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Buying a used car is easier than ever thanks to so many used car websites. Among these helpful resources is CarStory, an online platform for browsing, researching, and comparing vehicles all over the country.
This guide will help you use CarStory to find a great deal on a used car. You’ll also find helpful tips, pros and cons, and answers to frequently asked questions.
What is CarStory?
CarStory is a data-driven car shopping platform that collects the key details you need to make a smart purchase. What makes CarStory stand out is how it uses AI-powered analysis on millions of new, used, and certified pre-owned car listings.
CarStory is owned by Vroom Inc. and now handles Vroom’s online car sales. CarStory uses Vroom’s large automotive database to provide information about the used car market and pricing. It watches market trends and aims to make buying a used car more transparent with simple and unbiased research.
Steps to finding your car with CarStory
Step 1: Start your search on CarStory
Visit the CarStory website to get started. The homepage gives shoppers several ways to search.
The first option is to enter a vehicle make, model, or body style. If you’re not sure what you want, you can answer a few quick questions to find your best matches.
The other search options are Shop by Budget and Shop by Trends.
- Shop by Budget allows you to enter your vehicle budget or monthly payment budget, and will display cars that meet your criteria.
- Shop by Trends displays the vehicles that are currently popular with buyers on CarStory.
After you’ve entered your search terms, CarStory will display listings in your area that may be a good match. From the listings page, you can adjust the search filters to narrow down the options and find your ideal car.
Step 2: Browse listings and market info
The listings page will display vehicle prices, mileage, and distance away from your location. Click on a vehicle to see its detailed information page. This page displays market insights, dealer information, CarFax reports, similar vehicles, and more. This is also where you can contact the seller if you are interested in purchasing.
Step 3: Contact the seller (usually on another site)
If you’re interested in buying a vehicle, click the “Message Dealer” button on the vehicle info page. You will need to provide some basic contact information (name, phone number, zip code, and email address). After submitting the message, CarStory will notify the seller.
Since CarStory is mainly for research and insights, you may need to go to a different website to complete the purchase. This could be a dealership’s website, a prominent used car marketplace like Cars.com, or another online listing service. You’ll get more information about the original listing when you contact the seller.
Step 4: Research and inspections
Once you connect with the seller, it’s important to do your research. Check for a vehicle history report like CarFax or AutoCheck if it’s available.
It’s highly recommended to get a pre-purchase inspection before you spend any money. This inspection can find any hidden problems that you might not see online or even in person.
Step 5: Negotiate and close the deal
Depending on the seller, you might be able to negotiate the price. Once you agree on a price and any other details, carefully review all the paperwork, including taxes and fees. Make sure you know how the seller accepts payment and complete the purchase on their website.
Step 6: Arrange for transportation
CarStory can help you find the perfect car anywhere in the country, and Montway Auto Transport can help get it to your driveway. With Montway, online car buyers enjoy simple and reliable auto transport, no matter where they are located. Cross-country shipping and door-to-door delivery are a convenient and hassle-free solution for car buyers everywhere.
Ready to transport your car with Montway?
Our car shipping advisors are available by calling (888) 666-8929 to answer all your questions.
Pros and cons of CarStory
Using CarStory to help find your used car has some perks, but there are also a few things to keep in mind:
| Pros | Cons |
| Extensive market data and unbiased analysis | Not a direct marketplace |
| In-depth pricing and availability information | May require navigating to multiple websites to complete sale |
| Saves shoppers time by aggregating data | Buyers cannot contact sellers directly on CarStory |
CarStory FAQs
Is CarStory legit?
Yes, CarStory is a reliable car shopping platform. CarStory’s goal is to make online car buying more transparent. It does this by providing data-driven insights from the auto market.
Like with any online resource, always double-check information and use caution when making a purchase. See more: 7 Mistakes to Avoid when Buying a Car Online
Can I buy cars directly on CarStory?
No, CarStory does not sell cars directly. It’s primarily a tool that gives you information and insights on listings from other websites. You will need to complete the purchase on another website.
How does CarStory help me find a good deal?
CarStory provides detailed information on car prices and auto market trends. You can use this information to compare and understand the market for the cars you’re interested in.
Where do I actually buy the car I find through CarStory?
You will buy the car on the website or platform that posted the original listing.
Considerations for buying a car online
No matter where you start your search, including with CarStory, here are some important things to consider when buying a car online:
Market trends
Staying up-to-date with the car market will help you spot good deals and avoid paying too much. CarStory gives you data on vehicle availability and how much sellers are asking for them. Monitoring this information will give you a good idea of the vehicles’ value.
Regulatory changes
Remember to consider state taxes and local rules for buying cars from other states. These can change the final cost and the car-buying process. CarStory can help you find a great car anywhere in the country, but you’ll need to research your local laws and regulations.
Environmental impact
When you buy a used car, you’re reducing manufacturing demands and landfill impact, lowering your carbon footprint. Shopping online reduces the need for travel to and from dealerships. It can also help customers find vehicles in other states that might have otherwise gone unused.
Arranging transport for your CarStory purchase
Once you’ve used CarStory to find your perfect used car, the next step is to arrange reliable transportation. Montway Auto Transport specializes in shipping vehicles nationwide and is a great option for transporting cars you’ve bought online.
Montway is committed to making auto transport simple, easy, and stress-free. Since starting our business in 2007, we’ve arranged transport for over 1 million vehicles and earned a 4.7-star rating from over 100,000 online customer reviews.
Learn more about car shipping costs and how car shipping works.
