Nobody really enjoys shopping for a car because it’s a huge headache. Between hopping from showroom to showroom, navigating pushy salespeople, and weathering the seemingly endless rounds of haggling, the entire process can be stressful and exhausting. What if snagging that perfect set of wheels were as easy as ordering a new outfit? Amazon has just 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. Amazon Autos launched last December to sell new cars, trucks, SUVs and electric vehicles from South Korean carmaker Hyundai. Then, in August 2025, they 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. A couple of weeks ago, Amazon revealed that it was expanding its inventory even further, this time with the automaker Ford. Not all cars are new: All Ford and Hertz vehicles are refurbished, inspected, and certified pre-owned. Cars are classified based on mileage, engine type or vehicle age. Fords sold through Amazon Autos fall into one of three tiers: Gold, EV (electric vehicle) and Blue, each with specific qualification requirements. 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. Most of the buying process — such as completing paperwork and applying for financing — happens online, and warranties are included. Trade-in options are available, though only in Los Angeles and Palm Springs for now. After scheduling a pickup time on Amazon Auto, buyers head to the participating dealership they’ve selected to take ownership. 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. Beware, there are downsides to buying a car through Amazon Autos:
- • 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.
