Buying your first car is a huge milestone—and it can feel a little overwhelming. With so many websites, dealerships, and options to choose from, it’s hard to know where to start. That’s where CarGurus comes in. Whether you’re buying new or used, CarGurus makes the process easier, faster, and more transparent.
Here are 10 things every first-time car buyer should know about CarGurus—from finding the best deals to spotting red flags.
1. CarGurus Uses Real-Time Market Data to Rate Deals
Know If You're Getting a Good Price
CarGurus gives every listing a Deal Rating—such as “Great Deal,” “Good Deal,” “Fair Deal,” or “Overpriced”—based on real-time data from thousands of similar cars for sale.
This helps first-time buyers avoid overpaying and quickly zero in on vehicles that are priced below market value.
2. Instant Market Value (IMV) Helps You Understand True Car Value
No More Guessing on Fair Prices
CarGurus uses an Instant Market Value (IMV) system to calculate what a car is actually worth in your area. This takes into account things like mileage, trim, features, and location.
IMV is especially helpful for first-time buyers who might not know what a fair price looks like.
3. You Can Filter by Budget, Mileage, Features, and More
Customize Your Search to Fit Your Needs
When using CarGurus, you can apply filters for:
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Price range
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Mileage
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Vehicle condition (new, used, certified pre-owned)
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Transmission type
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Fuel efficiency
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Interior and exterior color
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Features (e.g., Bluetooth, backup camera, sunroof)
These filters make it easier to narrow down your options and focus only on cars that meet your must-haves.
4. You Can See a Dealer’s Reputation
Check Ratings and Reviews Before You Visit
Not all dealerships are created equal, and CarGurus helps you spot the good ones. Every dealer has a rating based on verified customer reviews, so you can see how they treat their buyers.
This is huge for first-timers who want to avoid shady sellers and focus on trustworthy dealerships.
5. CarGurus Highlights Price Drops and Time on Market
Know When to Strike a Deal
CarGurus shows how long a car has been listed and if the price has dropped over time. A vehicle that’s been on the site for a while—especially with multiple price cuts—could be ripe for negotiation.
That’s a major edge for first-time buyers who want to negotiate confidently.
6. Financing Tools Are Built In
Get Prequalified Without Affecting Your Credit
CarGurus partners with lenders to offer financing tools right on the platform. You can get prequalified to see estimated monthly payments—without hurting your credit score.
This helps first-time buyers understand what they can afford before even stepping foot in a dealership.
7. You Can Shop From Home with Delivery Options
Buy Without Ever Leaving the Couch
CarGurus supports online car buying and home delivery for select vehicles and dealerships. That means you can do the entire process—search, finance, buy—without visiting a lot.
This is especially convenient if you're busy, live far from a dealership, or just prefer shopping from home.
8. You Can Compare Cars Side by Side
Easily Evaluate Your Top Picks
First-time buyers often go back and forth between different makes and models. CarGurus makes it easy with a side-by-side comparison tool where you can view:
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Prices
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Specs
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Features
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Deal ratings
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Mileage
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Ownership costs
This helps simplify the decision-making process and ensures you're comparing apples to apples.
9. CarGurus Offers Vehicle History Reports
Avoid Buying a Lemon
Many listings on CarGurus come with free vehicle history reports (like CARFAX or AutoCheck), which show important info like:
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Accident history
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Title issues
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Service records
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Number of previous owners
For first-time buyers, this is critical in avoiding hidden problems and making a smart investment.
10. Alerts Help You Stay on Top of New Listings
Don’t Miss Out on the Perfect Car
CarGurus lets you set up email alerts for specific searches, so you’ll be notified when a car that fits your criteria hits the market. This is a game-changer in a competitive market, especially if you’re searching for a specific model or price range.
Final Thoughts:
Buying your first car doesn’t have to be intimidating. CarGurus takes the guesswork out of the process with tools that prioritize transparency, fairness, and convenience.
From comparing deals to reading dealer reviews, it’s a platform built to empower buyers—especially those navigating the process for the first time.
Website of Source: https://app.partnermatic.com
Source: Story.KISSPR.com
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