Buying on CarGurus in 2026: Guide, reviews, pros and cons
Posted on 5/19/2026
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What is CarGurus?
CarGurus is an online vehicle marketplace for new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles across the United States. It primarily serves as a used-car search engine to connect buyers with dealerships and private sellers. With access to millions of vehicle listings and 24,000+ dealers, CarGurus is one of the top car selling websites, similar to sites like Carvana and AutoTrader.
CarGurus is just one of many websites to consider when looking to buy or sell a used car. See the 13 best used car websites for 2026 and 7 mistakes to avoid when buying a car online.
How does CarGurus Work?
Buyers can browse CarGuru’s database of 4 million+ vehicle listings and narrow down their results with dozens of filtering options. Listings include vehicle history reports, dealership reviews, and CarGuru’s Deal Ratings.
Sales do not happen on the CarGurus website. Rather, buyers and sellers are connected on the site and complete the sale through a dealership or private sale. Continue reading to learn how to find and purchase a car on CarGurus.
Buying a car with CarGurus
1. Begin your search
There are several ways to begin your search, starting at the CarGurus homepage. The simplest way is by describing the type of car you’re looking for in the search bar, along with your preferred ZIP code.
If you have something more specific in mind, you can also search based on:
- New, used, or certified pre-owned vehicles
- Make and model
- Body styles (sedan, SUV/crossover, pickup truck, etc.)
- Category (Under $15, family cars, fuel efficient, etc.)
2. Browse listings and filter results
When you enter your search, you’ll be taken to a results page that includes the best matches within 50 miles of your ZIP code. From this page, you can browse individual listings, compare vehicles, adjust your search settings, and filter your results.
CarGurus offers dozens of options to help buyers narrow their search and find their ideal vehicle. Use the filtering options to refine your search until you find the car you’re looking for. If you create an account on CarGurus, you can save specific searches and listings and return to them later.
Clicking on a vehicle from the results page will take you to that vehicle’s detailed listing. This page will include pricing information, photos, features, vehicle history, estimated monthly payments, and more. If you pre-qualify with CarGurus, you’ll see personalized rates and financing information for every vehicle.
3. Contact the seller or dealer.
When you’re ready to inquire about a vehicle, click “Check availability” on the listing and fill out the attached form. This will put you in contact with the seller to receive more information, schedule a test drive, or go straight to purchase.
4. Arrange payment and vehicle delivery
All further details will be arranged between you and the seller or dealer. Payment is processed between you and the dealer on a separate site, as well as details about vehicle pickup or delivery.
While CarGurus offers delivery services for select vehicles, it is not guaranteed for all listings. Delivery availability and prices are determined by the dealership selling the car, making delivery costs unpredictable. Professional auto transport is a convenient and reliable way to get any vehicle delivered to your door, anywhere in the country.
Pros & cons of CarGurus
Pros:
- Listings are transparent and unbiased
- Compare prices for dealerships in your area, all in one place
- Research market trends for specific vehicles
- Financing pre-qualification is available through the site
Cons:
- No guaranteed response from sellers
- Most sellers on the site are dealerships rather than individuals
- Some details about the vehicle may be omitted as sellers write their own listings
- Unpredictable delivery prices and availability
CarGurus reviews
CarGurus has a generally positive reputation with customers, with a 3.8-star rating on Consumer Affairs and a 3.6-star rating on TrustPilot.
“As a car enthusiast, I often help friends and family find vehicles, and CarGurus has been my go-to resource for years. I appreciate its ability to filter cars down to specific details like interior color and packages, which is essential for those of us who are picky about features like M-sport bumpers or manual transmissions.”
☆☆☆☆☆
Jerry, Dec. 2025 (Consumer Affairs)
“CarGurus' prices and the dealer’s actual prices can be off by $8,000–$9,000. Don’t get fooled into going to see the car before calling the dealer and confirming that the price listed on CarGurus is the same price at the dealership.”
☆
Djon, Jan. 2026 (Consumer Affairs)
“This is a great resource to quickly find vehicles. However most dealers on here do not seem to be fully transparent with pricing. Lots of prices listed seem to be a way of baiting customers to reach out. Once you do make contact, the price isn’t what’s posted. They claim “mandatory dealer ad ons” that “can’t be removed” when actually quoting real price. Super frustrating when you have a loan in hand with a specific budget and payment in mind.”
Frequently asked questions about CarGurus
Is CarGurus legit?
Yes, CarGurus is a reliable, worldwide resource for researching and buying cars.
Does CarGurus charge buyers fees?
No, buyers don’t have to pay any fee when purchasing a vehicle on CarGurus.
Who owns CarGurus?
Langley Steinert is the founder and executive chairman of CarGurus.
Where is CarGurus headquarters?
The CarGurus headquarters is in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Can you sell a car on CarGurus?
Yes, car dealerships and private sellers can sell on CarGurus. Learn more: Guide to Selling Cars on CarGurus.
Considerations for online car buying
Environmental impact
Buying a used car online helps lessen the impact that the automotive market has on the environment. When you buy a used vehicle, you’re reducing manufacturing demands and landfill impact, lowering your carbon footprint.
Market trends
It’s important to be aware of market trends when shopping for a car online. Platforms like CarGurus make it easy to see the availability of certain vehicles and how much sellers are asking for them.
Regulatory changes
Regulatory changes like taxes and interstate purchase laws often impact online car sales. CarGurus makes it easy to find cars in your area, and understanding the legal landscape ensures a smooth transaction. Be sure to brush up on local laws and regulations while you shop for your new vehicle.
Nationwide delivery for online car purchases
If you need to transport your purchased car to your home or other location, consider a professional auto transport company. Montway Auto Transport offers easy and reliable car shipping services to all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii.
Learn how auto transport works and see car shipping costs. Speak with a Montway car shipping agent at 888-666-8929 or get started with a free instant quote.
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