Car shopping explained
THE BEST OF THE TOOLS
THESE ARE THE TOP WEBSITES AND TOOLS
DEALERS USE THESE WEBSITES, AND SO SHOULD YOU.
The car industry has many websites and resources that claim to have all the answers. After 30+ years, I realized I would only have some of the answers, but here are some of the websites and tools we use most often in the business.
THE PUBLICATIONS
LATEST NEWS AND INFORMATION
These are the top in the industry for quality automotive news and reviews
Car and Driver
Great automotive news articles and reviews. One of the oldest and best around. Some content may require a subscription.
Road and Track
Excellent automotive news about the industry, racing, and car reviews. Another publication that has been around for many years. Some content may require a subscription.
Autoweek
Great current automotive news. One of the top several publications that have been around for many years. Some content may require a subscription.
THE BLOGS
auto BLOGS
Lots of good blogs. Here are some of the tops in the auto industry
Motorbiscuit
Their words- your source for everything Autos. We cover anything from EVs to SUVs.
Hotcars
HotCars covers all things automotive: the latest auto news and informative reviews on the car, pickup truck and motorcycle industries.
TRADE RESEARCH
TRADE VALUES
These are the best guides to get a value on your car
KBB - Kelly Blue Book
One of the oldest and well know guides to getting a value on your car and the one you are buying.
Tip: This is the most common among the public, customers, and dealers.
Edmunds
“Our free appraisal tool gives you an accurate price for your vehicle — in as little as a minute.”
CarFax
Newer source – “History-Based Value to find out what your car is really worth.”
TRADE REASEARCH
PLACES TO SELL YOUR CAR
Top sites to sell your car, without having to sell your car.
Carvana
They are the trailblazers in online purchasing. Usually a fairly smooth process.
Pro Tip- They have had a lot of turmoil. Use with caution, only if the value is much greater than you can get elsewhere. Cash your check quickly.
Carmax
A great option to sell your car. Will need to visit for a final inspection for an accurate number.
Pro Tip- As with all buying services they will need to see your car and inspect it. Make sure there is one that is convenient for you in your area.
Vroom
Another easy way to sell your car. They will only come to you for inspection and pick-up. Not as well known as Carvana or Carmax, but sold choice.
VEHICLE REASEARCH
VEHICLE HISTORY REPORTS
These are the top sites to get vehicle history before you buy
Carfax
The top source to get a car history report. Most common industry-wide. Not free.
Pro Tip- Most sellers will provide this for free, make sure that the one you see is the most current report for the most accurate information.
AutoCheck
This is the second most used place to find a vehicle history report, next to CarFax. Some will say that Autocheck is more accurate than Carfax.
Vincheck
Another easy way to sell your car. They pretty much will only come to you for inspection and pick-up. Not as well known as Carvana or Carmax, but sold choice.