How Does Cars.com Work?

How Does Cars.com Work? A Complete Guide to Buying a Car Online

When you’re ready to buy a car online, one of the first platforms you’ll come across is Cars.com. It’s a trusted online marketplace that connects car buyers and sellers from all over the U.S., offering listings for new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles.

But how does Cars.com work, and is it the right tool for your next car purchase?

In this blog post, we’ll explore the ins and outs of using Cars.com, how to search for and buy a car on the platform, the pros and cons, and what to do once you’ve made your purchase—including how to get your new vehicle shipped right to your door.

🚗 What is Cars.com?

Founded in 1998, Cars.com is an online automotive marketplace where users can buy or sell vehicles through listings created by dealers or private sellers. While private listings are available, the majority of the cars on the site are sold by dealerships.

Cars.com offers:

• New, used, and certified pre-owned vehicle listings
• Vehicle history reports (usually via CARFAX)
• Dealer contact tools
• Price comparison and market value analysis
• Financing and trade-in tools
• Local and nationwide car search
• Car shipping resources

It’s widely used because of its ease of navigation, detailed listings, and comprehensive search filters.

📋 How to Buy a Car on Cars.com: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Set Your Budget and Needs

Start by deciding what type of vehicle you’re looking for. Do you need a compact commuter car, a family SUV, or a pickup truck? Set a realistic budget and factor in not just the sale price, but insurance, registration, taxes, and potential car shipping costs.

Step 2: Start Your Search

Use the homepage to choose the make, model, and condition (new/used/certified) of your desired car. Cars.com allows further filtering by:

• Price
• Year
• Mileage
• Fuel type
• Body style
• Transmission
• Color
• Vehicle history (accidents, ownership, etc.)

Step 3: Review Listings

Click on any vehicle listing to see more details:

• Photos and videos
• Dealer information
• Vehicle specs and features
• Warranty options
• CARFAX report link (if available)
• Estimated payment calculators

Step 4: Contact the Seller

Interested in a vehicle? Fill out a quick contact form directly on the page to email or call the seller. Many listings are dealership-backed, so you can also schedule a test drive or request virtual walkthroughs.

Step 5: Finalize the Deal

Some sellers are open to price negotiations, while others list cars at fixed prices. Once an agreement is reached, be prepared to finalize paperwork—this often includes tax, title, and registration documents. If you’re buying out of state, make sure you understand local DMV requirements.

Step 6: Arrange Vehicle Shipping

Bought a car that’s not local? No problem. Cars.com partners with third-party auto transport companies to help ship your vehicle to your door. Alternatively, you can book a shipment directly with a reliable provider like Safemile Auto Transport to ensure fast, insured, and secure delivery anywhere in the U.S.

✅ Pros and Cons of Buying a Car on Cars.com

✅ Pros:

• Wide Selection: Access millions of new and used listings from dealers and private sellers across the U.S.
• Trusted Platform: A+ rating from BBB and widely used by both buyers and sellers.
• Comprehensive Filters: Narrow your search based on dozens of criteria.
• Detailed Listings: Photos, specs, and CARFAX reports help you make informed decisions.
• Convenient App: Highly rated iOS/Android apps to shop anytime, anywhere.

❌ Cons:

• Limited Negotiation: Most listings are from dealers with fixed pricing.
• Variable Quality: Not every used car is in perfect shape—even if it looks great in photos. Always get a pre-purchase inspection if possible.
• Extra Fees: Dealer fees, taxes, and potential service charges may raise the final cost.
• No Financing: Cars.com doesn’t finance vehicles themselves—you’ll need to work directly with the seller or use an external lender.

🚛 Shipping Your Car from Cars.com

Let’s say you find the perfect car—but it’s located 1,200 miles away. Don’t worry! With Safemile Auto Transport, getting your vehicle delivered is easy, safe, and cost-effective.

Here’s how we help:

• Nationwide door-to-door shipping
• Enclosed and open transport options
• Real-time tracking
• Full insurance coverage
• Experienced carriers, licensed and vetted

📞 Call us at 888-277-8212 or get an instant quote online today.

🔍 Tips for Shopping Smarter on Cars.com

• Check the “Great Deal” badge: Cars.com assigns badges like “Great Deal” or “Fair Price” to help you identify top offers.
• Compare across regions: Prices vary by state—don’t hesitate to expand your search radius and use car shipping to bring it home.
• Ask for additional photos or video walkarounds: Especially when buying used vehicles remotely.
• Look into the seller’s reputation: Cars.com shows dealer reviews and ratings—use them!
• Don’t rush: Take time to compare listings, check financing options, and consult an expert if needed.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cars.com

Is Cars.com a trusted site to buy a car?
Yes, Cars.com is a reputable and secure platform that partners with certified dealers and private sellers. It’s one of the most recognized names in the industry.

Does Cars.com offer financing?
No, Cars.com does not directly finance cars. Financing must be arranged through the seller or a third-party lender.

Can I negotiate car prices on Cars.com?
Sometimes. While private sellers might accept offers, most dealer listings are no-haggle/fixed price.

Does Cars.com offer delivery?
Yes, many sellers offer delivery. For out-of-state purchases, you can also book shipping with a provider like Safemile Auto Transport.

Can I sell my car on Cars.com?
Yes. Cars.com allows both private sellers and dealerships to list vehicles. Listing fees may apply for private sellers.

How does the CARFAX report work on Cars.com?
Listings often include a link to a CARFAX Vehicle History Report, which shows ownership history, accident data, service records, and more.

📝 Final Thoughts: Should You Buy a Car on Cars.com?

Buying a car on Cars.com is one of the easiest and most efficient ways to browse a massive inventory, compare vehicles, and contact sellers—all from the comfort of your home. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly sedan or a certified luxury SUV, the platform gives you the tools you need to make a smart purchase.

Just remember—once you’ve found your dream car, trust Safemile Auto Transport to get it to your driveway safely and on time.

🚗 Ship Your Cars.com Purchase with Safemile

Ready to transport the car you just bought online? At Safemile Auto Transport, we help customers just like you move newly purchased vehicles every day.

🔹 Open and enclosed transport
🔹 Fully insured & DOT compliant
🔹 Instant online quotes
🔹 Friendly customer support

👉 Call 888-277-8212 now or get a free quote at safemileautotransport.com