Whether you’re a private seller, car flipper, or independent dealership, Cars.com offers one of the largest online marketplaces in the U.S. for connecting with people actively shopping for a vehicle. With millions of monthly users and deep search capabilities, it’s one of the top platforms to sell your car quickly—and for a competitive price.
But listing a car is just the start. To make the most of your listings and stand out in a crowded market, you need solid organization, smart timing, and clear communication. That’s where Wakewall comes in—helping you track your listings, pricing history, and buyer follow-ups, so nothing slips through the cracks.
✅ Pros of Selling on Cars.com
1. Trusted Brand with Huge Traffic
Cars.com has been around since 1998 and is one of the most visited car-shopping websites in the U.S., giving your listing instant credibility.
2. Listings Syndicate to Dealer Sites & Other Networks
Your listing can appear on affiliate sites and apps, expanding your reach well beyond Cars.com alone.
3. Deep Vehicle Search Filters
Buyers can search by:
- Make/model/year
- Price range
- Features (AWD, moonroof, navigation)
- Condition, mileage, fuel type, and more
That means your listing gets seen by highly qualified shoppers.
4. Multiple Seller Types Welcome
Whether you’re a private owner, car flipper, or auto dealer, you can list on Cars.com. They even offer tiered tools for each type.
5. High-Quality Buyer Leads
The platform’s serious buyers are ready to pay and often looking to complete a sale quickly.
For more information, check out these other articles below:
- For a list of other platforms, click here: Wakewall Seller’s Guide for Online Marketplaces
- For information about selling in different states click here: Wakewall’s 50-State SEO Guide for Small Businesses
- Official link: Cars.com
To view other platforms, click below:
| Platform | Category | Type | Fee Model |
|---|---|---|---|
| ebay | General Goods | Auction & Fixed Price | Fees apply |
| Facebook Marketplace | General Goods | Local & National | Free |
| Craigslist | General Goods | Local Classifieds | Free |
| OfferUp | General Goods | Local | Free / Optional Fees |
| Mercari | General Goods | Shipping or Local | Fees apply |
| Bonanza | General Goods | Fixed Price | Fees apply |
| Etsy | Handmade & Artisan | Online Marketplace | Fees apply |
| Lucasgift | Handmade & Artisan | Online Marketplace | Fees apply |
| Redbubble | Print-on-Demand | Custom Products | Commission-based |
| Spring (TeeSpring) | Print-on-Demand | Custom Products | Free / Commission |
| Society6 | Print-on-Demand | Custom Products | Commission-based |
| Gumroad | Digital Goods | Downloads & Subscriptions | Fees apply |
| Sellfy | Digital Goods | Digital & Physical | Subscription |
| Ko-fi | Digital Goods | Donations & Sales | Free / Optional Fees |
| Buy Me a Coffee | Digital Goods | Donations & Sales | Free / Optional Fees |
| Payhip | Digital Goods | Downloads & Memberships | Fees apply |
| Poshmark | Fashion | Mobile Fashion Marketplace | Fees apply |
| Depop | Fashion | Vintage & Trendy | Fees apply |
| Vinted | Fashion | Clothing Resale | No Seller Fees |
| Curtsy | Fashion | Women’s Fashion | Fees apply |
| 5miles | Fashion & General | Local Marketplace | Free / Optional Fees |
| BookScouter | Books | Price Comparison | Free |
| Amazon | Books & Goods | Individual Seller | Fees apply |
| eBid | General Goods | Auction | Low Fees |
| Autotrader | Vehicles | For Sale Listings | Listing Fee |
| Cars.com | Vehicles | For Sale Listings | Listing Fee |
| PartingOut | Auto Parts | Marketplace | Free / Optional Fees |
| Chairish | Furniture & Decor | Curated Marketplace | Commission-based |
| AptDeco | Furniture | Local Delivery | Fees apply |
| Reverb | Musical Gear | Specialty Platform | Fees apply |
| StockX | Sneakers & Apparel | Authentication Based | Fees apply |
| GOAT | Sneakers & Apparel | Authentication Based | Fees apply |
| TheRealReal | Designer Goods | Consignment | Commission-based |
| ThredUp | Clothing | Consignment | Commission-based |
❌ Cons of Selling on Cars.com
1. Paid Listings for Private Sellers
Unlike Facebook or Craigslist, Cars.com charges a fee to list your vehicle as a private seller (starting around $4.99–$49.99 depending on the package).
2. High Competition
With thousands of listings at any given time, your vehicle may get buried unless your pricing and photos are on point.
3. Communication Happens Off-Platform
Most buyer inquiries come via phone or email. There’s no messaging system like you’d find on Facebook Marketplace.
4. Listing Management Tools Are Basic
Unless you’re a dealer with a dashboard, there’s no built-in CRM to track buyer messages or follow-ups.
5. No Integrated Payment or Shipping Tools
Cars.com doesn’t handle payments or logistics—you’re on your own to coordinate the transaction safely and efficiently.
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🚗 What Sells Best on Cars.com?
Cars.com is used by people who want to buy within days or weeks—not just browse. Your listing will perform best if you meet them with good value and fast response time.
Best-performing categories:
- Used sedans and SUVs in good condition
- One-owner, low-mileage vehicles
- Popular models like Toyota Camry, Honda Civic, Ford Escape, and Subaru Outback
- Certified pre-owned or well-maintained trade-ins
- Clean title, no accidents
Luxury cars, trucks, and hybrids also perform well if priced competitively and photographed clearly.
📝 Tips for Creating a Great Cars.com Listing
1. Use a Clear, Descriptive Title
Examples:
- “2019 Toyota RAV4 XLE – One Owner – 45K Miles”
- “2021 Ford F-150 Lariat 4×4 – Clean Title – Loaded”
2. Add High-Quality Photos
Include:
- Exterior (front, rear, sides)
- Interior (dashboard, seats, mileage)
- Tires, engine, any damage or upgrades
- Clean, daylight shots with a neutral background
Pro tip: Use at least 10 photos. Listings with more photos get more views.
3. Write a Honest, Helpful Description
Cover:
- Ownership and history
- Maintenance and upgrades
- Reason for selling (optional)
- Clear statement of title status, inspection, or warranty
- Contact preferences (phone, email, test drive availability)
💵 Pricing Strategy
Cars.com provides a pricing guide based on:
- Make/model/year
- Mileage and condition
- Location and demand
Use this to:
- Set a fair and competitive price
- Decide whether to mark it as “firm” or “negotiable”
- Track how pricing compares with other listings nearby
🚀 How Wakewall Helps You Sell Smarter on Cars.com
Cars.com helps you connect with buyers. Wakewall helps you manage everything behind the scenes.
Here’s how Wakewall supports sellers from the garage to the inbox:
1. Track Listings and Vehicle Details in One Place
Log:
- Year, make, model, VIN
- Mileage, upgrades, condition
- Listing dates and platforms (Cars.com, Facebook, Craigslist, etc.)
- Price changes and sale history
- Buyer conversations and test drive dates
Perfect for staying on top of multiple listings—especially if you’re flipping or managing inventory.
2. Set Reminders for Follow-Ups, Renewals, and Prep
Wakewall reminders help you:
- Schedule photo sessions, car detailing, or minor repairs
- Follow up with interested buyers
- Set price drops after 7 or 14 days
- Track expiration dates for listings
No more forgetting who called, when they came, or what you promised.
3. Build a Seller Profile Outside the Platform
Cars.com doesn’t give you a public-facing page. Wakewall does.
You can:
- Post current inventory or upcoming vehicles for sale
- Share condition reports, test drive tips, or success stories
- Add hashtags like #carsforsale, #usedSUV, #reliablecars
- Build your reputation as a trustworthy local seller or flipper
Great for repeat sales, side hustlers, or solo dealers.
4. Manage Multi-Platform Listings Easily
Most Cars.com sellers also use:
- Facebook Marketplace
- Craigslist
- OfferUp
- CarGurus
- AutoTrader
Wakewall helps you:
- Tag each car by platform
- Track price and buyer activity
- Remove sold listings from other sites
- See which platforms generate the most leads
Less time juggling platforms. More time closing deals.
5. Document What Works (and What Doesn’t)
Use Wakewall to track:
- Which makes/models sell fastest
- Which photo styles or listing titles get the most clicks
- Common buyer questions to pre-answer next time
- ROI from vehicle flips or trade-ins
Build your own car-selling playbook over time.
✨ Final Thoughts
Cars.com is a powerhouse platform for serious vehicle sellers—whether you’re offloading a personal car or running a part-time flipping business. It gives you access to a wide, motivated audience looking for clean, reliable vehicles.
But success on Cars.com is about more than just a great listing. It’s about follow-up, clarity, and control—all of which you get with Wakewall.
Cars.com is your marketplace. Wakewall is your management system.
Together, they help you stay organized, present professionally, and close sales without dropping the ball.
