In the world of online car buying and selling, Cars.com stands out as a trusted and comprehensive platform. Whether you are looking to buy your next vehicle or sell your current one, understanding how Cars.com works can make the process smoother. In this review, we dive into the key features, pros and cons, and our expert ratings for Cars.com.
Key Takeaways
- Sherpa rates Cars.com 8.8/10, making our list of the five best used car sites.
- We found the Cars.com interface to be user-friendly and comprehensive, offering tools for both used car buyers and sellers.
- The sheer volume of listings on Cars.com can be overwhelming for some users .
In This Review:
- Our Cars.com Review
- What is Cars.com?
- How Does Cars.com Work?
- Pros of Cars.com
- Cons of Cars.com
- Review of Cars.com Buying Process
- Review of Cars.com Selling Process
- How to Finance through Cars.com
- Cars.com FAQs
- Sherpa’s Best Used Car Site Methodology
Our Cars.com Review
We evaluated Cars.com and other leading used car sites based on reputation, platform, pricing, inventory, and customer satisfaction. We give Cars.com an overall rating of 8.8 out of 10.
Based on our research, Cars.com scores high across various categories. Here’s a breakdown of our ratings and the insights that led to these scores:
Overall Rating: 8.8/10
Cars.com is a highly regarded platform that offers extensive listings, detailed reviews, and robust tools for buyers and sellers. Its strong reputation and user-friendly interface make it a top choice for online car transactions.
Reputation: 9/10
Established in 1998, Cars.com has built a strong reputation for providing reliable car listings and reviews. Its A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau further underscores its trustworthiness.
Platform: 9/10
The platform is user-friendly and packed with useful features like car reviews and price comparison tools. It is open to everyone and free to browse and list vehicles.
Pricing: 8/10
Cars.com offers free basic listings with optional premium features. The platform is transparent about its costs, making it affordable for users.
Inventory: 9/10
With an extensive inventory sourced from various dealers, Cars.com provides a wide range of options for buyers.
Customer Satisfaction: 9/10
Users appreciate the comprehensive support and user-friendly tools available for both buyers and sellers. Customer reviews are generally positive.
What is Cars.com?
Cars.com was established in 1998 and has grown into one of the most well-known platforms for car listings and reviews. It boasts an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, reflecting its strong reputation. The platform connects buyers with dealers and offers a range of tools to aid in the car buying and selling process.
How Does Cars.com Work?
Cars.com serves as a comprehensive platform for car buyers and sellers. For buyers, the site provides extensive listings, detailed car reviews, and price comparison tools.
Sellers can list their vehicles for free, with options to purchase premium features for enhanced visibility. The platform is intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy to navigate through various listings and tools .
Pros of Cars.com
Cars.com offers numerous benefits for both buyers and sellers:
- Extensive inventory from various dealers
- Comprehensive car reviews and dealer ratings
- User-friendly interface and easy navigation
- Price comparison tools to help buyers make informed decisions
Cons of Cars.com
Despite its many advantages, there are some drawbacks to using Cars.com:
- Some listings may lack detailed information
- The large volume of listings can be overwhelming for users
Review of Cars.com Buying Process
The buying process on Cars.com is straightforward and informative. The platform connects buyers with dealers, providing detailed reviews and price comparisons to aid in decision-making.
Here’s what impressed our team:
- Connects buyers directly with dealers
- Informative car reviews and dealer ratings
- Easy-to-use price comparison tools
Review of Cars.com Selling Process
Selling on Cars.com is made easy with its user-friendly listing process. Sellers can list their vehicles for free and opt for premium features to increase visibility. Cars.com features free basic listings with the option to purchase premium features. We were also impressed by the user-friendly listing process.
How to Finance Through Cars.com
Financing a car through Cars.com is made simple with their integrated tools and partnerships with financial institutions. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Search for Your Vehicle:
Use Cars.com to search for the vehicle you are interested in. Filter the results based on your preferences and budget.
2. Check Financing Options:
Once you have selected a vehicle, check the financing options available. Cars.com provides tools to estimate monthly payments based on different loan terms and interest rates.
3. Apply for Financing:
Cars.com partners with various financial institutions to offer financing options. You can apply directly through the platform by providing necessary information such as income, employment status, and credit score.
4. Compare Offers:
After applying, you will receive offers from multiple lenders. Compare these offers based on interest rates, loan terms, and monthly payments.
5. Finalize Your Financing:
Choose the financing offer that best suits your needs and finalize the paperwork with the lender. Once approved, you can proceed with purchasing your vehicle.
By offering a straightforward process and partnering with reputable financial institutions, Cars.com makes it easy for buyers to finance their vehicle purchases.
Cars.com FAQs
Should I buy a car with Cars.com?
Cars.com provides a wide range of listings from various dealers, detailed reviews, and price comparison tools to help you make an informed decision. Its strong reputation and user-friendly platform make it a reliable choice for car buyers.
Will Cars.com give me a good offer on my car?
Cars.com allows sellers to list their vehicles for free, with the option to purchase premium features for enhanced visibility. While it does not directly buy cars, it connects sellers with potential buyers, which can help you get a good offer.
How do I ship a car I bought with Cars.com to my location?
Once you have purchased a car through Cars.com, you can arrange for transport with Sherpa Auto Transport, the top-rated choice for nationwide vehicle shipping. We offer reliable vehicle shipping solutions to ensure your new car arrives safely at your location.
Sherpa’s Best Used Car Site Methodology
We used five criteria to evaluate the Best Used Car Sites:
Industry Reputation – Sites that have a strong overall standing in the industry are rated more favorably. We considered years in the industry, BBB rating, and overall reputation.
Platform – We evaluated the platform’s features and ease of use. We also considered if the platform was open to all users.
Pricing – We evaluated the site’s pricing, favoring transparent pricing structures. We also considered listing fees or premium services.
Inventory – We evaluated both the quantity and variety of vehicles on the platform.
Customer Experience—We reviewed the support available for both buyers and sellers and read online customer reviews to evaluate their sentiment towards the platform.