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Automobile Makes and Models • New Car Buying Guide • Used Car Buying Guide

car buyers Buying a car easily ranks as the most enjoyable shopping experience for many people.  Men tend to look for powerful engines, exterior styling, and mechanical features, while women tend to focus more on the safety, comfort, and color aspects of an automobile.  But whatever your preference, today's auto manufacturers offer makes and models designed for every segment of the car buying market.  And they strive to maintain market share by offering an array of pricing and financing incentives.  CarBuying.us features a directory of selected car buying information resources that are relevant to new car buyers and used car buyers alike.  We hope you enjoy browsing our web site and visiting us from time to time!

Buying a New Car

When buying a new car, research the specifications and consumer ratings for different makes and models.  You may find it worthwhile subscribing to Consumer Reports and checking out their overall ratings and reliability predictions.  Next, consider leasing rather than buying if you expect to keep your vehicle in good shape and plan to trade it in after two or three years.  Third, determine the approximate price with the options you want and investigate financing alternatives.  Fourth, find the make and model you are considering and take some test drives.  Fifth, negotiate the price of the new car deal and, separately, the price of your trade-in vehicle (if any).  You may be able to get a better price for your trade by selling it privately, but many people prefer the convenience of simply selling to a dealer.

Buying a Used Car

A new car depreciates steeply during the first months after purchase by its original owner.  Therefore, a well maintained used car may be a good value if it has low mileage and good consumer ratings. Used cars are available from private owners, used car dealers, and new car dealers.  A private owner may offer the lowest price, but usually will not offer a used car warranty.  A used car dealer typically offers a step up in price and after-the sale service, while a new car dealer may offer more costly manufacturer-certified used cars with extended warranties.  In any case, it is important to research make and model ratings and to learn about a car's maintenance history and condition before buying it.

Car Buying Resources and Reviews

  1. Edmunds
    Get new car price quotes, check used car pricing, and read auto reviews.
    www.Edmunds.com
  2. CARFAX
    Features vehicle history reports and resources for used car buyers.
    www.CarFax.com
  3. Consumer Reports - Cars
    Browse new car reviews, used car reviews, and auto ratings.
    www.ConsumerReports.org
  4. Kelley Blue Book
    Check used car bluebook values and new car pricing.
    www.KBB.com
  5. Consumer Guide Automotive
    Find reviews, ratings, and prices for cars, trucks, SUVs, minivans.
    Auto.ConsumerGuide.com/
  6. Automobiles - Buying a Car
    Buying a new car or a used car - An FTC information guide for consumers.
    www.FTC.gov
  7. Car.com
    This Autobytel website features information about automobile manufacturer rebates and incentives, auto warranties, MSRPs, and target prices.
    www.Car.com
  8. CarsDirect
    Find car research and pricing information for all new car and used car makes and models. This car buying guide has been highly rated by several reputable media firms such as Forbes, Time, and Auto Dealer Monthly.
    www.CarsDirect.com
  9. AutoCheck
    AutoCheck.com, the online presence of Experian Automotive, provides information solutions to motor vehicle manufacturers, dealers, finance and insurance companies, and consumers. Its National Vehicle Database contains title and registration data — including vehicle identification number, title and transfer, registration and renewal, specifications, brand, and contact information — for more than 500 million vehicles in the USA and Canada.
    www.AutoCheck.com
  10. Buying a New Car
    Tips for new car buyers from the Better Business Bureau.
    www.BBB.org
  11. Buying a Used Car
    Tips for used car buyers from the Better Business Bureau.
    www.BBB.org

Automobile Safety Resources

  • SaferCar.gov
    Premier source of motor vehicle safety information, published by the United States government.
    www.SaferCar.gov
  • National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
    Vehicle and equipment information resource features safety problems & issues, testing results, regulations & standards, and research & development topics.  Learn how to buy a safer car and read information about brakes, crash tests, tire quality, and federal vehicle requirements.
    www.NHTSA.DOT.gov
  • Insurance Institute For Highway Safety
    Independent, nonprofit, scientific and educational organization dedicated to reducing the losses — deaths, injuries, and property damage — from crashes on the nation's highways.  Browse their vehicle ratings.
    www.IIHS.org

Car Buying > Automobile Makes and Models • Car Auctions • Car Leasing • Car Loans

Automobile Dealer Organizations

  • NADA
    Founded in 1917, the National Automobile Dealers Association represents thousands of new car and truck dealers nationwide.
    www.NADA.org
  • NIADA
    Based in Arlington Texas, the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association provides support services for members in the used motor vehicle industry.
    www.NIADA.com
  • NAAA
    Headquartered in Frederick, Maryland, the National Auto Auction Association represents the auto auction industry and provides support services to its domestic and international members.
    www.NAAA.com

Related Automotive Sites

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Car Buying - Buying a New Car - Buying a Used Car