Can you really buy a used car on Amazon now?
Yes, you read that right. Amazon, the same place you order headphones and groceries, is now dipping its toes into the used car market. Starting with Hyundai dealers in Los Angeles, Amazon Autos is letting shoppers browse and buy used and certified pre-owned vehicles online. And it’s not just Hyundais—dealers can list cars from other brands, too. The plan is to roll this out to more cities in the coming months, so if you’re not in LA, don’t worry—your turn is likely coming.
What makes Amazon’s used car program different from other online car buying options?
Let’s be honest: buying a used car online can feel like a leap of faith. Amazon seems to get that. To ease your nerves, every car comes with a 3-day or 300-mile return window, whichever comes first. That’s basically a test drive with a safety net. There’s also a minimum 30-day or 1,000-mile limited warranty on every vehicle, so you’re not left stranded if something goes wrong right after you drive off.
But here’s where Amazon tries to stand out: transparency. Each listing includes a comprehensive vehicle history report, so you know what you’re getting into—no more squinting at blurry photos or wondering if the car’s been in a dozen fender benders. Pricing is upfront, with no hidden fees lurking in the fine print. And if you want to see the car in person before committing, Amazon’s system lets you schedule a test drive directly with the dealership. The result? Pure magic, at least compared to the old way of haggling on a used car lot.
How does the buying process actually work?
Shopping for a car on Amazon feels a lot like shopping for anything else on the site. You head to the Amazon Autos website, filter by new or used, and browse what’s available within a 75-mile radius of participating dealerships. Once you find a car you like, you can check out all the details—mileage, accident history, photos, and more. If you’re ready to move forward, you can start the purchase process online and finish up at the dealership. It’s not quite “add to cart and wait for delivery,” but it’s a big step toward streamlining what’s usually a complicated process.
Why are dealerships partnering with Amazon?
Dealers are always looking for new ways to reach buyers, especially as more people start their car search online. According to Amazon Autos’ leader Fan Jin, there’s been strong interest from dealer partners who want a broader online reach. For them, Amazon isn’t just a sales channel—it’s a way to tap into millions of potential customers who already trust the platform. And for shoppers, it means a wider selection, including certified pre-owned vehicles that meet higher standards for quality and reliability.
What should buyers watch out for?
Even with all these perks, buying a used car online isn’t risk-free. Experts still recommend doing your homework: read the vehicle history report carefully, compare prices with other listings, and don’t skip the test drive. The return window and warranty are nice, but they’re not a substitute for due diligence. According to a 2023 report from the National Automobile Dealers Association, nearly 70% of used car buyers say they want more transparency and easier returns—so Amazon’s approach is clearly hitting a nerve. Still, it pays to be cautious.
How does this fit into the bigger picture of car buying in 2024?
Amazon’s move comes at a time when the auto industry is rapidly shifting online. Since launching new car sales in December 2024, Amazon now works with dealers in over 130 cities nationwide. The company’s pitch is simple: make car shopping as easy as buying a book or a blender. For dealers, it’s a chance to modernize and survive in a market where digital-first competitors are gaining ground. For buyers, it’s about convenience, choice, and a little more peace of mind.
What’s the catch? Well, you still need to be within driving distance of a participating dealer, and the process isn’t entirely digital—there’s still some paperwork and face-to-face interaction. But the days of spending your whole Saturday at a dealership, only to walk away frustrated, might finally be numbered.
Is this the future of used car shopping?
It’s early days, but Amazon’s entry into the used car market is a sign of things to come. As more dealers and cities join the program, expect the process to get even smoother. Imagine a world where you can compare dozens of cars, schedule test drives, and even arrange financing—all from your couch. We’re not quite there yet, but Amazon’s latest move is a big step in that direction.
The big takeaway? Buying a used car isn’t about perfection—it’s about smarter adjustments. Start with one change this week, and you’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end.