Cars.com connects millions of buyers with private sellers and licensed dealers. While the platform makes it easy to find cars for sale, it leaves several steps up to you. We’ll help you navigate Cars.com and show you how DealNow can help you safely finish your purchase.
DealNow lets you send instant, no-limits payments from your mobile device. Enjoy our step-by-step transactional workflow and buyer features when purchasing your next car from Cars.com.
Cars.com gives you access to the cost savings of private sales and the peace of mind of dealership purchases. While Cars.com doesn’t handle transactions directly, it provides tools to help you research vehicles and connect with sellers.
The platform offers:
Most Cars.com sellers are dealerships, but you’ll also find listings from individual owners. Private-party listings typically offer better prices but require more due diligence.
When you’re ready to buy a car, you’ll need to:
Some car listings include a free CARFAX report, but many don’t. Cars.com can help you find a car and connect with the seller, but then you’re on your own. That’s where DealNow comes in. Our platform gives you everything you need to close the deal safely and quickly.
Whether you’re looking for a 2024 Honda CR-V or a Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Cars.com’s filters help you narrow down millions of listings to find exactly what you want.
Start with these basic filters:
Then refine your results with advanced filters:
You can use Cars.com’s comparison feature to research different models to find your match. For example, you might compare a Toyota Highlander with a Ford Edge to determine which one matches your budget and lifestyle. The platform’s comparison tool shows you:
Cars.com labels each listing with a deal rating to help you gauge value:
These ratings consider:
Cars.com has the features and listing volume you need to find your dream car. Once you do, you’ll have to do your due diligence.
Before reaching out to a seller, verify the vehicle’s history and legal status. This research protects you from buying a car with hidden problems or legal issues that could prevent you from registering it in your name.
A vehicle history report reveals information about the car in question. It includes the following:
If the report shows concerning items, such as salvage titles, major accidents, or mileage discrepancies, you can move on before wasting time on a viewing.
Cars.com includes vehicle history reports by CARFAX on some listings, but on others, you’ll be on your own. DealNow lets you order a vehicle history report with a couple of taps.
A title check gives you the most up-to-date picture of the car’s legal status, including:
You need to verify these details and resolve title issues before moving forward. Some sellers may claim missing titles or liens are “no big deal,” but these problems could prevent you from registering the car in your name.
Watch for these red flags in the verification process:
DealNow offers an optional title check to give you the information you need to take the next step. Plus, we verify the seller’s ID during signup, so you know you’re dealing with the same legal entity cross-referenced against their DMV records.
Start your communication through Cars.com’s messaging system rather than personal email or phone. This creates a record of your conversation and helps you establish basic details about the vehicle.
Ask about its current condition, maintenance history, and whether the price is firm. Request additional photos of areas not clearly shown in the listing, and use this initial contact to get a sense of the seller’s responsiveness and professionalism.
Then, bring the transaction to DealNow and enjoy encrypted in-app messaging that also helps you and the seller set up the test drive or inspection. When you reach out through Cars.com and move to DealNow, your contact information stays protected throughout the buying process.
After verifying the vehicle’s history and title status, it’s time to evaluate its condition. Whether you’re looking at a local or a long-distance purchase, a thorough inspection protects you from expensive surprises.
Before you hand over payment, have the car checked by a professional. A mechanic will evaluate mechanical condition, bodywork quality, and potential safety issues.
A professional inspector checks:
Even if you’re an experienced car enthusiast, a mechanical inspection is worth the investment. A professional might spot significant but hard-to-notice issues that could save you future money and headaches.
Found the perfect Toyota Sequoia or Honda CR-V, but it’s three states away? No problem. DealNow’s network of certified mechanics can inspect the vehicle for you. Our inspector acts as your eyes and ears on the ground, providing:
You can browse Cars.com’s entire selection to find the right car, and we’ll help you get it home no matter the distance.
Whether you’re test driving locally or watching a remote test drive, pay attention to:
Once you’re satisfied with the vehicle’s condition, DealNow helps coordinate the rest of the purchase.
Closing the purchase can be tricky since Cars.com doesn’t handle payment. You could opt for physical cash or wire transfer, but they are both awkward and slow compared to DealNow. Plus, with other forms of payment, you’ll run into a problem: the seller usually wants to be paid before releasing the car, but you need assurance you’ll get what you paid for. Most payment methods leave you to figure out this catch-22. We can help with that.
Many states require a bill of sale. You should sign one whether it’s required by your state or not. A bill of sale protects both parties by documenting the agreed-upon price, vehicle information, and terms of the sale. Once both parties have signed, you can pay knowing the buyer is legally obligated to hand over the car.
DealNow makes this process a breeze. You and the seller are prompted to sign a state-specific digital bill of sale. You’ll receive a notification when the seller is signed so you know you’re safe to pay. Your digital bill of sale is saved to the cloud, always available, and protected against loss or theft—no more catch-22. Plus, if you’re finishing remotely, you don’t need to worry about faxing or mailing documents back and forth.
If you’ve signed a bill of sale, you can safely pay by physical cash, cashier’s check, wire transfer, or most other payment methods. Their downsides aren’t safety, but speed and convenience. Business hour restrictions, bank visits, and bill verification age these payment methods compared to high-tech alternatives. Most payment methods are even more inconvenient if you’re buying long-distance.
Instead, finish with DealNow to enjoy instant, no-limits payments. Whether you want to finish the deal on a Saturday morning or New Year’s Eve, we can handle it. And since your payment clears immediately, you can quickly finish long-distance purchases. The mechanical inspector doubles as your agent, handling the title transfer, temporary registration, and shipping logistics.
The certificate of title is the most important document—it proves ownership and allows you to register the vehicle. Review it and verify it matches the car’s vehicle identification number and the seller’s ID. Many states also require an odometer disclosure statement to document the exact mileage at the time of sale.
Once payment is confirmed, the seller signs over the title and provides you with the keys. Remove the license plate (unless your state requires plates to stay with the vehicle), and handle temporary registration requirements.
If you’re buying from out of state, you’ll need to arrange transportation. While Cars.com can connect you with shipping services, DealNow’s integrated shipping options make it easy to compare rates and book transport directly through our platform. We’ll coordinate pickup and delivery so your new car arrives safely at your door.
Remember to submit a title application and handle registration in your state. Many states require this within 30 days of purchase. You’ll likely need to pay sales tax and registration fees at the Department of Motor Vehicles. If you’re replacing another vehicle, you might be eligible for credit on unused registration fees from your previous car.
Congratulations on your new car!
Even with Cars.com’s tools and safeguards, private-party vehicle sales can be risky. Understand these common pitfalls to help you avoid costly mistakes and protect your investment.
Cars.com tries to protect buyers, but scammers constantly develop new tricks to bypass these protections. Here are some of the common buyer scams you need to watch for on Cars.com:
The most effective buyer scams play on emotion—either excitement about an amazing deal or sympathy for the seller’s situation. If a listing triggers strong emotions while also involving unusual payment requests, step back and evaluate carefully.
DealNow’s verification process stops most scams before they start by confirming both parties’ identities and cross-referencing vehicle documentation with DMV records.
Title issues can prevent you from registering your new vehicle. Some sellers may not own the car they’re selling, while others might have liens they haven’t disclosed. A seller might claim a title-exempt status or promise to mail you the title later. Don’t fall for it—always verify the title record status before payment.
DealNow’s title check service cross-references DMV records to confirm ownership and reveal issues before you commit.
Many buyers skip professional inspections to save money, especially with cars that look clean in photos. But you should hire a mechanic to inspect every vehicle before purchase. Hidden damage or mechanical issues can cost thousands to repair.
DealNow’s network of certified mechanics can perform a comprehensive inspection and provide a detailed report.
DealNow provides the tools and protection you need to turn your Cars.com find into a smooth, safe purchase. Find a car on Cars.com (or anywhere else), and enjoy these helpful features:
DealNow turns risky private-party deals into safe, professional transactions. Once you’ve bought a car with DealNow, you won’t want to do it any other way.
Buying from a private seller typically saves you money compared to an auto dealer. Dealerships have overhead costs and profit margins to maintain, which inflate their prices. They might also pressure you into expensive add-ons or dealer-installed options. Private sellers usually offer better prices and are more willing to negotiate. Plus, you can learn more about the car’s actual history from an owner who’s been driving it.
From finding a car to completing the vehicle transfer, most private party sales take 1–2 weeks. You’ll need time to research the vehicle, arrange inspections, secure financing (if needed), and handle paperwork. Complex transactions involving out-of-state sales or credit unions might take longer due to additional documentation requirements.
DealNow lets you buy a car in as little as a day or two. If you pre-load your funds, you can find a car, pay instantly, sign the documents, and be on your way in a couple of hours.
While Kelley Blue Book provides regionalized values based on market data, Cars.com shows actual vehicle transactions in your area. Local supply, demand, and market fluctuations can cause real listing prices to differ from KBB estimates. It’s smart to check both resources when evaluating a car’s price.
Many states require a smog check before completing a title transfer. Some vehicle manufacturers are exempt, particularly newer models or electric vehicles. Check your local DMV requirements—some states require the seller to provide a current smog certificate, while others make it the buyer’s responsibility.
Cars with “rebuilt” titles may be significantly cheaper but can be harder to insure and resell. If you’re eyeing a rebuilt car, look for detailed repair documentation and get a thorough 70-point safety inspection. Many credit unions and lenders won’t finance rebuilt titles, so be prepared to pay cash or seek alternative financing.
Unlike auto dealerships that might offer a return period, private party sales are typically final. There’s usually no 6-month / 6,000-mile limited warranty or return policy. That’s why you need to perform an inspection, research the car, and go for a test drive before purchasing.
Interstate purchases require attention to local regulations. You’ll need a 30-day temporary permit or 30-day transit plate to legally drive the car home. Different states have varying requirements for sales tax, registration fees, and documentation. Some require you to visit a vehicle licensing office in person, while others allow you to handle everything by mail or online. Check with your state for specific information.
The Office of Odometer Fraud Investigation enforces odometer laws to protect consumers from odometer fraud. If you suspect a false odometer reading, file a police report and contact this federal government office. DealNow’s verification process helps prevent such issues by thoroughly documenting mileage during the transaction.
Rather than relying on the basic purple search box, use Cars.com’s advanced search options to filter listings. Set specific parameters for your price range and vehicle requirements. Cross-reference prices with market guides to spot suspiciously low offers. Your initial search should also filter by seller type (private seller vs dealer) depending on your preference.
A vehicle history report shows ownership changes, service records, and accidents. Be wary of shady vehicle sellers who won’t share this information or if the number of previous owners seems inconsistent with the car’s age.
Professional vehicle inspections are necessary. Have a certified mechanic check the engine, transmission, frame, and electrical systems. They can spot hidden problems that could save you thousands in future repairs.
DealNow is the easiest way to close your own vehicle deal, anytime. It’s the safe and simple way to avoid fraud, sign documents, and instantly transact, all in one app.
