Using the Internet in the Car Buying Process

Tips to support the brutal process of buying your new car

SALINE, MICHIGAN  APRIL 24, 2004

There are a few different tools available on the web that can aid the new car buying process.  The best tool I've found in buying anything is Consumer Reports.  Most people are familiar with CR; I recently became a subscriber to their monthly magazine.  I didn't realize until after subscribing that CR is a non-profit organization.  You'll notice that the mag is 'thin' because it doesn't contain any advertisements.  The product research, publishing, etc., is funded through magazine subscriptions & fees and charitable donations.  Bottom line: you can trust this source.

Consumer Reports offers a couple services to assist in the car buying process.  For starters, they publish different products including their annual Car Buying guide (latest April 2004).  I believe the same research is available at their website for a fee (ConsumerReports.org).  Use this type of research to begin nailing down the car that you want.

After you've identified a make & model of car, CR offers another tool to help you out.  It's their "New Car Price Service", which can be ordered by phone or instantly over the internet.  For $12, CR provides a detailed report on the car that you want to buy and, most importantly, a breakdown of the different prices and cost components.  They explain the difference between MSRP, Dealer Invoice and identify all the fees therein.  [I used this report recently and their numbers were correct to the dollar].  Probably the best piece they provide is the "CR Wholesale Price", which they recommend as the place where you should start negotiating.  There are other tips, details, and ratings included.  You can order this report by calling 800-205-2445 or going here:  ConsumerReports.org/carprices/new6.  The reports are updated every month based on their latest information.