Wednesday, May 11, 2011

You can never be too prepared...

If there's one thing that experience has taught me, it's that you can never be too prepared to make a decision, especially one as major as purchasing a car.

It's in every car shoppers best interest to have as many facts and opinions about each vehicle they consider, and the power of the Internet makes that quest simpler than ever.


That being said, here are some of what I've found to be the most reliable, detailed, and unbiased sources of information on any mainstream vehicle:

Vehicle History Info - always get a vehicle history report before seriously considering any pre-owned vehicle!

  • CARFAX - The starting point for learning about your vehicle's history. Never purchase a car without one!
  • Experian Autocheck - Slightly pricer, but one of the most detailed and accurate vehicle history evaluations available.

Pricing Info

  • LeaseCompare.com - Check this one out if you're thinking about leasing! 
  • Kelley Blue Book - A must-see source for up-to-date pricing and information about any vehicle
  • NadaGuides - Another great source of prices and info, free AutoCheck reports available
  • TrueCar.com - If you're looking to buy new, TrueCar provides an easy, visual way to discern the best local deals on whatever car you're looking for and gives you an idea of how much you'll actually be paying, after fees.
  • Cars.com - Hard to beat this comprehensive, all-in-one source for vehicle pricing and research. 

Reviewer Opinion

  • Consumer Reports Cars - Great source for reviews/info, cars are ranked from best to worst by class
  • US News Car Rankings & Reviews - Another terrific source for information and reviews on any vehicle -- offers a great combination of data analysis and reviewer perception to form an opinion about each vehicle and rank them from best to worst.
  • Consumer Guide Automotive - Another one to check out for reviews on any vehicle you're considering. They rate each car 1-100 and clearly list each vehicle's pros and cons.
  • The Truth About Cars - Useful, unbiased auto reviews -- the reviewer isn't afraid to point out each vehicle's shortcomings, which is necessary to get a full picture of any vehicle you're considering.

Fact/Statistic Databases

  • Wikicars - Great resource to research any modern automobile. Densely packed with history, facts. and other info and easy to navigate.
  • FuelEconomy.gov - Very useful interactive official US government resource for fuel economy information on current and future vehicles. More important now than ever!
  • Safercar.gov - A fantastic database of vehicle crash test safety ratings and useful info on current and upcoming automotive safety technology.

Thinking about a hybrid?

  • HybridCars.com - In a struggling economy, hybrid vehicles are more popular than ever. Great site that focuses on these new vehicles and the shockwaves they're producing in the auto industry.
  • AutoBlog Green - Hybrid cars are progressing quickly -- AutoblogGreen is an easy way to follow the latest developments in hybrid vehicle technology.

7 comments:

  1. I certainly agreed on that. Purchasing a used vehicle is a good way of saving up your money but its not that easy. But what I've learned before after purchasing a Japan used cars is that as a buyer you need to be clear on what you need and what you are looking for in a vehicle and it will surely lead you to the best car deal.

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  2. Buying a used car is really tough job. I bought a used car but I am not satisfied with that deal.

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  3. Yeah I completely agree with it. The basic five options of vehicle history info, pricing info, reviewer opinion, fact/statistic databases and more really helped a lot in making the best selection while I was looking for used cars for sale Los Angeles.

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  4. Thanks! Friend advice will be good in such matters.
    First start with prices and then search help.
    cars

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  5. yes because it is helpful to newly drivers
    you also open this zugaadi

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  6. Great post. I think it is helpful as well to consider purchasing from a private party. You can save a significant amount of money.

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  7. Great post I really want to thank to you that you included some excellent information , that will be helpful to me . Thanks to share this post.
    used cars for sale

    ReplyDelete