9 Best Car Buying Apps

If you are in the market for a new or used car, you are probably bracing yourself for many trips to the dealership and haggling in person. But there’s a better way. Did you know you can comparison shop for cars all from the comfort of your couch? You don’t even need a computer to use these apps. You can use your smartphone. These are the best car buying apps if you're in the market for a new vehicle.

01 of 09

Edmunds

Come for the listings, stay for expert research. The Edmunds app uses a true market pricing tool to help you compare listings and find the best possible deal. It also features reviews based on expert research. This app will provide information on everything from average fuel costs to short-term deals in your area. In addition to searching cars, it also allows you to compare similar vehicles, save your searches, calculate monthly loan payments, and even text dealers.

02 of 09

CarMax

If you're shopping for a used car and aren't in the mood to haggle, this might be the app for you. The CarMax app pulls listings only from CarMax dealerships, and the prices don’t budge. Stable pricing can be great if you aren't very confident in your negotiating skills and are looking to buy a car without feeling like you did something wrong. On the app, you’ll be able to find cars by searching make, model, mileage, price, miles per gallon, features, and more. You can also estimate your payment amount, view vehicle history reports, schedule free appraisals, and apply for financing.

03 of 09

Kelley Blue Book

What this app lacks in pizazz it makes up for in brand power. As any aspiring car owner knows, before you place an offer on a car, you should always check the Kelley Blue Book value, and now you can do so without opening your laptop or booting up your desktop. Use the app to access real-time KBB pricing information on any vehicle, whether you are browsing at home or at a dealership. In addition to the standard comparison shopping that other apps offer, KBB also features a slew of informative videos as well as recommendations for local dealerships.

04 of 09

CarGurus

Whether you're looking for a new or used car, CarGurus can help you narrow down your search. The app keeps track of pricing information across makes and models, and as you browse, its "deal rating" will let you know whether the car you're looking at is a good price or not. Expert reviews and the ability to apply for financing in-app simplify the car shopping experience, and once you've saved a search, the app will provide notifications about price changes. You can also use CarGurus to sell your current vehicle if you're planning to upgrade.

05 of 09

Used Car Search Pro

Used Car Seach Pro, made by iSeeCars, is an app that will work best if you know exactly what kind of car you want or are obsessed with the details. The app's 59(!) search filters will let you search for exactly the features you have in mind. And the price analysis tool uses an in-app system to calculate market value and sort your search by best price. You will be able to see listings from private sellers as well as dealerships, so make sure you are cautious whenever heading to see a new vehicle.

06 of 09

TrueCar

If you are a competitive on-the-go person that’s not easily overwhelmed, this app is for you. Through its sleek interface and well-designed features, not only can you see pricing for any vehicle based on what others in your area have recently paid, but you can also scan window stickers at select dealerships to make sure they are asking a fair price. Just make sure that you know what you are getting into: once you sign up for TrueCar, you will be connected with thousands of dealers, who will have your phone number and plenty of cars to try and sell you. Once you do find your perfect ride, you’ll also have access to TrueCar exclusive discounts through their partner retailers and factories. You can use this app to browse both new and used cars.

07 of 09

Cars.com

If you trust the experts, trust this app. The main perk is the simplified vehicle overviews that outline what professional testers liked and disliked. As a bonus perk, the app can also help you calculate your trade-in value and loan payment amounts if you tinker with different variables like how much you pay upfront and your credit score. You can also call, text, or email dealers from in the app to schedule an appointment or test-drive so you don't miss the chance to see a car in person. The Cars.com app was one of the first car-buying apps available, but it can do more than just help you buy a car. You can continue to use it after you make a purchase to watch do-it-yourself repair tutorials or find local mechanics.

08 of 09

Carvana

The Carvana app focuses on helping you buy used vehicles and trade in your existing car. It allows you to search using many of the same filters as other apps, but you're not browsing dealer listings. Instead, Carvana owns all its own inventory, and the price on the app is the price you pay. If you live in one of Carvana's service areas, the car that you buy can be delivered directly to your home. If you're outside the service area, you can pick up your car at one of Carvana's "car vending machine" locations. If you need financing, you can use a third party or finance directly through Carvana.

09 of 09

Autotrader

Autotrader shares many of the same features as other apps. It lets you search and browse listings for both new and used cars, then filter your results based on qualities like make, model, year, and mileage. You can save multiple vehicles and compare them on the website, and you can also contact dealers directly by phone, text, or email to schedule test-drive. And on the Autotrader website, you can get an instant cash offer if you have a car you are looking to sell or trade as part of your buying process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I stay safe when using a car buying app?

Check pricing in multiple places to make sure that you are getting a good deal on your vehicle. If you're buying directly in the app, use one that is well-reviewed and has been around long enough that you know it's trustworthy. If you are connecting with a seller, be wary of someone who won't talk on the phone or let you see the vehicle in person.

Is there an app to lease a car?

Rodo is an app that lets you buy or lease a new car. You can also sell your current lease to Rodo. However, it is currently only available in specific markets.

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