The online retailer wants to hand consumers the keys to their next car, but is it really as smooth a ride as it sounds?
Does anyone really like shopping for a car? It’s a huge headache: Between hopping from dealer showroom to showroom, navigating pushy salespeople and weathering the seemingly endless rounds of haggling, the entire process can be stressful and exhausting, to say the least.
What if snagging that perfect set of wheels were as easy as ordering a new outfit? Amazon has altered the way Americans buy everything from furniture to pharmaceuticals, and now the retail giant is aiming to simplify the car-shopping experience with Amazon Autos. But can the company truly make the often-frustrating process easier? Read on to find out how Amazon Autos works, and what you should know before whipping out your credit card.
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What type of cars is Amazon selling?
It started with Hyundai, and now Amazon sells cars from multiple other big-name automakers.
Amazon Autos launched last December to sell new cars, trucks, SUVs and electric vehicles from South Korean carmaker Hyundai. Then, in August 2025, the online retailer announced a major partnership with Hertz to sell certified pre-owned vehicles from the rental company’s fleet, including models from Chevrolet, Toyota and Nissan. And in mid-November, Amazon revealed it was expanding its inventory even further, this time with the automaker Ford.
What do you need to consider before buying a vehicle through Amazon Autos?
Most consumers are used to buying everyday essentials and even big-ticket items online, but buying a car requires a bit more caution. Here’s what to understand about the new partnerships before you click that buy button.
Not all cars are new
While Hyundai vehicles sold on Amazon Autos are new, all Ford and Hertz vehicles available on the platform are refurbished, inspected and certified pre-owned (CPO). Depending on the manufacturer, cars may be classified based on mileage, engine type or vehicle age. For example, Ford vehicles sold through Amazon Autos fall into one of three certification tiers: Gold, EV (for electric vehicles) and Blue, each with specific qualification requirements.
It’s a dealer-based inventory
Although shoppers browse on the Amazon Autos website, they’re actually comparing vehicles from a network of participating local dealerships, each vetted and approved by Amazon.
Pricing is transparent
Amazon Autos promises consumers haggle-free pricing that automatically includes any eligible savings or rebates. So what you see at checkout is what you pay.
You’ll have to meet offline
Most of the buying process—such as completing paperwork and applying for financing—happens online. Ford notes, however, that final signatures and other last steps in the process require a visit to the dealership.
Warranties are included
Anyone who purchases a Ford certified pre-owned vehicle receives the automaker’s Ford Blue Advantage warranty, which includes a 14-day or 1,000-mile money-back guarantee, plus roadside assistance. Optional protection plans can be added at checkout.
Trade-in options are available
The process of getting a new car often involves unloading your old one. Owners using Amazon Autos can apply to sell their vehicle (though only in Los Angeles or Palm Springs for now) or trade it in via a third-party valuation service.
How you pick up your vehicle
After scheduling a pickup time on Amazon Auto, buyers head to the participating dealership they’ve selected to take ownership. Access to Amazon Auto’s vehicles varies by region. When the Hertz partnership launched this year, searches were restricted to cars within 75 miles of four major metropolitan areas (Seattle, Los Angeles, Dallas and Houston), with more cities in the works.
Ford, which has nearly 3,000 U.S. retailers, says more than 160 of its franchised dealers initially opted into the new partnership, with more expected to be brought onboard in the coming months. For now, certified pre-owned vehicles from the company are available in Dallas, Los Angeles and Seattle.
Can you test drive the vehicles?
Yes. After purchasing a car online, you can make sure you’re happy with your selection by heading to the dealership to test drive the vehicle. If everything checks out, you just need to sign the final paperwork and you’re good to go.
Are there any downsides to buying a car through Amazon Autos?
Nothing is perfect, and online car shopping can have some snags. Here are the limitations shoppers should be aware of:
- There’s no customization. You can only buy what’s already on the lot, as Amazon does not allow add-ons or custom builds.
- It’s still a dealership purchase. Even though you’re buying through Amazon Autos, the dealer is still considered the legal end seller due to strict state franchise laws. Service, repairs or future issues must go through the dealership.
- No trade-ins for leased vehicles. Amazon Autos doesn’t offer trade-in deals for leased vehicles, which may take away from the convenience of a one-stop transaction.
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Sources:
- Amazon Autos: “Pick out at Amazon. Pick up at the dealer.”
- Amazon Autos: “Get an instant trade-in offer. Use it on any car purchase. At Amazon Autos.”
- Amazon Autos: “Hyundai Getaway Sales Event”
- CNBC: “Ford partners with Amazon for dealers to sell used vehicles online”
- CNBC: “Hertz to sell used vehicles online through Amazon Autos partnership”
- Ford: “Shop certified pre-owned Ford vehicles now on Amazon Autos”
