CarGurus remains a viable platform for buying or selling a car in 2025, depending mainly on how it’s used. Most car buyers want to avoid the hassle of visiting multiple dealerships in search of the right vehicle. For sellers, visibility to a large audience and pricing tools are important.
The internet has become a valuable tool for exploring options, comparing prices, and ensuring secure transactions, making it easier for consumers to make informed decisions and find the best deals available. With the variety of online automotive marketplaces, it is essential to select the right platform for buying or selling cars.
CarGurus is a reliable platform with a selection of listings that are easily searchable. Understanding how it works can help car buyers and sellers have a smooth and efficient experience from start to finish.
What You’ll Learn in This Guide
In this article, you will:
Understand the CarGurus buying process—from comparing trim levels across databases to understanding their trade-in values and financing offers.
Discover the proper safety of shopping here and compare CarGurus to other used car platforms.
Overview
How CarGurus Works in 2025 (Buyer & Seller Side)
CarGurus remains a massive marketplace for cars, serving both buyers and sellers. By 2025, it will become even smarter and faster.
For Buyers
Buying a car online used to be a risky proposition, but it has become a standard practice. With CarGurus, you can search by:
Year, make, and model
Mileage
Trim level
Price
Dealer rating
Distance from your location
What stands out is how easily car trim levels can be compared across different databases. You can look at everything from base models to fully loaded versions side by side. The Instant Market Value (IMV) tool indicates whether a price is high, low, or fair, based on real-time data. It updates constantly, using factors such as vehicle history and market demand to ensure you're not overpaying.
For Sellers
Selling through CarGurus gives you two options:
Traditional Listing: Post your car with photos, a description, and a price. Interested buyers contact you.
Instant Offer: Let CarGurus send your vehicle details to their dealer network. You get a cash offer fast. This skips the waiting, but usually pays a little less than private sales.
In 2025, the platform’s mobile features are stronger than ever. You can snap and upload better photos, easily describe your car, and receive alerts that warn you about suspicious messages or listing fraud. It’s convenient, especially if you’ve never sold a car online before. However, there is a tradeoff. Instant offers usually benefit dealers. You are likely to receive a better price by listing the vehicle yourself, although it may take longer to sell.
Pro Tip: Are you considering a focus on selling rather than purchasing? Check out our step-by-step guide to selling cars on CarGurus.
CarGurus Pricing, Trade-In, and Valuation Tools
One of the biggest reasons people use CarGurus is for pricing transparency. No one wants to overpay for a car or undersell their own. That’s why CarGurus built its pricing system to help users feel confident.
How CarGurus Calculates Car Values
CarGurus uses a tool called Instant Market Value (IMV). This isn’t just a guess. It looks at:
The same model’s listings across the country
Trim level differences
Mileage
Vehicle history reports
Geographic demand
When you view a car, you’ll see whether the price is marked as a Great Deal, Good Deal, Fair Deal, or Overpriced. These labels help you compare listings fast. When shopping for a used SUV, if two similar listings appear, the one labeled 'Fair Deal' can save you time in negotiations. It helps you avoid listings that are significantly overpriced compared to others.
Trade-In Value Estimates
Considering trading in your old car? CarGurus offers a quick estimate when you enter your VIN or license plate number. This estimate is referred to as the CarGurus trade-in value and is based on the same IMV system.
It’s helpful, but remember that this is only a rough estimate. Highly customized or rare models may exhibit a wide range of values. You might get a different offer in person, especially if the car has damage or unusual features.
Limitations to Be Aware Of
Listings for rare cars (such as certain manual trims or modified builds) may not have sufficient data for an accurate IMV.
Local pricing can vary, so a “great deal” in one zip code might be average elsewhere.
Still, CarGurus car values do a solid job of keeping pricing fair and competitive for most mainstream cars. It gives you more leverage, whether you’re buying or selling.
Financing Options and Costs
Buying a car online is easier when financing is part of the same process. That’s one area where CarGurus tries to help.
How CarGurus Financing Works
CarGurus connects you with lenders like:
Capital One
Westlake Financial
Global Lending Services
These partners handle the financing, not CarGurus itself. When you apply, the system does a soft credit pull. That means you can check your rates without it hurting your credit score. If the numbers work for you, you can move forward and get pre-qualified before stepping onto a lot or clicking “Buy.”
This is especially useful if you want to avoid dealership pressure or know your budget beforehand.
What to Watch For
Not all financing offers are equal. Some buyers get better rates from their local bank or credit union. So it’s smart to compare.
Also, the rate you see online may not include:
Dealer processing fees
Delivery costs (if the car is shipped to you)
Add-ons like warranties or maintenance plans
These extras can raise the total cost by thousands.
Is It Worth It?
Many shoppers find CarGurus financing quick and straightforward, especially for used vehicles. You’ll save time compared to applying separately. But shopping around may still be the best move if you're chasing the lowest rate possible.
Pro Tip: After using CarGurus financing, use the IMV tool again to verify that your final price still aligns with the market value.
Is CarGurus Legit? Pros, Cons, and Reviews
Yes, CarGurus is legit. It has been in operation since 2006 and has become one of the most widely used car shopping websites in the United States. But like any tool, it has strengths and weaknesses.
Why Buyers and Sellers Trust It
Verified Listings: Many listings include dealership info, photos, and reviews. You can quickly spot which sellers are genuine and which are private.
Dealer Ratings: CarGurus shows customer reviews and scores for most dealerships. These ratings include communication, transparency, and overall satisfaction.
Fraud Protection: The site performs fraud checks, flags suspicious listings, and provides safety tips for both buyers and sellers.
Pros
Price Transparency: The Instant Market Value tool helps you see if you're paying too much or scoring a good deal.
Trim Comparisons: You can compare car trim levels across different databases, which helps narrow your search without having to guess what features you’ll get.
Inventory Size: Millions of cars, including those from both dealers and private sellers, are listed.
Cons
Outdated Listings: Occasionally, cars are listed as available when they’ve already been sold. This can be frustrating, especially in hot markets.
Low Instant Offers: Sellers using the Instant Offer option often report receiving lower-than-expected quotes compared to private sales.
Private Seller Limits: If you're not a dealer, CarGurus may require additional verification. Some users feel this process takes too long or delays their listing.
Pro Tip: Do you want to know how dealer reviews work on CarGurus? Check out their review policy page.
Security Concerns and Red Flags to Watch For
Online car shopping is fast, but it's not risk-free. Even legit platforms like CarGurus have to deal with scams. So if you're planning to buy a car this way, you need to know what to look out for.
Common Red Flags on CarGurus Listings
CarGurus has tools to block fake posts, but no system is perfect. Here are the most common signs that something isn’t right:
Prices that are too low to be real
Sellers who rush you or ask you to wire money
Listings without verified photos or vague descriptions
Communication that moves off the platform too quickly
Slow down and ask questions if you see any of these, and trust your gut.
What CarGurus Is Doing About It
To help users stay safe, CarGurus offers built-in alerts and fraud checks. It also provides safety tips for buying and selling cars, primarily through its private seller program.
For more information, please refer to the CarGurus Private Sale Security. These tips remind you to meet in public places, avoid wiring funds, and verify the car’s VIN through a trusted vehicle history report. They don’t replace common sense, but they add a layer of protection.
Final Thought on Safety
If you’ve ever asked how CarGurus works when buying a car, and if it is safe, the answer is yes, as long as you follow basic safety rules. Don’t skip steps because you’re in a rush. And don’t hand over money without paperwork and a clear record of the car’s history.
CarGurus vs. Other Auto Platforms
So, how does CarGurus compare to other car shopping websites in 2025? It depends on what matters most—price visibility, private sales, financing, or something else.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
CarGurus checks a lot of boxes. You get dealer and private listings, real-time market values, and financing in one place. That makes it helpful whether you're buying your first car or comparing trim levels between different models.
Pro Tip: Want a complete list of your options? Check out our Top 13 Used Car Sites to Shop In.
Honest Reviews: What Buyers and Sellers Are Saying
What do actual users think of CarGurus in 2025? Reviews show a mix of praise and frustration, depending on whether you're buying or selling.
What Buyers Like
Buyers say the platform makes it easier to shop smart. Here’s what stands out:
Instant Market Value (IMV): Many users trust the pricing labels and say they help avoid overpaying.
Trim Level Comparisons: Comparing features across similar models saves time and reduces guesswork.
Dealer Reviews: Buyers feel more confident when they can see feedback from past customers.
It’s not perfect, but it’s better than calling dealerships individually.
What Sellers Say
CarGurus reviews for selling tend to split. Some sellers prefer the Instant Offer due to its speed and convenience. Others think it undervalues their car.
Common complaints from sellers:
Private listings can take time to get noticed.
Instant Offers are fast but usually lower than the market value.
Some sellers had to verify their identity multiple times before their listing went live.
Still, once the listing is up, most sellers report receiving serious interest within a few days.
Overall Sentiment
Buyers generally rate their experience higher than sellers. This makes sense—CarGurus was built around helping buyers find deals, and it shows. Sellers, on the other hand, may find the platform more competitive and less tailored to their needs.
Final Thoughts: Use CarGurus Wisely
If you’re using CarGurus in 2025, it can still be a smart way to buy or sell a car, especially if you use the tools wisely. With features such as real-time pricing, trim comparisons, and lender connections, it helps you make informed decisions quickly. However, no platform is flawless.
If you're buying, take the time to review the seller's details and use the Instant Market Value feature to check if the price is reasonable. If you're selling, weigh the Instant Offer against a traditional listing. You might earn more if you’re patient.
Pro Tip: Still thinking it through? Read our step-by-step guide to selling on CarGurus.
Need to Ship a Car?
At AmeriFreight Car Shipping, we help buyers and sellers like you move their vehicles across the country safely and affordably. Whether you’re buying online or selling to someone a few states away, our team is here to make car shipping stress-free and straightforward.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I get a better price selling privately than through CarGurus' instant offer?
Yes, selling privately often results in a higher sale price than using CarGurus’ instant offer, but it may require more time and effort.
How to negotiate the best price on a CarGurus listing?
Start by researching the listing’s market value using CarGurus’ deal rating, then contact the seller with comparable listings and be prepared to negotiate respectfully and firmly.
Can I trust CarGurus reviews for specific dealerships?
Yes, CarGurus uses verified buyer reviews and a moderation process to ensure accuracy and authenticity when calculating a dealer’s overall rating.
How to tell if a CarGurus listing is legitimate and not a scam?
Look for red flags, such as vague contact information, unusually low prices, or sellers who refuse to meet in person. CarGurus also offers private sale security tips and encourages the use of safe, verified communication channels.
