Online Car Buying Help

Car Buying Advice Online

If your car-buying goal is getting better gas mileage, The free MPGomatic Roadmap to Better Gas Mileage ebook is packed with useful tips and techniques that make saving gas second nature. You'll also find helpful video reviews of many of the latest models to get a point of view from behind the driver's seat, before heading off to the dealer to check out a car. Dan Gray, the force of nature behind MPGomatic, says "You don't have to buy a hybrid to achieve 40 MPG on the highway. If you're in the market for a fuel-efficient commuter car, the Ford Fiesta, Chevy Cruze Eco, Hyundai Elantra, Volkswagen Jetta TDI and Golf TDI should all be on your short list."

Edmunds.com is run by the venerable automotive information publisher, Edmunds, which has been in business since 1966. The site provides prices on new and used vehicles of every make, from Fiats to Ferraris. These aren't just sticker prices. Edmunds has a proprietary method of estimating the actual transaction prices negotiated between dealers and buyers. The site also provides regional special offers and rebate programs; vehicle test-drive reports; advice and tips on buying and operating a car; and forums where car enthusiasts can trade experiences. The site is free to use, supported by ads.

Cars.com's main attraction is its enormous database of vehicles for sale by dealers and owners - over 3,000 in my zip code alone. But the site also has a research section where you can look up a car's fuel efficiency, safety ratings, features and options, etc., and tag a car for comparison to others as you shop. Reviews by experts and (sometimes) owners are available. This free site also offers tips on shopping and maintenance, and a financing calculator.

More Resources for Car Buyers

In contrast, CarBuyHelp.com charges a fee to buyers and sellers: $25 down and another $125 when all of its services are delivered. Buyer services include searches through "millions of ads" to find a car that meets your criteria, and unspecified advice "throughout the entire car buying process." They'll negotiate price with the seller, and run a CarFax.com check for major repairs or accidents that the seller may be concealing. (You can buy a CarFax report yourself for about $25.) Oh, and they'll also give you "advice" on extended warranties and financing. This is one example of a "negotiating service" for people who would rather pay someone else to deal with a buyer or seller.

CarsDirect.com charges nothing to buyers. It provides a greater range of services than Edmunds.com, including financing referrals for buyers with or without credit problems, and car insurance quotes. Information about a specific make, model and year include photos, specifications, safety evaluations, and price ranges. Used cars are included, but CarsDirect seems to get all of its vehicle listings from dealers.

Car and Driver magazine has a car buying guide. It seems to consist of previously published articles from the print magazine. It covers the pros and cons of buying used vs. new cars; how to test drive a car; definitions of vehicle types (compact, SUV, etc.); and other car buying topics. You also have access to the magazine's reviews of many vehicles.

Zeroing in on the right car is a time-consuming process made only slightly easier by online information. Sooner or later, you will have to get face to face with the car, and probably with a sales rep. But the information you get from online car buying sites likes these can help you save money or even avoid buying a lemon.

Do you have a favorite go-to website when buying a car? Post your comment or question below...