tools and Seller Guarantees

 

AutoTrader remains one of the most trusted platforms in the car-buying world. With its strong search and filter features, buyers can zero in on exactly what they’re looking for. Sellers benefit from listing packages that include money-back guarantees if the car doesn't sell.

 

AutoTrader’s collaboration with Kelley Blue Book provides transparent pricing tools, helping both buyers and sellers negotiate confidently. For out-of-state deals, it’s easy to ship a car using trusted transport partners. Many dealerships and private sellers provide delivery options or recommend third-party services to transport your car safely.

 

3. Bring-A-Trailer – Best for Rare and Collectable Vehicles

 

If you're in the market for something unique—like a vintage muscle car or a limited-edition sports car—Bring-A-Trailer is the place to go. It’s an auction-based site that attracts car enthusiasts and collectors, with a very active and knowledgeable community.

 

Sellers pay a flat listing fee, while buyers handle the bulk of the fees. Since many of these vehicles are purchased by buyers in other states, it’s common to ship a car after an auction ends. Given the high value of these cars, most users opt for enclosed transport services offered by reputable car shipping companies in the USA.

 

4. Cars.com – Best for Maximum Visibility and Dealer Access

 

Cars.com https://www.cars.com/offers one of the largest inventories of used cars online. Listings are syndicated across affiliated platforms like Auto.com and PickupTrucks.com, which increases exposure for sellers. Buyers benefit from a wide selection and the ability to purchase from both private sellers and certified dealers.

 

Because of the high competition, sellers need great photos and detailed descriptions to stand out. For those buying vehicles out of state, arranging vehicle delivery is simple. After purchase, many users search for the cheapest car shipping companies in USA to save on delivery costs while still ensuring their vehicle arrives safely.

 

5. CarGurus – Best for Free Listings and Deal Transparency

 

CarGurus attracts over 20 million users monthly and is known for its deal rating system, which helps buyers identify fair prices. Sellers can list their vehicles for free but pay a $99 fee only when the car is sold.

 

The deal rating system favors competitively priced cars, so sellers need to be realistic if they want to close a deal quickly. CarGurus doesn’t directly handle logistics, so once the sale is complete, buyers and sellers often look for services to transport your car affordably. Many choose to ship a car using online marketplaces that compare prices among the cheapest car shipping companies in USA.

 

6. CarMax – Best for Convenience and In-Person Appraisals

 

CarMax blends the best of online and offline experiences. You can search a nationwide inventory, get a real quote for selling your car online, and then complete the transaction at one of their many physical locations.

 

For sellers, the convenience of getting a same-day check and having paperwork handled is a major plus. While trade-in values are often lower than private sales, many customers choose CarMax for speed and ease. If you buy from another state, CarMax can help coordinate delivery, or you can use third-party car shipping companies in the USA to bring the vehicle to your doorstep.

 

Conclusion

 

Buying or selling a used car online in 2025 is more accessible than ever. Each of these platforms, AutoTempest, AutoTrader, Bring-A-Trailer, Cars.com, CarGurus, and CarMax, offers a unique set of tools and benefits, depending on your needs. Whether you're seeking a rare collectable, hoping to make a fast sale, or looking for the best deal on a daily driver, there’s a perfect marketplace for you.

 

Once the sale is complete, don’t forget the final step: delivery. With so many trusted car shipping companies in the USA, transporting your vehicle is easy, even across long distances. If you're on a budget, the cheapest car shipping companies in USA offer competitive rates without compromising safety. So whether you're planning to ship a car to your home or transport your car to a new buyer, you're in good hands with today’s reliable auto transport services.