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(ARA) – Buying a car used to be the ultimate “good news/bad news” experience. On the one hand, you’re excited at the prospect of a shiny new car with the latest bells and whistles. On the other hand, you know you’re going to have to put yourself at the mercy of a car dealer.
But thanks to Internet companies like PriceGrabber.com and LowerMyBills.com, you can be firmly in the driver’s seat for the entire transaction.
Once you know the exact make and model car you want to buy, visit www.PriceGrabber.com, build your dream car, choose the dealerships you’d like to work with, and sit back and let the dealers come to you. Only the dealer quoting the best price will get your contact information, so you won’t be inundated with unwanted phone calls.
“The system works because consumers get the best price, and dealers know they are receiving truly interested shoppers who are looking to buy a car now,” says Kamran Pourzanjani, president of PriceGrabber.com, an industry innovator in online comparison shopping.
In order to make an informed purchase, here’s a checklist of things to do before asking for quotes:
* You probably know what type of vehicle you want, whether it’s a sporty little two-seater or a minivan. The next step is to pick a specific make and model. Perhaps you have your eye on a particular car, or you always buy a certain brand. If so, your decision is simple.
Otherwise, you’ll want to do some research. If you know people who own vehicles similar to the one you’re looking at, get their opinions. Is the vehicle reliable? Is it well-built? What options do they have or wish they had? Also consider visiting a Web site that rates cars for reliability and value.
* Go for a test drive. Even if you’re getting quotes online, you still need to visit a dealer. If you’re having a tough time deciding between two different cars, a test drive can help you make the choice. You may find the ceiling is too low or there’s not enough leg-room in the back for your friends. One caveat: If you visit a dealer and give them your name and contact information to get a quote, then look at the car at the same dealership online, they will likely consider you a “retail” buyer and may not give you the online price quoted for the car, so stay incognito.
* Get your financing in order. “Dealer financing isn’t necessarily the best option. Chances are you’ll get better interest rates and terms if you arrange a loan on your own,” says Matt Coffin, president and founder of LowerMyBills.com, a free online service where consumers can shop around for the lowest rates on monthly bills, including car loans and insurance. Simply complete a short online form with basic information and the kind of loan you’re looking for and you’ll be matched with recommended providers in your area.
* Find insurance. If you are buying that little sports car, you may be surprised how much the insurance will cost you. Don’t be blindsided by this hidden cost -- once you know what car you’re interested in, visit www.LowerMyBills.com and get a quote on the year, make and model of the car before you buy it.
Putting the Internet to work saves you time, money and aggravation, making the road to owning a new car much more pleasant. Visit www.PriceGrabber.com to find out more about buying a car; to save money on car loans, car insurance and other necessities of life, visit www.LowerMyBills.com.
Courtesy of ARA Content