Cars.com Used Car Buying Guide

Summary:

• Introduction to used car buying and why it's a smart choice.

• Step-by-step guide to starting your search on Cars.com.

• Tips for inspecting, comparing, and evaluating used car listings.

• Understanding vehicle history reports and Certified Pre-Owned vehicles.

• Exploring financing and loan options through Cars.com.

• Final steps in finalizing your purchase.

• Using Cars.com's tools for trade-ins and car valuations.

• Comprehensive FAQs about buying used cars on Cars.com.

• How AmeriFreight can help transport your newly purchased car.

1. Introduction: The Importance of a Used Car Buying Guide

Buying a used car is a significant financial decision, and without the right information, it can feel overwhelming. From selecting the right model to ensuring it’s in good condition, there are many factors to consider. A comprehensive guide helps buyers navigate this process with confidence and avoid common pitfalls.

Cars.com, one of the largest automotive marketplaces in the U.S., simplifies the search, comparison, and purchase of used cars. This guide will walk you through how to use the platform effectively. Plus, once you've found your perfect car, AmeriFreight is ready to help you ship it safely and affordably to your doorstep, no matter where it’s located in the U.S.

2. Why Buy a Used Car?

Cost Savings
Buying a used car offers substantial savings. New cars can depreciate by 20-30% in the first year alone, meaning you can find a lightly used car for significantly less than its original price. Used vehicles help you avoid that initial depreciation hit.

Slower Depreciation
Used cars depreciate more slowly. After the first few years, a car’s value decreases at a more gradual rate, making used cars a better investment for long-term value retention.

Broader Range of Models
The used car market opens up a wide array of options, including discontinued models or vehicles with rare features. Whether you're after a classic car or a budget-friendly option, the choices are more diverse.

Lower Insurance Costs
Insurance premiums for used cars are often lower than those for new cars. Since the car’s value has already decreased, your overall insurance costs will be less.

Once you've selected a vehicle, getting it delivered to your home can be stress-free with AmeriFreight, one of the leading auto transport companies. AmeriFreight ensures your vehicle is transported safely and efficiently, so you don’t have to worry about long-distance driving or logistics.

3. How to Begin the Used Car Search on Cars.com

Setting Search Filters
Cars.com offers customizable filters to narrow down your search. Whether you're looking for a specific make and model, year, price range, or mileage, the platform lets you tailor your search to your needs. You can also filter for specific features like fuel type, body style, or even color.

Exploring the Car Listings
After setting your preferences, you'll be presented with listings that match your criteria. Each listing includes key details such as the car's price, mileage, and condition, as well as high-quality photos and a description of the vehicle's features. This helps you make informed decisions before contacting the seller.

Advanced Search Options
If you're interested in Certified Pre-Owned vehicles or cars with extended warranties, Cars.com offers an option to refine your search to highlight these vehicles. Certified Pre-Owned cars often come with added benefits such as thorough inspections and extended warranties, making them a safer choice for buyers looking for reliability.

Once you’ve found your ideal car, AmeriFreight can transport it directly to you, no matter the distance. With affordable rates and professional service, AmeriFreight ensures that your new purchase arrives safely at your location, giving you peace of mind.

4. Inspecting and Comparing Used Cars on Cars.com

Key Features to Compare
When browsing cars on Cars.com, you’ll want to carefully compare important factors such as:

• Mileage: Lower mileage often indicates less wear and tear, but a well-maintained car with higher mileage can still be a great deal.

• Condition: Look for details in the car’s description, photos, and history report to assess its condition.

• Price: Compare similar models to ensure you're getting a fair deal. Cars.com’s comparison tool allows you to view multiple cars side-by-side for easy comparison.

Vehicle History Reports
Vehicle history reports provide valuable insight into the car's past, including accidents, repairs, and ownership history. These reports are crucial for avoiding vehicles with hidden problems. Cars.com offers access to Carfax or AutoCheck reports directly from the listing.

Side-by-Side Comparisons
The platform’s comparison tool allows you to view detailed specs of multiple cars at once, helping you evaluate price, mileage, features, and more in a single glance. This makes it easier to choose the best option for your needs.

Once you’ve selected your top pick, ensure your vehicle reaches you safely by booking AmeriFreight for secure car shipping services. Whether the car is coming from across the state or across the country, AmeriFreight has you covered.

5. Understanding Vehicle History Reports

Knowing a car’s history is crucial when purchasing a used vehicle. Cars.com provides easy access to vehicle history reports, typically from Carfax or AutoCheck, which include:

• Accident History: Any major or minor accidents the car has been involved in, including damage and repairs.

• Title Status: Ensures the car has a clean title and has not been salvaged or rebuilt.

• Maintenance Records: A record of the car’s service history, including regular maintenance and any major repairs or part replacements.

Reviewing these reports helps you avoid problematic vehicles and gives you confidence in your purchase. And when you’re ready to bring your new car home, AmeriFreight can ensure safe and reliable shipping to your doorstep.

6. Certified Pre-Owned Cars on Cars.com

What is a Certified Pre-Owned Car?
Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) cars are used vehicles that have been thoroughly inspected and certified by the manufacturer or a dealership. These vehicles typically come with an extended warranty and must meet strict quality standards, giving you extra peace of mind when purchasing a used car.

Benefits of CPO Cars

• Extended Warranties: CPO vehicles often include extended warranties, covering essential components like the engine and transmission.

• Thorough Inspections: These cars must pass a detailed multi-point inspection before receiving certification.

• Financing Options: CPO vehicles sometimes come with special financing deals, making them more affordable than brand-new cars.

If you decide to purchase a CPO vehicle from Cars.com, AmeriFreight can transport it directly to your home with professional services, ensuring your vehicle arrives in perfect condition.

7. Financing and Loan Options

Financing Through Cars.com
Cars.com provides tools to help you calculate monthly payments and estimate total loan costs. The loan calculator allows you to input the vehicle price, down payment, interest rate, and loan term to give you an accurate estimate of what you’ll pay each month.

Understanding Loan Terms

• APR (Annual Percentage Rate): The interest rate applied to your loan, which is typically determined by your credit score.

• Loan Term: The length of time you have to repay the loan, which can vary from 36 to 72 months. While longer terms may lower your monthly payment, they increase the total interest paid over time.

Shopping around for different loan offers is recommended, and once you secure financing, AmeriFreight can take care of delivering your new car to your doorstep, ensuring it reaches you safely no matter the distance.

8. Finalizing the Purchase

Arranging a Test Drive
Before committing to a purchase, you should arrange a test drive. Cars.com allows you to schedule test drives directly with the seller or dealership. Test drives let you assess the vehicle's performance and ensure it meets your expectations.

Inspection Tips
Bring the vehicle to a mechanic for a thorough inspection, especially if it’s a private sale. A professional mechanic can check for underlying mechanical issues that may not be obvious during a test drive.

Final Paperwork
Ensure all documentation is in order, including the car’s title and any warranty information. If you’re financing the car, ensure that the loan details are correct and that the title will be transferred properly once the loan is paid off.

Once the deal is finalized, AmeriFreight can help with the logistics of transporting your vehicle. Whether it’s across town or across the country, AmeriFreight provides safe and affordable car shipping services.

9. Using Cars.com Tools for Valuation and Trade-In

Trade-In Valuation
Cars.com’s trade-in valuation tool helps you estimate the worth of your current vehicle if you plan to trade it in. The tool takes into account the make, model, year, and condition of your car to provide a fair market estimate.

Vehicle Valuation
If you’re curious about the market value of a car you're considering buying, Cars.com’s valuation tool can give you an estimate based on market trends and the condition of the vehicle.

Once you’ve made a trade or finalized your purchase, rely on AmeriFreight to transport your new car to you. With a range of shipping options, including open and enclosed transport, AmeriFreight makes sure your vehicle is delivered safely and efficiently.

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How do I know if a used car on Cars.com is reliable?
Check the vehicle history report, which provides information on accidents, title status, and service history. Look for Certified Pre-Owned vehicles for added peace of mind, as these undergo thorough inspections and come with extended warranties. Additionally, user reviews and dealership ratings on Cars.com can give you a sense of the seller's trustworthiness.

Q2: Can I negotiate the price of a used car on Cars.com?
Yes, negotiation is common when buying used cars. Although Cars.com doesn’t set the prices, you can contact the seller—either a dealer or private party—and discuss the price. Use Cars.com’s price comparison tools to research similar listings and make an informed offer.

Q3: What’s the difference between Certified Pre-Owned and regular used cars?
Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) cars are used vehicles that meet specific manufacturer or dealer standards. They come with extended warranties and pass multi-point inspections, ensuring they are in excellent condition. Regular used cars, on the other hand, do not go through these rigorous checks and may not include warranties.

Q4: How does financing work on Cars.com?
Cars.com offers a loan calculator tool to help you estimate your monthly payments based on the vehicle price, loan term, and interest rate. The platform also partners with various lenders to provide financing options. However, it’s advisable to compare offers from different financial institutions to secure the best deal.

Q5: How do I schedule a test drive for a car I find on Cars.com?
Once you’ve found a car you’re interested in, you can contact the seller directly through Cars.com to schedule a test drive. Many dealerships allow you to book test drives directly through their listing.

Q6: Can I trade in my old car on Cars.com?
Cars.com offers a trade-in valuation tool that helps you estimate the value of your current vehicle. Once you have an estimate, you can use that information when negotiating with dealerships that accept trade-ins. After securing your new vehicle, AmeriFreight can assist with the delivery, whether you’ve traded in or sold your old car.

Q7: Are there any hidden fees when buying a car on Cars.com?
Apart from the car's price, you might encounter additional costs such as sales tax, title transfer fees, registration fees, and dealer documentation fees. Always ask the seller for a detailed breakdown of all costs before finalizing the purchase to avoid surprises.

Q8: How can I have my car shipped to me after purchasing it through Cars.com?
After purchasing your car, you can use AmeriFreight, a trusted leader in auto transport, to ship your vehicle directly to your doorstep. AmeriFreight offers secure and reliable shipping options for both local and long-distance deliveries, ensuring your car arrives safely and on time.

11. Conclusion

Buying a used car can be a seamless and rewarding experience with the right guidance and tools. Cars.com provides an extensive platform for finding, comparing, and purchasing used vehicles, from certified pre-owned cars to private seller listings. Its user-friendly tools—such as vehicle history reports, price comparisons, and trade-in valuation—make the buying process much smoother.

Once you’ve found your dream car on Cars.com, AmeriFreight steps in to ensure that the transport of your newly purchased vehicle is stress-free. Whether you're buying from out of state or just a few miles away, AmeriFreight offers affordable and reliable auto transport services, giving you peace of mind that your car will arrive safely.

Explore Cars.com today for your next used car, and trust AmeriFreight to handle the rest, ensuring your vehicle gets to you in perfect condition. Whether you're looking for affordability, convenience, or reliability, both Cars.com and AmeriFreight have you covered from search to delivery.