- When it comes to buying a car, there are many different ways to go about it. You can buy a car from a dealership, or you can buy one online.
There are pros and cons to both methods, but today we're going to compare some of the most popular online car buying platforms.
KBB
KBB, or Kelley Blue Book, is one of the leading online car buying platforms in the United States. If you're looking to buy a car, KBB is a great place to start your search.
KBB has a few pros and cons that you should be aware of before you begin your search.
Pros:
- You can research multiple cars at once on KBB. This is helpful if you're not sure which make or model you want to buy.
- KBB provides a lot of detailed information about each car. This includes things like fuel economy, safety ratings, and more.
- You can get a good idea of what a car is worth on KBB. This is helpful when negotiating with dealerships or private sellers.
Cons:
- KBB does not sell cars directly. This means you'll have to find a dealership or private seller that is willing to sell you the car you want.
- The prices on KBB are not always accurate. This is because dealerships and private sellers can set their own prices, and they are not always the same as the KBB price.
Edmunds
Edmunds is another popular online car buying platform. Edmunds is similar to KBB, but there are a few key differences.
Edmunds has a few pros and cons as well.
Pros:
- Edmunds offers a wide selection of cars. This means you're more likely to find the perfect car for you.
- Edmunds provides a lot of detailed information about each car. This includes things like fuel economy, safety ratings, and more.
- You can get a good idea of what a car is worth on Edmunds. This is helpful when negotiating with dealerships or private sellers.
Cons:
- Edmunds does not sell cars directly – Same as KBB.You'll need to find the dealership or that very private seller who is willing to sell you the car you want.
- The prices on Edmunds cannot be relied upon. Dealerships and private sellers can set their own prices, and they are not always the same as the Edmunds price.
- Edmunds does not have as many user-friendly features as KBB. This means it can be harder to find the information you're looking for.
Cars
Cars.com is another popular online car buying platform. Like KBB and Edmunds, Cars.com allows you to search for cars, compare prices, and read reviews.
What are the differences between KBB and Cars.com?
One of the main differences between KBB and Cars.com is that KBB offers a trade-in value estimate tool. This tool can be helpful if you're thinking about trading in your old car for a new one.
Cars.com also has a financing center that offers tools and resources to help you get pre-approved for a loan.
Cars.com also has a section called "The Deal" which features hand-picked deals on cars from dealerships across the country.
Pros:
- One of the most user-friendly online car buying platforms
- A wide variety of features to help you find the perfect car
- A large selection of cars to choose from
Cons:
- Some people have reported problems with customer service
- The site can be slow and difficult to navigate at times
Carmax
One of the most popular online car buying platforms is Carmax. They offer a wide variety of cars and trucks and have a very user-friendly website. Carmax also offers financing options and will even buy your car outright if you're looking to sell.
Buyers get a 7 days return option and a 90 days warranty.
Pros:
- Wide selection of vehicles
- User-friendly website
- Financing options available
Cons:
- Some buyers have reported issues with the quality of vehicles purchased from Carmax
Carvana
Carvana is an online car buying platform that allows customers to shop for, finance, and trade in their vehicles entirely online. Customers can get pre-qualified financing in minutes, select their preferred payment method and schedule delivery or pickup of their vehicle at one of Carvana's Car Vending Machines.
Carvana offers a 7-day money-back guarantee and a 100-day warranty on all vehicles purchased through the platform.
Carvana appears to be very similar to Carmax and Vroom but there are some differences when it comes to the number of vehicles, details related to return policies, delivery fees, and more. Carvana is the largest among the 3.
Pros:
- Convenient: customers can shop for and finance their vehicles entirely online
- Fast and easy financing: customers can get pre-qualified financing in minutes
- 7-day money-back guarantee: Carvana offers a 7-day money-back guarantee on all vehicles purchased through the platform
Cons:
- Limited selection: Carvana's selection of vehicles is currently limited to 14 cities across the United States
- No test drives: since customers purchase and finance their vehicles entirely online, they are not able to take a test drive before making their purchase
Vroom
Vroom is an online car buying and selling platform that offers customers a convenient, hassle-free experience. Vroom allows customers to shop for, finance, and trade in their vehicles entirely online. Customers can get pre-qualified financing in a short time and schedule delivery or pickup of their vehicle at one of Vroom's Car Vending Machines.
Vroom, almost same as Carvana, offers a 7-day money-back guarantee and a 90-day warranty on all vehicles purchased through the platform.
Pros:
- Convenient: customers can shop for, finance, and trade in their vehicles entirely online
- Fast/easy financing: customers can get pre-qualified financing almost immediately
- 7-day money-back guarantee on all vehicles
Cons:
- Limited selection: Vroom's selection of vehicles is currently limited to the United States
- No test drives: Same as it goes with all the online platforms, since customers purchase and finance their vehicles entirely online, you are not able to take a test drive before making the purchase.
When shopping for cars online, it's important to do your research and compare prices from multiple dealerships. By taking the time to do this, you can ensure that you're getting the best possible deal on your new car.
