CarGurus: A Comprehensive Guide

CarGurus is a leading online automotive marketplace that connects car buyers and sellers. It was founded in 2006 by Langley Steinert, who wanted to create a more transparent and user-friendly car buying experience. Today, CarGurus is one of the most popular car shopping websites in the United States, with over 20 million unique visitors per month.

CarGurus offers a wide range of features to help car buyers find the right car at the right price. These features include:

• A massive inventory of new and used cars from dealerships and private sellers across the country
• Instant Market Value (IMV) pricing estimates, which help buyers determine what a fair price to pay for a particular car
• Dealer ratings and reviews, so buyers can choose to do business with reputable dealerships
• A variety of financing and car insurance options

CarGurus also offers a number of features to help car sellers reach more potential buyers and sell their cars faster. These features include:

• Free listings for private sellers
• Paid listings for dealerships
• CarGurus Instant Cash Offer, which allows sellers to get an instant offer on their car from a network of pre-approved dealerships
• A variety of marketing tools to help dealerships promote their listings

How to use CarGurus

Whether you’re buying or selling a car, CarGurus is easy to use. Here’s a quick overview of how to get started:

Buying a car

1. Go to CarGurus.com and enter the make, model, year, and location of the car you’re looking for.
2. CarGurus will show you a list of all the cars that match your criteria. You can filter the list by price, mileage, features, and more.
3. Once you’ve found a car that you’re interested in, you can read the listing, see photos, and view the dealer’s ratings and reviews.
4. If you’re ready to contact the seller, you can do so directly through CarGurus.

Selling a car

1. Go to CarGurus.com and click on the “Sell Your Car” button.
2. Enter the information about your car, including the make, model, year, mileage, and condition.
3. You can also upload photos of your car and write a description.
4. Once you’ve submitted your listing, it will be reviewed by CarGurus and then published.

Tips for buying and selling a car on CarGurus

Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of CarGurus:

Buying a car

• Do your research before you start shopping. This will help you narrow down your choices and avoid overpaying.
• Read the listing carefully and pay attention to the condition of the car.
• Ask the seller any questions you have before you make an offer.
• Get a pre-purchase inspection from a qualified mechanic before you buy the car.

Selling a car

• Price your car competitively. You can use CarGurus’ Instant Market Value tool to get an estimate of what your car is worth.
• Take good photos of your car. Make sure the photos are clear and well-lit.
• Write a detailed description of your car. Be sure to include any relevant information, such as the car’s condition, maintenance history, and features.
• Be responsive to potential buyers. Answer their questions and try to schedule viewings promptly.

CarGurus Instant Cash Offer

CarGurus Instant Cash Offer is a service that allows car sellers to get an instant offer on their car from a network of pre-approved dealerships. This is a convenient way to sell your car quickly and easily, without having to deal with the hassle of negotiating with private buyers.

To get an Instant Cash Offer, simply enter your car’s information on the CarGurus website. CarGurus will then generate an offer, which is valid for 7 days. If you accept the offer, you can schedule a time to have your car inspected by a dealership. If the inspection goes well, you’ll receive your payment from the dealership within 24 hours.

Here are some additional tips for buying and selling a car on CarGurus:

Buying a car:

• Be prepared to negotiate. Car dealers expect buyers to negotiate, so don’t be afraid to haggle on the price.
• Don’t buy the first car you see. Take your time and shop around before you make a decision.
• Be aware of scams. There are unfortunately scammers who operate online, so be careful when dealing with private sellers.
• Get everything in writing. Once you’ve reached an agreement with the seller, be sure to get everything in writing, including the price, the terms of the sale, and any warranties that are being offered.

Selling a car:

• Be prepared to answer questions. Buyers will likely have a lot of questions about your car, so be prepared to answer them honestly and thoroughly.
• Be flexible with your schedule. Buyers will want to schedule a time to see and inspect your car, so be flexible with your schedule.
• Be prepared to negotiate. Buyers will likely try to negotiate the price of your car, so be prepared to haggle.
• Be honest and upfront about the condition of your car. Buyers will be disappointed if they show up to see your car and it’s not in the condition that you described.

Conclusion

CarGurus is a valuable resource for both car buyers and sellers. It offers a wide range of features and tools to help people find the right car at the right price. If you’re looking to buy or sell a car, be sure to check out CarGurus.

Frequently Asked Questions