Edmunds review

Edmunds is the research tool on this list. Its help center explains that the appraisal tool shows three True Market Value figures for any used car: Trade-In, Private Party for buying from an individual, and Dealer Retail for buying from a dealer. That makes it easy to see whether a listing elsewhere is priced fairly. Edmunds also lists dealer inventory with filters, though it does not sell cars or handle loans, so you contact the dealer through the listing. Owners can now post private party listings for $19.99 for 90 days after a moderation check. Its expert reviews and rankings are useful earlier in the process, when you are still choosing a model. Edmunds ranks fifth because its inventory is smaller in scope than the marketplace leaders, but the free valuation tools make it worth opening next to any search. Edmunds is a wholly owned subsidiary of CarMax.

Who it is for

Buyers who want to know what a used car is worth before they shop or negotiate.

Price

Free for buyers; private party listings cost $19.99 for 90 days.

Each listing costs $19.99 for a 90-day listing period.
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• True Market Value appraisal with Trade-In, Private Party and Dealer Retail values
• Used car inventory search with filters and dealer contact
• Edmunds Suggested Price on listings
• Expert car reviews and rankings
• Private party listings for owners

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Free appraisal shows separate dealer and private party values
• Strength: Content and tools are free, funded by advertising
• Strength: Strong research to pick the right model first
• Weakness: Edmunds does not sell cars or handle financing
• Weakness: Dealer listings only, apart from the new private party option
• Weakness: Each private party listing costs sellers $19.99

Key facts

• Owner: Wholly owned subsidiary of CarMax
• Appraisal values: Trade-In, Private Party, Dealer Retail
• Private party listing: $19.99 for 90 days
• Listing review: Moderated within 2 business days
• Sells cars: No, dealers list their inventory

Where it ranks

Edmunds is No. 5 in our Best Used Car Websites verdict and No. 7 in Best Websites for Cheap Used Cars.