So has anyone used these sources for purchasing an auto. I would need it shipped here to Montana and do these companies do that? What is the process and do you talk to a person or everything dome online?

Any help appreciated.

I use Autotrader to locate vehicles I'm interested in, bought my last two based on what I found through Autotrader. I still get emails that show me vehicles that meet my parameters that have recently come on the market.

As far as Carfax, a dealer will almost always provide the full Carfax report for any used vehicle you are interested in as long as a report exists. I find a lot of good information in those reports.

As far as buying directly through either company, that is something I didn't know existed. The Autotrader picks are always at dealers that I contact if I'm interested.

I looked at Carfax pretty hard last year. Their prices are higher and their interest rates are higher than most other sellers. You are paying for the convenience.

I recommend looking at Hertz.

https://www.hertzcarsales.com/

They sell nearly new, fairly high mileage, used rental cars at or below Kelly Blue Book values. Most are under warranty still. They have a huge inventory.

Keith

I have been shopping auto trader for a used Honda crv. I like it more than CarGurus. As far as shopping auto trader I only look for dealers in Montana, Idaho, Washington, Wyoming, South Dakota. I am looking at Honda dealers specifically and only ones that can show me a carfax unless I know the dealer. The reason these states is I plan on going to the dealer and viewing the the vehicle directly. I will negotiate by phone. Depending on the situation and location I may give them a $500 dollar refundable deposit to hold it for a few days until I make arrangements to travel there.
I would not buy a vehicle to be shipped from a dealer/seller without first seeing it from somewhere else. The price may seem cheaper but the chance of you getting taken is high. You are asking for problems doing so. Keep in mind that the used car/truck market right now is VERY slow on dealer lots.

I bought my wife a CR-V I found on Autotrader earlier this year.

I like Autotrader better than CarGuru too. I unsubscribed from CarGuru's emails, only get Autotrader now.

Looks like Carvava and Carmax deal with direct sale and shipping is part of their business service.

What I'm looking for is a Toyota 4 cylinder 4x4 manual. It can be from the 80's old and not that great of shape is fine.