Best Websites to Buy Used Cars in the UK – Top Online Marketplaces

Nowadays purchasing a second had car online has become the norm. However, with numerous websites to buy used cars in the UK available, it is essential to choose trusted website to avoid scams. Using trusted websites to buy used cars in the UK ensures that buyers are getting vehicles that have been thoroughly vetted, with proper documentation and reliable seller profiles.

Always choosing the best websites to buy used cars in the UK often provides access to features such as vehicle reports, warranty options, and certified pre-owned (CPO) programs, which give buyers peace of mind. These platforms help protect consumers by verifying sellers and ensuring that cars meet specific standards before listing. This minimizes the risks of fraud, non-disclosed accidents, or mechanical issues.

Here is the list of Best Websites To Buy Used Cars in the UK

Websites	Summary
Autotrader UK	The largest and most visited site for used cars in the UK, offering extensive listings and powerful search filters.
Motors.co.uk	A strong competitor to Autotrader with a user-friendly interface and a wide range of vehicles
Heycar	Partners with selected dealers to offer high-quality used cars under eight years old, with a money-back guarantee.
CarGurus	Focuses on price transparency and allows users to find cars based on market values and price drops.
Cazoo	Allows for online purchases of inspected vehicles with home delivery; emphasizes quality and transparency.
Carwow	Focuses on connecting buyers with dealers offering competitive prices. Great for those looking to compare prices from multiple sellers.
PistonHeads	Ideal for enthusiasts looking for unique or performance vehicles; has a strong community focus.
Arnold Clark	Europe’s largest independent car retailer with an extensive inventory. Known for customer service and vehicle quality checks.
Gumtree Motors	A well-known classified ads site with a large section dedicated to used cars. Affordable pricing and wide accessibility.
Cinch	Offers a selection of reconditioned vehicles with a straightforward online buying experience.

1. Autotrader UK

AutoTrader.co.uk, launched in 1996, is one of the UK’s most trusted and widely-used platforms for buying and selling cars. The platform offers more than 400,000 listing form both private sellers and dealerships, it offer wide range of cars, making suitable choice for those for variety and transparency. AutoTrader excels in providing detailed vehicle history checks, price comparisons, and MOT records, ensuring buyers have all the information they need before making a decision.

The site also features advanced filters, financing options, and cost calculators to help users find the right vehicle and budget for long-term ownership. While private sellers may face listing fees, and navigating the vast inventory can be a bit overwhelming, AutoTrader remains a go-to platform for anyone looking for a reliable and comprehensive car-buying experience in the UK.

Pros of Autotrader UK

• Extensive Selection: Offers a massive inventory with over 400,000 used car listings, including detailed vehicle information and seller reviews.
• Trust and Transparency: Provides vehicle history checks, price comparisons, and MOT records, helping buyers make informed decisions.
• User-Friendly Tools: Advanced filters and features like running cost calculators and financing options make it easy to narrow down choices and plan for long-term costs.

Cons of Autotrader UK

• Private Seller Risks: While dealer listings are well-regulated, private sales may involve more risks (although AutoTrader does provide tools to help mitigate this).
• Listing Fees for Sellers: Private sellers must pay a fee to list their vehicles, which may be a downside compared to free-to-list platforms like Gumtree.
• Can Be Overwhelming: The vast amount of listings and options can be overwhelming for some users, especially first-time buyers.

2. Motors.co.uk

Motors.co.uk, was launched in 2007, the website is user-friendly platform that is helping buyers find the best used cars form both trusted dealers and some private sellers. The platform has good intuitive search filters that allows the used to sort by make, model, price, and location, making the car-buying process fast and efficient. Motors.co.uk also features a “Smart Search” option, which helps match vehicles to a buyer’s lifestyle, whether you're after fuel efficiency, family space, or performance. This platform is ideal for private buyers who prefer the security of dealer-backed vehicles and budget-conscious shoppers who can easily compare pricing options.

Pros of Motors.co.uk

• User-Friendly Search: Motors.co.uk offers an intuitive search system with advanced filters, making it easy to find the right car based on specific needs like price, make, model, and location.
• Dealer-Backed Listings: The majority of listings come from trusted dealerships, ensuring quality vehicles and often including warranties.
• Smart Search Feature: The "Smart Search" tool matches users with cars based on their lifestyle, simplifying the car selection process.

Cons of Motors.co.uk

• Limited Private Seller Listings: Compared to other platforms, Motors.co.uk has fewer private listings, which may limit options for buyers looking for privately sold cars.
• Fewer Lower-Priced Vehicles: The focus on dealership sales means that it may have fewer budget vehicles compared to more general classified platforms.
• Less Variety in Listings: Although it has a large inventory, some users might find the selection less diverse than on larger platforms like AutoTrader.

3. Heycar

In 2019 HeyCar was launched, the websites in relatively new but fast growing. The platform is dedicated to offering high-quality used cars exclusively from trusted dealerships. The best feature that HeyCar is known for is the vehicles that are listed, they are with low-mileage, no older than eight-years, and all of come with warranty. This make the platform ideal for people looking for peace of mind while purchasing a second had car, since every vehicle listed is handpicked to meet strict quality standards.

Pros of HeyCar

• High-Quality Vehicles: Every car is low-mileage, no older than eight years, and comes with a warranty, ensuring quality.
• Trusted Dealerships Only: Listings are exclusively from vetted dealers, offering added security and professionalism.
• User-Friendly Platform: The interface is simple and easy to navigate, making the car search process quick and convenient.

Cons of HeyCar

• Smaller Inventory: Due to the focus on high-quality cars, Heycar offers fewer listings compared to larger platforms like AutoTrader.
• No Private Seller Listings: All cars come from dealerships, so there are no private sales, which can limit budget options.
• Fewer Older or Budget-Friendly Cars: The focus on newer, high-quality models may not suit buyers looking for older, more affordable vehicles.

3. CarGurus.co.uk

CarGurus, launched in the UK in 2015, is part of a global platform known for its powerful search tools and price transparency. What sets CarGurus apart is its algorithm that ranks listings based on how good of a deal they are, using market data to highlight fair, good, and great deals. Buyers can compare prices on similar cars in the market, helping them make informed purchasing decisions. CarGurus also allows users to filter listings from both dealerships and private sellers.

Pros of CarGurus.co.uk

• Price Transparency: CarGurus ranks listings based on market value, helping buyers easily spot the best deals.
• Extensive Filtering Options: Allows users to search across a broad range of vehicles from both private sellers and dealerships.
• Dealer Ratings: Includes reviews and ratings of dealerships, offering insights into the trustworthiness of sellers.

Cons of CarGurus.co.uk

• Overwhelming Listings: The sheer volume of listings can be overwhelming, especially for first-time buyers.
• Less Focus on Dealer Certification: While it provides price rankings, it doesn’t focus as heavily on dealership certification as platforms like Heycar.
• No Warranty Guarantee: Cars listed from private sellers may not come with a warranty, posing more risk for buyers.

5. Cazoo.co.uk

Cazoo, was founded in 201, and fully online platform that is trying to transform the second hand cars buying experience. Buyer can look for a vehicle, purchase it, and finance it entirely online, with the added convenience of home delivery. Cazoo is known for its comprehensive 7-day money-back guarantee, allowing customers to return the car if they're not satisfied. Every vehicle goes through a detailed 300-point inspection and comes with a 90-day warranty, giving buyers peace of mind about the quality and condition of the car. Cazoo is perfect for those looking for a straightforward, no-hassle purchasing experience with full transparency and customer protection.

Pros of Cazoo.co.uk

• Convenient Home Delivery: Purchase your car online and have it delivered right to your door, eliminating the need for dealership visits.
• 7-Day Money-Back Guarantee: Buyers can test the car and return it within a week if they’re not satisfied, risk-free.
• Comprehensive Vehicle Inspections: Each car undergoes a 300-point check and comes with a 90-day warranty, ensuring quality and reliability.

Cons of Cazoo.co.uk

• No Face-to-Face Interaction: Some buyers may prefer to see and test drive the car at a dealership before making a purchase.
• Higher Prices for Convenience: Cazoo may be slightly more expensive due to the convenience and added guarantees it offers.
• Limited Negotiation: Since it's an online-only platform, there’s less opportunity to negotiate prices compared to traditional dealership sales.

6. Carwow

Carwow, launched in 2010, in a online platform that allows users to compare offers from multiple dealerships for both new and used cars. The platform still has the tradition of the car-buying process by letting dealerships bid for the customer's business, ensuring buyers get the best deal possible. The website allows price comparison across a wide range of dealerships, making it easy for buyers to find the best deals. It also offers features like expert car reviews and a “sell your car” option, making it suitable for both buyers and sellers.

Pros of CarWow

• Competitive Pricing: Dealerships bid for your business, often resulting in better deals for buyers without the need for negotiation.
• Dealer Transparency: Buyers can see offers from multiple dealerships, allowing for an easy price comparison.
• Expert Reviews: Carwow includes detailed reviews and comparisons of different models, helping buyers make more informed decisions.

Cons of CarWow

• Dealership-Only Listings: Carwow focuses exclusively on dealership offers, so there are no private seller listings.
• Limited to Registered Dealers: Some buyers looking for smaller, independent dealers might find fewer options.
• No Instant Purchase: Since dealerships are involved, the buying process may take longer compared to instant-buy platforms like Cazoo.

7. PistonHeads

PistonHeads, founded in 1999, is a popular UK-based online platform for car enthusiasts. Originally known for its forums and news on performance cars, it has since grown into a marketplace for buying and selling used vehicles. While PistonHeads lists all types of vehicles, it particularly shines for high-performance, luxury, and classic car listings, making it a go-to for car enthusiasts. The platform includes a community where users can engage in discussions, share reviews, and gain advice on their next car purchase. PistonHeads is ideal for buyers who are passionate about cars, especially those looking for something special beyond standard vehicles.

Pros of PistonHeads

• Specializes in Performance Cars: A great platform for finding luxury, classic, and high-performance cars that might be harder to find elsewhere.
• Active Community: The platform’s forums offer a wealth of knowledge, advice, and discussions from car enthusiasts, helping users make informed decisions.
• Wide Range of Listings: In addition to high-performance cars, PistonHeads offers a broad variety of listings, from everyday vehicles to rare collectibles.

Cons of PistonHeards

• Less Focus on Dealer Backing: Unlike sites like Heycar, there’s less emphasis on dealer-backed warranties or vehicle quality assurances.
• Not Ideal for Budget Cars: While PistonHeads has a variety of listings, it primarily caters to higher-end or enthusiast vehicles, which may not be ideal for budget-conscious buyers.
• Outdated Interface: The website’s design and interface can feel somewhat dated and less streamlined compared to newer platforms.

8. Arnold Clark

Arnold Clark, founded in 1954, is one of the largest and most trusted car retailers in Europe, offering a vast selection of used and new cars. With over 200 dealerships across the UK, Arnold Clark provides a reliable platform for buyers seeking a mix of affordability, quality, and comprehensive service.

Pros of Arnold Clark

• Wide Selection of Vehicles: Offers a broad range of used and new cars, from budget options to premium models, with thousands of listings.
• Comprehensive After-Sales Service: Known for excellent customer support, including vehicle maintenance and extended warranties.
• Trusted Dealer Network: Established reputation with over 60 years in the industry, ensuring buyers can trust the quality of the vehicles.

Cons of Arnold Clark

• Dealership-Centric: Since it’s dealership-focused, there are no private seller listings, which may limit options for buyers seeking lower-priced, private sales.
• Less Negotiation Flexibility: As a large retailer, there’s often less room for price negotiation compared to smaller, independent sellers.
• Limited Online Purchase Process: While browsing is online, the buying process often requires visiting a dealership, which may not appeal to those preferring a fully digital experience.

9. Gumtree Motors

Gumtree Motors is a popular online classified platform in the UK, offering a wide variety of vehicles for sale from both private sellers and dealerships. It is well-known for its simplicity and accessibility, allowing users to browse thousands of used cars based on make, model, price, and location. Gumtree Motors is ideal for buyers looking for budget-friendly options, with a mix of cars listed by individual sellers and dealers.

Pros of Gumtree

• Affordable Options: Gumtree Motors is known for having a wide range of budget-friendly cars, making it a great choice for cost-conscious buyers.
• Private and Dealer Listings: Offers flexibility by providing access to both private seller and dealership listings, giving buyers more choice.
• Local Deals: The platform allows buyers to find cars within their local area, often resulting in quicker, more convenient transactions.

Cons of Gumtree

• Varied Listing Quality: Since private sellers are not vetted like dealerships, the quality and reliability of listings can vary, and buyers must be cautious.
• Limited Buyer Protections: Unlike dealer-only platforms, Gumtree does not offer warranties or guarantees on private sales, posing some risks for buyers.
• Less Sophisticated Search Filters: Compared to more specialized car-selling platforms, Gumtree’s search tools are basic, which can make narrowing down specific preferences more challenging.

10. Cinch

Cinch, launched in 2020, is a relatively new online platform for buying used cars in the UK. It focuses on providing a simple, stress-free buying experience with a fully online process. Cinch offers a wide selection of used cars, all of which come with a 90-day warranty and a 14-day money-back guarantee. Buyers can have their car delivered to their doorstep, and all cars are carefully inspected to ensure they meet high-quality standards. Cinch

Pros of Cinch

• Fully Online Process: Cinch allows buyers to purchase cars entirely online, including delivery to their home, making it extremely convenient.
• 14-Day Money-Back Guarantee: Offers peace of mind with a generous return window, allowing buyers to return the car within two weeks if they aren’t happy with it.
• Carefully Inspected Cars: Every vehicle is thoroughly inspected and comes with a 90-day warranty, ensuring quality and reliability.

Cons of Cinch

• No Private Seller Listings: Cinch only offers dealership-backed listings, which may limit options for buyers looking for private sales.
• Slightly Higher Prices: The added convenience and guarantees may come at a higher price compared to platforms like Gumtree or eBay Motors.
• Limited Selection for Older Cars: The platform tends to focus on newer models, so buyers seeking older or more budget-friendly cars may find fewer options.

FAQs About Buying Used Cars in the UK

Q1: Are these websites safe to buy used cars in the UK? A1: Yes, most major websites ensure safety through vehicle history checks and by working with trusted dealerships. Always check reviews and vehicle details before purchasing.

Q2: What are the best websites to buy used cars in the UK? A2: Some of the top-rated platforms include AutoTrader, Cazoo, and Motors.co.uk, known for their large inventories, transparency, and buyer protections.

Q3: Can I negotiate prices on these websites? A3: Yes, on platforms like Gumtree and eBay Motors, you can often negotiate with private sellers. Dealer-based platforms like AutoTrader may offer less flexibility in terms of negotiation.