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Cars.com remains the most trusted and feature-rich car marketplace in the US for 2025. With more than 25 million monthly shoppers, millions of listings, and a suite of buyer and seller tools, Cars.com empowers consumers to make smarter, faster, and more confident car decisions. This guide delivers the latest news, practical buying and selling tips, real reviews, pricing tools, and actionable advice for US car shoppers and sellers.
Cars.com: Shop New & Used Cars, Compare Prices, Find Dealers
📰 2025 News: Cars.com’s Growth, Awards & Latest Features
📈 Record Traffic & Dealer Expansion: In 2025, Cars.com reached 29 million monthly unique visitors and 19,250 dealer customers, reflecting its central role in the US car market.
🤝 DealerClub Acquisition: Cars.com’s acquisition of DealerClub in 2025 expanded its reach into the wholesale auction market, giving users more trade-in and appraisal options.
🏆 Best Of Awards: The 2025 Best Car of the Year is the Hyundai Santa Fe, praised for luxury, practicality, and innovative features like dual wireless charging and a UV sanitizing compartment. Other winners include the Chevrolet Trax (Best Value Subcompact SUV), Ford Maverick (Best Value Compact Pickup), and Hyundai Ioniq 6 (Best Value Electric Vehicle).
Cars.com Best Car of 2025 & Award Winners
🤝 DealerClub Acquisition: Cars.com’s acquisition of DealerClub in 2025 expanded its reach into the wholesale auction market, giving users more trade-in and appraisal options.
🏆 Best Of Awards: The 2025 Best Car of the Year is the Hyundai Santa Fe, praised for luxury, practicality, and innovative features like dual wireless charging and a UV sanitizing compartment. Other winners include the Chevrolet Trax (Best Value Subcompact SUV), Ford Maverick (Best Value Compact Pickup), and Hyundai Ioniq 6 (Best Value Electric Vehicle).
🔍 How to Buy a Car on Cars.com: Step-by-Step for 2025
1️⃣ Set Your Budget: Spend no more than 10–15% of your monthly income on a car (on a 4-year loan). Use Cars.com’s affordability calculator to find your price range.
2️⃣ Get Prequalified: Compare loan offers from your bank, credit union, and the dealership. Use Cars.com’s loan prequalification tool for a head start.
3️⃣ Search & Filter: With over 3 million listings, filter by features, price, dealer rating, delivery options, and more. Deal badges (“Great Deal”, “Good Deal”, “Fair Price”, “Hot Car”) help you spot the best values fast.
4️⃣ Compare Listings: Save and compare vehicles, check price analysis, and use the Price Comparison Graphs to see how trim, mileage, and certification affect value.
5️⃣ Research Dealers: Check dealership and salesperson ratings, read real reviews, and see how dealers respond to customer problems before you buy.
6️⃣ Contact & Negotiate: Use live chat, video walkarounds, or direct messaging. Ask for out-the-door price quotes by email to compare final costs across dealers.
7️⃣ Test Drive & Inspect: Schedule a test drive and get an independent mechanic’s inspection, especially for used cars.
8️⃣ Finalize & Finance: Complete your purchase online or in person. Compare dealer financing with your prequalified offers and look for incentives or rebates.
Cars.com Buying Guide: How to Buy a Car
2️⃣ Get Prequalified: Compare loan offers from your bank, credit union, and the dealership. Use Cars.com’s loan prequalification tool for a head start.
3️⃣ Search & Filter: With over 3 million listings, filter by features, price, dealer rating, delivery options, and more. Deal badges (“Great Deal”, “Good Deal”, “Fair Price”, “Hot Car”) help you spot the best values fast.
4️⃣ Compare Listings: Save and compare vehicles, check price analysis, and use the Price Comparison Graphs to see how trim, mileage, and certification affect value.
5️⃣ Research Dealers: Check dealership and salesperson ratings, read real reviews, and see how dealers respond to customer problems before you buy.
6️⃣ Contact & Negotiate: Use live chat, video walkarounds, or direct messaging. Ask for out-the-door price quotes by email to compare final costs across dealers.
7️⃣ Test Drive & Inspect: Schedule a test drive and get an independent mechanic’s inspection, especially for used cars.
8️⃣ Finalize & Finance: Complete your purchase online or in person. Compare dealer financing with your prequalified offers and look for incentives or rebates.
💰 Practical Pricing Tools & Deal Badges
💵 Pricing Analysis: Each listing shows how its price compares to similar vehicles nearby, factoring in trim, mileage, and certification. Deal badges (“Great Deal”, “Good Deal”, “Fair Price”, “Hot Car”) help you spot bargains and avoid overpaying.
📊 Affordability Report: Cars.com’s 2025 Affordability Report highlights the best value new cars in every segment, factoring in features, warranty, fuel efficiency, and cost of ownership.
🛠️ Loan & Payment Calculators: Estimate your monthly payment, total cost, and compare financing options directly on Cars.com.
2025 Best Value New Cars & Affordability Report
📊 Affordability Report: Cars.com’s 2025 Affordability Report highlights the best value new cars in every segment, factoring in features, warranty, fuel efficiency, and cost of ownership.
🛠️ Loan & Payment Calculators: Estimate your monthly payment, total cost, and compare financing options directly on Cars.com.
🛒 How to Sell a Car on Cars.com: Step-by-Step for 2025
2️⃣ Gather Info: Collect your car’s VIN, mileage, features, and maintenance records. Clean and detail your car for best photos.
3️⃣ Research Price: Check similar listings and use Cars.com’s pricing tools to set a competitive price. Consider getting an appraisal for accuracy.
4️⃣ Create a Listing: Take high-quality photos from multiple angles. Write a detailed, honest description, mentioning any upgrades or recent maintenance.
5️⃣ List & Promote: Post your listing on Cars.com. Optionally, use the Instant Cash Offer for a fast sale to a partnered dealer.
6️⃣ Communicate & Screen: Respond promptly to buyer inquiries. Screen for serious buyers and beware of scams—Cars.com investigates suspicious activity.
7️⃣ Arrange Test Drives & Inspections: Meet in safe, public places and allow buyers to inspect the car. Have paperwork ready (title, bill of sale, maintenance records).
8️⃣ Negotiate & Finalize: Be ready to negotiate. Once you agree on a price, complete the sale and transfer the title. For private sales, collect payment safely and provide a bill of sale.
How to Sell a Used Car on Cars.com: Complete Guide
3️⃣ Research Price: Check similar listings and use Cars.com’s pricing tools to set a competitive price. Consider getting an appraisal for accuracy.
4️⃣ Create a Listing: Take high-quality photos from multiple angles. Write a detailed, honest description, mentioning any upgrades or recent maintenance.
5️⃣ List & Promote: Post your listing on Cars.com. Optionally, use the Instant Cash Offer for a fast sale to a partnered dealer.
6️⃣ Communicate & Screen: Respond promptly to buyer inquiries. Screen for serious buyers and beware of scams—Cars.com investigates suspicious activity.
7️⃣ Arrange Test Drives & Inspections: Meet in safe, public places and allow buyers to inspect the car. Have paperwork ready (title, bill of sale, maintenance records).
8️⃣ Negotiate & Finalize: Be ready to negotiate. Once you agree on a price, complete the sale and transfer the title. For private sales, collect payment safely and provide a bill of sale.
🗣️ Real Reviews & Consumer Experiences
⭐ Consumer Reviews:
Read Real Consumer Reviews on Cars.com
- Over 13 million verified reviews on Cars.com and DealerRater
- Read real feedback on cars, dealers, and salespeople
- Detailed breakdowns for comfort, performance, reliability, and value
- 2025 Chevrolet Equinox, Hyundai Santa Fe, Ford Maverick, and Kia Sorento among top-reviewed models
- Buyers share tips, pros/cons, and post-purchase experiences
- Some users report misleading ads or aggressive dealer follow-up
- Private seller scams—always verify buyer identity and payment method
- Occasional issues with updating or removing reviews—contact DealerReviews@Cars.com for help
- Read both expert and consumer reviews for a full picture
- Look for patterns in dealer or model feedback
- Leave your own review to help other shoppers
💡 Practical Tips, Contact Info & FAQ for 2025
💡 Expert Tips for Buyers & Sellers:
Contact Cars.com: Customer Service & Support
- Use the affordability calculator and deal badges to avoid overpaying
- Schedule test drives and inspections before buying used
- Check dealership and salesperson ratings for transparency
- Request out-the-door quotes from multiple dealers for best price
- For sellers, prepare all paperwork (title, bill of sale, maintenance records) in advance
- Use Instant Cash Offer for a quick, hassle-free sale
- Be vigilant for scams—Cars.com investigates suspicious ads and buyers
- Contact customer service for help with listings or reviews
- Customer Service: 312-601-5000
- Online chat and feedback available on the website
- Email for review updates: DealerReviews@Cars.com
- Report fraud: Fraud@Cars.com
- Is Cars.com free? Yes for shoppers; sellers pay to list
- Can I sell my car on Cars.com? Yes, to private buyers or via Instant Cash Offer
- Does Cars.com offer financing? No, but you can compare offers and connect with dealers
- How do I contact a dealer? Live chat, message, or call via the site/app
- How do I update my review? Email DealerReviews@Cars.com
- How do I avoid scams? Meet in public, verify payment, and report suspicious activity to Cars.com
©️ 2025 | Cars.com: Complete Practical Guide for US Car Shoppers & Sellers
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