How To Do Nationwide Search On Cargurus

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Unlock the Entire U.S. Market: Your Comprehensive Guide to Nationwide CarGurus Search!

Are you dreaming of finding that perfect car, but feel limited by local inventory? What if I told you that the vehicle of your dreams, at an unbeatable price, could be just a few clicks away, no matter where it is in the United States? Well, you're in luck! This comprehensive guide will walk you through exactly how to leverage CarGurus' powerful search features to conduct a nationwide search, opening up a vast ocean of possibilities. Let's dive in!

The Power of Nationwide Search

Think about it: restricting your search to a small local radius means you're seeing only a fraction of the available cars. Expanding your search to the entire country on CarGurus means:

More Options: A significantly larger pool of vehicles, increasing your chances of finding the exact make, model, trim, and features you desire.
Better Deals: Prices can vary wildly across different regions. A nationwide search allows you to uncover underpriced gems in less competitive markets.
Rare Finds: Looking for a specific, hard-to-find classic or a limited-edition model? Your chances of finding it dramatically increase when you're searching everywhere.
Strategic Buying: Even if you plan to buy locally, knowing nationwide pricing helps you negotiate a better deal in your area.

Ready to become a car-finding connoisseur? Let's get started!

Step 1: Initiate Your CarGurus Journey (And Get Ready to Expand Your Horizons!)

First things first, let's get you on the CarGurus platform.

Sub-heading: Accessing the CarGurus Website

Open your web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge – whatever you prefer!).
Navigate to the CarGurus homepage: Simply type www.cargurus.com into your address bar and hit Enter.

You'll be greeted by their familiar search bar, often prompting for a make, model, and zip code. This is where most people stop, limiting their potential. But not you! You're about to go beyond the local.

Step 2: Enter Your Initial Search Criteria (Don't Worry About Location Just Yet!)

Before you can expand, you need something to expand from.

Sub-heading: Basic Vehicle Information

Input your desired Make and Model: In the main search bar, start typing the make (e.g., Honda, Ford, BMW) and model (e.g., Civic, F-150, X5) of the car you're looking for. CarGurus' predictive text will often help you.
Enter a placeholder Zip Code: CarGurus typically requires a zip code to initiate any search. Enter your own local zip code for now. This will give you an initial set of results.

Example: You might type "Toyota RAV4" and enter "90210" as your zip code.
Click the "Search" button: This will take you to the search results page, displaying vehicles within a default radius of your entered zip code.

Step 3: Unleash the Power of "Nationwide" – The Key to a Broader Search!

Now, for the magic! This is where you transform a local search into a country-wide hunt.

Sub-heading: Adjusting Your Search Radius

Locate the "Location & Delivery" Filter: On the search results page, look for the filters panel on the left-hand side of your screen (on desktop) or a "Filter Results" button (on mobile). Within these filters, you'll find a section typically labeled "Location & Delivery" or simply "Location" or "Distance."
Expand the Section (if necessary): If the "Location & Delivery" section is collapsed, click on it to expand and reveal its options.
Find the "Search Radius" Dropdown: Within this section, you'll see a dropdown menu for "Search Radius." This usually defaults to options like "10 miles," "25 miles," "50 miles," etc.
Select "Nationwide" or "Unlimited": Scroll down the "Search Radius" dropdown menu. You should find an option for "Nationwide" or "Unlimited." Click on this option.

Voila! Your search results will instantly refresh to include vehicles from across the entire United States that match your other criteria.

Sub-heading: Troubleshooting the "Nationwide" Option

If "Nationwide" is Grayed Out or Missing: Sometimes, if your initial search is too broad (e.g., just "Used Cars" without a specific make/model), CarGurus might limit the initial radius to prevent an overwhelming number of results. In such cases:
- Add More Specifics: Go back and add a specific make, model, year range, or even a price range to your search. Once you have more defined criteria, the "Nationwide" option often becomes available.
- Clear Cookies/Cache: In rare instances, a browser issue might cause this. Try clearing your browser's cookies and cache for CarGurus.com and re-attempt the search.
- Start with a Specific Model: Some users report that starting with a very specific model (e.g., "2020 Toyota Camry XLE") makes the nationwide option appear more consistently.

Step 4: Refine Your Nationwide Search for the Perfect Match

Now that you're searching nationwide, it's crucial to refine your results to pinpoint the ideal vehicle.

Sub-heading: Utilizing Essential Filters

Price Range: This is often the first filter to adjust. Set a minimum and maximum price to stay within your budget.
- Tip: Don't be too restrictive initially. Sometimes, a slightly higher-priced car far away might be a better overall deal once you factor in features and condition.
Year: Narrow down by model year or a range of years to find newer or older models.
Mileage: Set a maximum mileage to ensure you're looking at vehicles with the right amount of wear and tear for you.
Trim Level: If you have a specific trim in mind (e.g., "Limited," "Touring," "Sport"), use this filter to hone in on the exact features you want.
Body Style: Looking for an SUV, sedan, truck, or convertible? Filter by body style.
Transmission: Automatic or Manual? Select your preference.
Exterior/Interior Color: If aesthetics are important, filter by color.
Features: This is a powerful filter for nationwide searches. Look for specific features like:
- Navigation System
- Heated Seats
- Backup Camera
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- The more specific you are here, the better your chances of finding a truly tailored match.
Deal Rating: CarGurus' "Deal Rating" is incredibly useful. It analyzes pricing relative to market value. You can filter to see "Great Deals," "Good Deals," "Fair Deals," etc.
- Prioritize "Great Deals" and "Good Deals" for the best value.

Sub-heading: Sorting Your Results

Once you have your filters applied, consider how you want to sort the results. Common sorting options include:

Best Deals (CarGurus Rank): This is the default and often the most helpful, as it prioritizes cars that CarGurus deems to be the best value.
Lowest Price: Shows the cheapest cars first.
Highest Price: Shows the most expensive cars first.
Lowest Mileage: Prioritizes cars with fewer miles.
Newest Listings: See the most recently added vehicles.

Step 5: Evaluate and Contact Sellers (Even from Afar!)

You've found some promising nationwide listings. Now what?

Sub-heading: Analyzing Listing Details

Review Photos and Description: Look for high-quality photos that show the car from all angles. Read the description carefully for details about the car's condition, features, and any history provided by the seller.
Check the CarGurus Instant Market Value (IMV): This tool is invaluable! It provides an estimated fair retail price for the vehicle based on comparable listings. Compare the asking price to the IMV to gauge the deal.
Review Dealer Ratings and Reviews: For dealership listings, CarGurus provides dealer ratings and customer reviews. Pay attention to what other buyers say about their experience with that particular dealership. This is especially important when dealing with sellers far away.
Examine Vehicle History Report (if available): Many listings will have a link to a CarFax or AutoCheck report. This is critical for understanding the vehicle's past (accidents, service history, ownership).
Note the Location: While you're searching nationwide, you'll still need to factor in logistics if you decide to purchase a vehicle far from you. Consider the distance and potential costs of travel or shipping.

Sub-heading: Connecting with Sellers

Use the "Contact Seller" Feature: CarGurus provides easy ways to contact sellers via email or phone.
Be Prepared with Questions: When contacting a distant seller, have a list of specific questions ready:
- Why is the vehicle being sold?
- Are there any known issues or upcoming maintenance?
- Can they provide a video walk-around of the car?
- What are their options for a pre-purchase inspection?
- Are they open to out-of-state buyers and shipping arrangements?
Discuss Logistics: If you're serious about a vehicle far away, discuss:
- Shipping options and costs.
- Flying in to inspect the car and drive it back.
- Arranging a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) with a local mechanic near the seller. This is highly recommended for out-of-state purchases.

Step 6: Consider the Logistics of a Long-Distance Purchase

Buying a car nationwide opens doors, but also introduces logistical considerations.

Sub-heading: Transport and Inspection

Shipping a Vehicle: Many buyers opt to ship a car if it's too far to drive. Get multiple quotes from reputable car transport companies. Factor this cost into your total budget.
Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI): This cannot be stressed enough. For any car you're seriously considering buying from out of state, arrange for a trusted, independent mechanic in the seller's area to perform a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection. This small investment can save you from significant headaches and expenses down the line. The seller should be willing to facilitate this.
Travel to Pick Up: If you plan to fly and drive the car back, factor in the cost of airfare, accommodation, and the time involved.

Sub-heading: Paperwork and Registration

Out-of-State Purchase Paperwork: Understand the paperwork requirements for buying a car from another state. This often involves a bill of sale, title transfer, and potentially temporary tags.
Registration in Your State: Research the process for registering an out-of-state vehicle in your home state. You'll likely need the title, bill of sale, and proof of insurance. Be aware of any sales tax implications in both states.

Step 7: Save Your Search and Set Up Alerts!

Don't want to repeat these steps every day? CarGurus has you covered!

Sub-heading: Staying Updated

Save Your Search: After applying all your desired filters (especially the "Nationwide" radius), look for a "Save Search" button (often a green button or a heart icon) at the top of the search results page.
Subscribe to Email Alerts: When you save a search, CarGurus will usually prompt you to subscribe to email alerts. Do this! You'll receive notifications when new listings matching your exact nationwide criteria become available. This is a passive yet powerful way to stay on top of the market.

By following these steps, you'll transform your car search from a local hunt into a nationwide treasure quest, significantly increasing your chances of finding the perfect vehicle at the perfect price.

10 Related FAQ Questions:

How to widen my search radius on CarGurus beyond my local area?

To widen your search radius, go to the search results page, find the "Location & Delivery" filter on the left (or "Filter Results" on mobile), and select "Nationwide" or "Unlimited" from the "Search Radius" dropdown menu.

How to find cars across the entire United States on CarGurus?

To find cars across the entire U.S., perform an initial search with your desired make/model and a zip code, then on the results page, adjust the "Search Radius" filter to "Nationwide."

How to ensure I see all available listings on CarGurus, not just local ones?

Always set your "Search Radius" filter to "Nationwide" on the CarGurus search results page to ensure you're viewing all available listings across the country, not just those near your entered zip code.

How to use CarGurus to search for rare or specific car models nationwide?

Enter the specific make, model, and any unique trim details in the initial search bar, then apply the "Nationwide" search radius. Further refine with filters like "Features" or "Year" to pinpoint rare finds.

How to filter CarGurus search results for nationwide deals?

After setting your search radius to "Nationwide," use the "Deal Rating" filter on the left-hand side to prioritize "Great Deals" or "Good Deals" to find competitively priced vehicles across the country.

How to save a nationwide search on CarGurus for future alerts?

Once you've configured your nationwide search with all desired filters, click the "Save Search" button (often a green button or heart icon) at the top of the results page. You'll then have the option to subscribe to email alerts for new matching listings.

How to contact a seller for a nationwide CarGurus listing?

On the individual vehicle listing page, use the "Contact Seller" buttons or forms provided by CarGurus to send an email or call the dealership/private seller. Be prepared to ask questions about the vehicle's condition and history.

How to arrange a pre-purchase inspection for a car found through a nationwide CarGurus search?

Contact the seller and ask if they are willing to take the car to an independent mechanic of your choice in their local area for a pre-purchase inspection (PPI). You will typically cover the cost of the PPI.

How to calculate shipping costs for a vehicle found on CarGurus nationwide?

Once you have a specific car in mind, get quotes from multiple reputable car transport companies. You'll need the exact pick-up and drop-off locations (seller's zip code and your zip code) for accurate estimates.

How to handle paperwork and registration for an out-of-state CarGurus purchase?

Before purchasing, research your state's DMV requirements for registering an out-of-state vehicle. Ensure you receive the properly signed title, bill of sale, and any other necessary documents from the seller for a smooth transfer and registration process.

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