Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace are free, so anyone can post a vehicle for sale. You'll find a mix of auto dealerships and private sellers on these sites. And while there may be a few good used-car candidates on these sites, you'll have to sift through a number of listings to find one. You might want to try eBay Motors or Autotrader instead. There are solid buyer protections in place on eBay, and Autotrader charges for its ads, reducing the likelihood of fake listings. Learn more

If you're looking to get financed, you'll have an easier time at a traditional franchise dealership. The vehicles receive some level of reconditioning, and there's a chain of command if anything goes wrong. That said, it isn't the only place to find a car. If you're reading this on Edmunds, you're already in a good place to find vehicles at a number of locations. Learn more

If you want the most money for your used car, you'll have to sell it on your own. That means taking photos and advertising it online, fielding calls and visits from buyers, and having them pay you for the vehicle. The quickest way to sell your car is to use it as a trade-in. But the convenience will cost you because the dealership will typically offer less than the market value. Learn more