Best Car Finders

A typical car buying process

In general, car buying can seem like an onerous process. To help you understand and see how a car finder can make the process simpler and easier, here is an outline of a typical car purchase:

1. Compare and research vehicles
2. Hone in on favorites
3. Figure out financing (decide if you will trade in and what trade in value will be)
4. Locate a local model, test drive, and weigh options
5. Review price and extra products and services
6. Review the deal
7. Complete purchase
8. Accept final delivery, whether you drive it away or it is delivered to you

Steps 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 can all be done from the comfort of your own home with the help of a car finder site or mobile app like those we have reviewed.

What is a car finder?

Car finder is a general term to describe a website with a searchable, virtual inventory of cars for sale. Most sites let you search locally (via your zip code), while others facilitate a nationwide search.

Car finder options range from services that focus on one aspect, like CarFax, which serves to help with vehicle history reports, to companies that offer one or more of the following:

• Pricing guides
• Expert reviews
• Consumer/owner reviews
• Specs, research, and comparisons
• Top 10 lists
• Listings for new car
• Listings for used cars
• Listings for car parts

These service providers offer resources and tools to help with a variety of vehicle research information. The car finders we have reviewed range from straightforward information and tools for the car buying novice to resources and content for auto junkies.

Many car finders also double as car buying sites. You can use these websites and apps to do the following:

• Sell your own car to the public
• Trade-in your car to a dealership
• Sell your car to a local dealer
• Buy a car from private sellers
• Buy a new, used, or certified pre-owned car from a local dealership
• Get referrals for financing and car insurance
• Get a price quote for all of the above

New vs. used car buying pros and cons

Check out this helpful video from NBC News.

Used Car Pros

• Cheaper cost, lower loan interest
• Lower taxes
• Less depreciation
• Less intimidating financing
• You can afford a higher quality car
• Car history check available
• Avoid models already proven to be expensive to own and upkeep
• Better car insurance rates

Used Car Cons

• Someone else’s reject
• Vehicle history can be lacking
• Mostly sold as-is (unless certified pre-owned)
• May need more repairs, lots of time in the shop
• Warranty is less/left-overs
• Higher priced financing
• Fewer rebates and incentives

New Car Pros

• No history to research, peace of mind
• New car rebates and incentives like 0 percent APR for a certain number of months
• More financing options
• New technology offers safety and entertainment options
• More fuel efficient
• Full warrant, you don’t have to pay for repairs for at least three years

New Car Cons

• Rapid depreciation over the first two to three years
• Price
• Big tax
• More expensive insurance

Pricing

One element that makes car shopping so intimidating for many consumers is the pricing. Why isn’t there just one price, clearly listed and the same for all customers?

To understand this better, you first need to know a few terms:

• MSRP: Manufacturer’s suggested retail price, the sticker price on a car
• Invoice price: How much the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car
• Destination charge: A fee that the manufacturer charges to deliver a car from the factory to the dealership. Not included in MSRP. Paid by the consumer, to the dealer.
• Dealer holdback: A fee that the manufacturer pays to the dealer after the car sells

Some car finders help you to avoid negotiating a price, like TrueCar and CarMax.

Car buying terms to know

• Certified Pre-Owned (CPO): A used car with a special inspection and any repairs needed before being resold. It often comes with a certified extended warranty.
• Dealer Invoice: What the dealer paid the manufacturer for the car
• Trade-In Values: How much credit a car dealer will give you for your current car toward the purchase of another vehicle
• Extended Warranty: For more on car warranties, check out our Best Car Warranties.
• Salvage Title: Means that the vehicle has been damaged or has been declared totaled by an insurance company
• VIN: Vehicle Identification Number
• Service contract: Like break-down insurance. Be sure to know whether you have to front the money and then be reimbursed.