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Guide to Buying Cars on CarGurus
Why CarGurus Is a Go-To Platform for Car Buyers
CarGurus has become one of the most trusted platforms for buying new and used cars in the United States. Its user-friendly interface and massive dealer network make it easy for buyers to compare listings from across the country. Unlike many traditional classifieds sites, CarGurus leverages data analytics to help users make informed decisions, offering pricing insights and market comparisons that empower smarter purchases.
One of the platform’s standout features is its Instant Market Value (IMV) algorithm. This proprietary tool assesses how a car’s price compares to similar listings in real time, labeling deals as “Great,” “Good,” “Fair,” “High,” or “Overpriced.” Buyers can instantly see whether they’re getting a competitive offer, eliminating much of the guesswork that typically goes into car shopping. This transparency has made CarGurus a favorite among both experienced and first-time car buyers.
In addition to pricing insights, CarGurus provides vehicle history reports, dealer reviews, and filtering tools that allow users to refine results by mileage, condition, ownership history, and more. Whether you’re searching for a low-mileage sedan, a certified pre-owned SUV, or a vintage convertible, CarGurus’ powerful search engine helps narrow down the choices and save valuable time.
Creating an Account and Setting Up Your Preferences
To get started on CarGurus, it’s helpful to create an account and set up your search preferences. Signing up is free and gives you access to helpful features such as saving searches, receiving price drop alerts, and contacting sellers directly. Once your account is created, you can input your ideal make, model, price range, and location radius to tailor your experience.
Setting up alerts is especially beneficial if you’re looking for a specific car or trying to catch a good deal. You can choose to be notified when new listings match your criteria or when the price of a saved vehicle changes. This real-time notification system can be the difference between getting the car you want and missing out on a great opportunity, particularly in a competitive market.
Your account can store your favorite listings and track how long each vehicle has been on the market. This information helps you determine whether a seller might be willing to negotiate further or if a price drop is likely soon. By organizing your dashboard efficiently, you can manage multiple car options at once without losing track of details.
How to Evaluate Listings and Spot the Best Deals
When browsing listings on CarGurus, always begin by checking the Deal Rating badge. This rating is based on market trends and price analysis, helping you distinguish between genuinely good deals and overpriced listings. A “Great Deal” tag generally indicates that the car is priced well below market value, while “Fair Deal” suggests you’re paying an average market rate. These tags are incredibly helpful in prioritizing your shortlist.
Beyond the rating, review the full listing details carefully. Look for information such as the number of previous owners, accident history, service records, and whether the car is being sold by a dealer or private seller. Listings with clean titles, verified maintenance, and low mileage are often better investments even if their price is slightly higher. Avoid listings with vague descriptions, poor-quality photos, or inconsistent details.
Don’t forget to examine the vehicle photos closely. CarGurus allows sellers to upload multiple images, so use them to assess the condition of the interior, tires, and engine bay. Look for signs of wear, rust, or recent repairs. If you’re interested in the car, you can request more photos or ask the seller for a video walkthrough before committing to a visit or test drive.
Contacting Sellers and Asking the Right Questions
Once you find a vehicle that interests you, the next step is to contact the seller. CarGurus makes it easy to message dealers or private sellers directly through the platform. Before reaching out, prepare a list of key questions to ensure you’re not missing any critical information. Ask about the car’s mechanical condition, history of repairs, and whether it has a clean title.
Be direct but courteous in your communication. Ask for the vehicle identification number (VIN) if it’s not already listed, as this allows you to run a detailed history report. Also inquire about the availability for test drives, current registration status, and if the price is negotiable. Getting a sense of the seller’s responsiveness and professionalism can help you determine how smoothly the transaction might go.
If you’re dealing with a dealership, don’t hesitate to ask about financing options, warranties, or additional fees such as documentation or delivery charges. Reputable dealers will provide this information upfront. Whether it’s a private seller or a commercial one, thorough communication ensures that you’re making a confident and informed decision.
Arranging a Test Drive and Vehicle Inspection
Before finalizing any deal, arrange a test drive to evaluate the car’s performance, comfort, and condition firsthand. Choose a time and place that works for both you and the seller, preferably in daylight to better inspect the vehicle. During the test drive, listen for unusual noises, check for smooth shifting, test the brakes, and pay attention to how the vehicle handles under different speeds.
If you’re not confident in your ability to assess the mechanical condition, hire a mobile mechanic or take the car to a trusted repair shop for a pre-purchase inspection. This step is especially critical when buying from a private seller or when the vehicle is out of warranty. A professional inspection can reveal hidden issues that could cost you thousands down the line.
In some cases, dealers on CarGurus offer pre-inspected or certified vehicles, which can provide added peace of mind. However, even then, it’s wise to ask for a copy of the inspection report and verify it independently. A good seller—private or professional—will never object to a buyer being cautious and thorough before finalizing a purchase.
Finalizing the Deal and Closing the Sale Securely
When you’re ready to move forward with the purchase, make sure all paperwork is accurate and complete. For private sales, this includes a bill of sale, title transfer documents, and any applicable state forms. If the car still has a lien on it, confirm with the seller how it will be cleared before you take ownership. Both parties should keep copies of all signed documents.
For dealer purchases, read the sales contract carefully before signing. Check for hidden fees, warranty terms, return policies, and ensure that the final price matches the advertised or agreed amount. If financing through the dealer, compare their loan offer with your bank or credit union to ensure you’re getting favorable terms. Transparency is essential to a fair transaction.
Always arrange a secure payment method. For private sales, use cashier’s checks or meet at your bank to complete the transfer safely. Avoid wiring money or using payment apps with little buyer protection. Once the sale is complete, you’ll need to register the vehicle in your name and update the insurance. Congratulations—you’ve just bought a car on CarGurus with confidence and clarity.