Is CarGurus Legit? A Comprehensive Review

If you're considering buying or selling a car online, CarGurus might have come up in your search. With its vast listings and easy-to-navigate platform, it promises to make the car-buying and selling process seamless. But, is CarGurus really legit? Should you trust it with such a big decision? This comprehensive guide will answer all your questions and give you an in-depth look at CarGurus, based on real user reviews, current data, and its pros and cons.

CarGurus has been around for years, helping millions of people buy and sell cars. However, like any platform, it has its strengths and weaknesses. In this article, we'll explore everything from the legitimacy of the platform to customer feedback, and how it compares to its competitors. Whether you're looking for an easy way to sell your car or a trusted site to buy your next vehicle, you'll find all the answers right here.

Key Takeaways

• CarGurus is a legitimate and widely trusted platform for buying and selling new and used cars with millions of listings nationwide.
• The site offers transparent pricing tools like Instant Market Value and detailed dealer ratings to help you find the best deals.
• CarGurus provides a user-friendly experience with powerful search filters, financing options, and a mobile app for convenience.
• While seller fees and customer service can be drawbacks, many users report positive experiences with smooth transactions.
• Top CarGurus alternatives include Carvana, Peddle, and Vroom, each offering unique benefits for different car buying and selling needs.

What is CarGurus? An Overview

CarGurus is a leading online automotive marketplace that connects car buyers and sellers across the United States, Canada, and the UK. If you want to buy or sell a car, CarGurus gives you a one-stop platform packed with powerful tools, transparent information, and expert advice. Founded in 2006 by Langley Steinert, who also co-founded TripAdvisor, CarGurus has quickly become the most visited car shopping site in the US, with over 5 million listings-more than any other major automotive marketplace.

CarGurus Platform Overview: What It Offers

CarGurus gives you a powerful, user-friendly platform with features designed to help you make informed decisions:

• Massive Inventory: Over 5 million car listings, including new and used vehicles from both dealers and private sellers.
• Smart Search Tools: Use filters for price, make, model, mileage, trim, accident history, and more.
• Deal Ratings: CarGurus uses advanced algorithms to rate deals as “Great,” “Good,” “Fair,” or “Overpriced.” This helps you spot the best offers at a glance.
• Transparency: See a car’s accident history, price changes, and how long it’s been listed-no hidden surprises.
• Dealer Reputation: Read thousands of verified CarGurus customer reviews. Dealer ratings help you choose who to trust.
• Expert Advice: Access car reviews, buying guides, and a Q&A forum with automotive experts.
• Free for Buyers: Searching and contacting sellers is free. Dealers can list cars for free or pay for premium features.
• Financing Options: CarGurus partners with lenders to offer financing, making it easier to get pre-approved and compare rates.
• Mobile Friendly: Use the CarGurus app or website to browse, compare, and connect anytime, anywhere.

How Does CarGurus Work?

CarGurus is a popular online marketplace that connects car buyers and sellers in a fast, transparent, and easy way. You get access to millions of used car listings, smart pricing tools, and honest deal ratings. Whether you want to buy your next ride or sell your current car, CarGurus gives you the power to make informed decisions. Let’s break down exactly how CarGurus works for both buyers and sellers.

Buying a Car on CarGurus

Shopping for a car on CarGurus is simple and stress-free. You can browse a massive selection of vehicles, compare prices, and use advanced filters to find the perfect match. CarGurus reviews and ratings help you spot the best deals and trustworthy sellers.

Search Filters & Pricing Tools

CarGurus offers powerful search filters. You can narrow your search by make, model, price, mileage, year, features, and even accident history. The platform’s pricing tools use real-time market data to show you if a listing is a “Great Deal,” “Good Deal,” “Fair Deal,” or “Overpriced.” This transparency helps you avoid overpaying and gives you confidence in your choice.

You also see how long a car has been listed, any price drops, and verified CarGurus customer reviews. This makes it easy to compare options and make a smart decision.

Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles

If you want extra peace of mind, CarGurus features a wide range of certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles. CPO cars go through strict inspections and come with extended warranties from the manufacturer or dealer. These vehicles are usually only a few years old, have low mileage, and pass a multi-point inspection. You get benefits like roadside assistance and a vehicle history report. CPO cars are a great middle ground between new and used, offering reliability and value.

Is CarGurus Legit? Unveiling the Truth

Let’s get straight to the point: CarGurus is a well-known name in the online car marketplace. If you’re wondering, “Is CarGurus legit?”-the answer is yes. CarGurus connects millions of buyers and sellers each month and has built a reputation for transparency, smart pricing tools, and a huge selection of used car listings. The company partners with dealerships and lenders, making it easy for you to buy, sell, or even finance a car online.

Customer Ratings on BBB & Trustpilot

CarGurus holds mixed reviews across major consumer platforms. It has 3.6 star rating on Trustpilot. On ConsumerAffairs, CarGurus has over 575 verified reviews, with intelligent moderation to ensure authenticity. The overall rating on Sherpa Auto Transport is 8.8 out of 10, showing strong industry reputation and user trust. On the Better Business Bureau (BBB), CarGurus has received 76 complaints in the last three years, with 30 closed in the past 12 months. Some users praise the platform for its transparency and ease of use, while others express frustration over customer service and changing offers.

CarGurus Reputation

CarGurus stands out for its transparent pricing and user-friendly experience. Since launching in 2006, it has grown to become one of the most visited car shopping sites in the US. The platform is praised for its easy navigation, detailed dealer ratings, and honest deal labels, which help buyers spot good deals and avoid overpaying.

User Experiences with Buying and Selling

Most buyers appreciate CarGurus for its wide selection, transparent deal ratings, and the ability to compare prices easily. Many sellers find the listing process quick and the instant market value tool helpful. However, some users report issues such as reduced offers after inspections, delayed refunds, or listings being removed without clear reasons. These experiences highlight the importance of reading the fine print and staying proactive during your transaction.

CarGurus Customer Reviews: What Do Users Say?

When you’re deciding if CarGurus is legit, real customer reviews matter. The platform receives millions of visitors each month, and user feedback is a mix of glowing praise and pointed criticism. Let’s look at what buyers and sellers actually say about their experiences on CarGurus.

Positive Customer Experiences

• Tammie Lambert (US): Appreciates vehicle delivery and online financing for a hassle-free experience.
• Gary Higgins (US): Satisfied with the overall service.
• Richard Sheets: Praises CarGurus' search filters and transparent deal ratings.
• Nigel Dunkley (UK): Impressed with dealer service and overall satisfaction.

Negative Customer Experiences

• Necole Joseph (US): Frustrated with inaccurate search and unauthorized hard inquiries, and poor customer support via chat.
• Davidson Homes: Disappointed by dealer price discrepancies, dirty car condition, and low trade-in offer.
• Al: Upset by nationwide dealer results and the feeling that promoted dealers are prioritized over local ones.
• Angel Blanco: Criticizes vehicle quality and poor customer service, with rude staff and unresolved issues.

Is CarGurus Safe?

Safety is a top concern when buying or selling a car online. CarGurus takes several steps to protect its users and maintain trust.

Security Features on CarGurus

CarGurus verifies user reviews and requires contact information to ensure authenticity. The platform uses intelligent software and human moderators to maintain the quality and integrity of listings and feedback. CarGurus also partners with reputable dealerships and financing companies, adding another layer of security for buyers and sellers.

Trustworthiness of Listings on CarGurus

CarGurus works hard to keep its listings accurate and up to date. The site uses algorithms to flag suspicious activity, and users can report misleading or incorrect listings. However, some complaints involve misrepresented vehicles or offers that change after inspection. CarGurus responds to these issues and often resolves complaints, but not every case ends with a satisfied customer. It’s wise to double-check vehicle details, ask for documentation, and communicate directly with sellers or dealers.

Buying and Selling a Car on CarGurus

Buying and selling a car on CarGurus is quick, easy, and designed to get you the best price. You reach millions of potential buyers and use smart tools to price your car right.

How to Sell Your Car with CarGurus

You start by entering your car’s details-like the VIN or license plate, mileage, and features-on the CarGurus website. CarGurus gives you an instant market value estimate, so you know what your car is worth. You can list your car for a small fee (currently $4.95 for a 30-day listing). If you want a fast sale, you can get an instant cash offer from CarGurus’ dealer network in under two minutes. Once you accept an offer, you schedule a pickup, sign a few documents, and get paid by check or direct deposit. It’s that easy.

If you still owe money on your car, CarGurus can help pay off your loan and send you the difference, or guide you through the payoff process if you owe more than the offer.

CarGurus Instant Market Value

CarGurus’ Instant Market Value (IMV) tool is a game changer. It analyzes real-time market data from millions of listings to give you a fair, competitive price for your car. This helps you set the right asking price and attracts serious buyers. You also get pricing labels like “Good Deal” or “Fair Deal” to build trust with buyers.

Financing Options at CarGurus

CarGurus makes financing easy. You can see financing offers from multiple lenders right on the platform. This lets you compare rates and terms, so you find the best deal for your budget. If you need to finance your purchase, CarGurus helps you get pre-approved and guides you through the paperwork. This saves time at the dealership and helps you shop with confidence.

Fees and Commissions for Sellers

Listing your car on CarGurus costs just $4.95 for 30 days. If your car doesn’t sell, you can renew the listing for another 30 days by paying the fee again. There are no hidden commissions for private sellers. If you use the instant cash offer, CarGurus partners handle the transaction and paperwork, making the process smooth and secure.

Pros and Cons of CarGurus

Thinking about using CarGurus to buy or sell a car? You’re not alone. CarGurus is one of the most popular car marketplaces in the US, known for its transparent pricing and smart search tools. But like any platform, it has its strengths and weaknesses. Let’s break down the pros and cons so you can decide if CarGurus is right for you.

Advantages of Using CarGurus

Here are the advantages of using CarGurus: 

1. Wide Range of Listings and Filters

CarGurus stands out for its massive inventory. You get access to millions of used car listings from dealerships across the country. The platform’s advanced filters let you search by make, model, price, mileage, features, and more. This means you can quickly narrow down your options and find exactly what you want, whether it’s a commuter sedan or a rare vintage model. The site also provides real-time deal ratings, so you instantly know if a price is fair, great, or overpriced.

2. Instant Car Valuations and Offers

CarGurus offers an Instant Market Value (IMV) tool that gives you a fair price estimate for your car within minutes. This data-driven approach helps both buyers and sellers make smart decisions. If you’re selling, you can get instant cash offers from dealers, often with payment in as little as three business days. For buyers, this transparency builds trust and saves time during negotiations.

3. User-Friendly App & Website

The CarGurus website and app are designed for ease of use. You can manage your entire car buying or selling journey online. The interface is intuitive, and features like dealer reviews, price trend analysis, and secure communication make the process smooth and safe. CarGurus also partners with financial institutions to offer instant credit decisions and 30-day rate guarantees, making financing straightforward for buyers.

Disadvantages of Using CarGurus

Here are the disadvantages of using CarGurus

1. Fees for Sellers

While listing your car is often free, CarGurus charges a fee once your car sells-currently $99 for private sellers. Some users mention that getting your car noticed can be tough unless you pay for extra promotion. The company is also not always transparent about all seller fees, which can be frustrating.

2. Limited Customer Service in Some Areas

Some CarGurus customer reviews mention slow or limited customer support, especially when issues arise with listings or payment. If you run into problems, you may need to be persistent to get help. This is a common complaint for large online marketplaces.

3. Limited Inventory in Certain Regions

CarGurus has a huge national inventory, but selection can be limited in smaller towns or rural areas. If you’re in a less populated region, you might not find as many options as buyers in big cities. Also, as of June 2024, CarGurus no longer supports private sales-most listings now come from dealerships, which could limit your choices and negotiation power.

CarGurus Alternatives: What Are the Best Options?

CarGurus is a top choice for buying and selling used cars, but it’s smart to know your alternatives. If you want to compare platforms or need something CarGurus doesn’t offer, several other sites stand out. Let’s explore the best CarGurus alternatives so you can find the right fit for your next car journey.

1. Carvana: Most Seamless Process

Carvana is famous for its hassle-free, fully online experience. You can browse thousands of certified vehicles, get a real-time offer for your trade-in, and even have your car delivered to your door. The platform handles all paperwork digitally, so you never step foot in a dealership. 

Carvana’s 7-day return policy adds peace of mind, letting you test the car at home before making a final decision. Many users love the convenience and transparency, though some mention higher prices and delivery fees for certain locations. If you want a smooth, modern process from start to finish, Carvana is a strong CarGurus alternative.

2. Peddle: Best for Junk Cars

If you have an old or junk car, Peddle is a standout choice. Peddle specializes in buying vehicles in any condition, including those that don’t run. You get an instant cash offer online by entering basic details about your car. If you accept, they arrange free pickup and pay you on the spot. This makes Peddle ideal for anyone looking to get rid of a non-working or unwanted car quickly. It’s simple, fast, and you don’t deal with haggling or complicated paperwork. While CarGurus focuses on used car listings and dealer networks, Peddle fills the gap for cars that might not make it onto traditional platforms.

3. Vroom: Car Buying Made Easy

Vroom is another online car buying platform that competes directly with CarGurus. Vroom offers a wide selection of low-mileage, late-model vehicles and handles the entire transaction online. You can get financing, trade in your current vehicle, and have your new car delivered to your home. Vroom also provides a 7-day or 250-mile return window, so you can make sure the car fits your needs. Buyers appreciate the convenience and the quality of vehicles, though some reviews mention delays in delivery or paperwork. If you want a straightforward, digital-first car buying experience, Vroom is a top CarGurus alternative.

Conclusion

CarGurus is a legit and trusted platform for buying and selling cars. It offers a huge inventory, transparent pricing, and useful tools that make car shopping easier. While it has some drawbacks like seller fees and occasional customer service issues, many users find it reliable and convenient. If CarGurus doesn’t fully meet your needs, alternatives like Carvana, Peddle, and Vroom provide great options with their own unique benefits. Whether you’re buying, selling, or financing, CarGurus and its alternatives give you plenty of choices to make smart, confident decisions.