Wikicars - User contributions [en]

Buy a car on the internet

2007-01-17T18:36:22Z

64.253.55.138: /* Referral */

The Internet has taken much of the guess work out of the car buying process. Shoppers are able to obtain a vast amount of research information on the Web that was previously hard to obtain. And once you decide on a vehicle, there are websites that can actually help you purchase it.

==Purchasing==
In addition to being a source for research, the Internet can also facilitate the purchase of a car. There are two general ways one can buy a new car online, '''directly''' through a website or by being '''referred''' to a dealer. For used cars there are more choices, dominated by online classifieds, or buying from an online seller using [http://www.ebaymotors.com eBayMotors.com]. To see actual prices that other car buyers have negotiated for their new vehicles, you can check [http://www.wikiworth.com wikiworth.com].

=== Referral ===
Through a referral, a customer is connected with a dealer that has the desired car in stock. This makes the shopping process a great deal easier and avoids the hassle of having to go from dealership to dealership. While you can't avoid a car salesman entirely through this process, a lot of the negotiation and finance details can be worked out online.

There are different types of websites you can use to initiate the process, including those run by the manufacturer([http://www.fordcredit.com/ Ford Credit], [http://www.volvocarfinance.com Volvo Car Finance], [http://www.landrovercredit.com Land Rover Capital Group], [http://www.mazdacredit.com/home.html Mazda American Credit]), the dealer or a third-party, such as [http://www.Autoshopper.com Autoshopper.com], [http://www.automotive.com Automotive.com], [http://www.carzoom.com CarZoom], [http://www.autousa.com AutoUSA], [http://www.edmunds.com Edmunds], [http://www.trade-in-value.com Trade-In-Value], [http://www.kbb.com Kelly Blue Book], [http://www.newcars.com NewCars.com], [http://www.autoextra.com AutoExtra.com] or [http://www.carsdirect.com CarsDirect]. While there can be some variance, generally, there are a few steps involved in the referral process:
*'''Fill out Form''' - You'll be asked to fill a out form with key details, such as contact information, type of vehicle you're interested in, how you plan on paying, etc.

*'''Contact from Dealer''' - Your information will be forwarded to dealers in your area. If a dealer is able to fulfill your order, you'll get an e-mail stating that your request was received, if the desired car is in stock, as well as the asking price.

*'''Finalize the Details''' - After your initial contact, the rest of the transaction kind of depends on you and the dealer. If you're comfortable with the car and the asking price, you can likely work out a lot of details before you even step inside the door of the dealership. On the other hand, if you're not sure about the car or the dealership, you can arrange a time to go take a test drive and meet with the salesperson. Financing can also vary. Most dealers will give you the option of working with one of their banks or the automaker's finance division.

=== Direct ===
With this method, you can buy a new car directly from a website that is not affiliated with an automaker or dealership. The price is set beforehand - no negotiation is required. The largest website that offers this service is [http://www.carsdirect.com CarsDirect]. You still have to pick up your vehicle at a dealership, but all of the details are worked out before delivery. Through the direct method, you have different finance options that include using the website's banking partners and the manufacturer's finance arm.

=== Online Purchase ===
If you are looking for that special car, it might not be in your local area. You can still place a bid or make an offer using eBay. You can usually arrange shipping and financing even for a remote purchase, and eBay offers purchase protection if something goes wrong. Be sure to do your homework however. Ask questions, and look up the Vehicle History Report to avoid surprises.

=== Female Friendly Certified Dealer Search ===

For women shoppers you can search on the internet for 'female friendly' dealerships in the US by going to http://www.askpatty.com and locating the dealer search tool to locate a dealership by brand and zip code. These dealerships also display a door or wondow seal denoting 'female certified' by AskPatty and complete a twelve month training program to become certified.

Used cars

2007-01-17T18:26:07Z

64.253.55.138: /* External links */

A '''pre-owned vehicle''', also known as a '''used car''', is a vehicle that has previously had one or more owners. Used cars are sold through a variety of outlets, which include franchise and independent dealers, rental car companies, leasing companies, and used car superstores. Some car retailers offer "no-haggle prices," and "certified" used cars, and extended service plans or warranties. Individuals can also sell and purchase used cars through resources, such as newspaper classifieds, Autoshopper.com, AutoTrader.com, EBay, and cars.com.

[[CarMax]], Inc. sells more used cars than any other retailer in the U.S. The company, which operates 71 used car superstores in 22 states, sold 285,950 used vehicles during its 2005 fiscal year. <ref>CarMax FY05 Annual Report</ref> Comparatively, AutoNation, Inc. is second in the U.S. for selling 235,313 used vehicles in 2005. AutoNation owns and operates 338 new vehicle franchises in 16 states.<ref>AutoNation FY05 Annual Report</ref>

===Used car industry===
With annual sales of nearly $370 billion, the used vehicle industry represents almost half of the U.S. auto retail market and is the largest retail segment of the economy. In 2005, about 44 million used cars were sold in the U.S., which is more than double that of the nearly 17 million new cars sold. <ref>CNW Marketing/Research, New vehicle volume, Automotive News</ref>

The used vehicle market is substantially larger than other large retail sectors, such as the school and office products market ($206 billion in estimated annual sales) and the home improvement market ($291 billion in estimated annual sales).

===Selecting a reputable used vehicle retailer===
The Federal Trade Commission recommends that consumers consider a car retailer’s reputation when deciding where to purchase a used car. Get recommendations from friends, relatives and co-workers, or contact your local consumer protection agency to obtain information about reputable car dealers or retailers.

The Federal Trade Commission's Used Car Rule requires dealers to post a Buyers Guide in every used car they offer for sale.<ref>Federal Trade Commission</ref>
The Buyers Guide must tell you:
*whether the vehicle is being sold "as is" or with a warranty;
*what percentage of the repair costs a dealer will pay under the warranty;
*that spoken promises are difficult to enforce;
*to get all promises in writing;
*to keep the Buyers Guide for reference after the sale;
*the major mechanical and electrical systems on the car, including some of the major problems you should look out for; and
*to ask to have the car inspected by an independent mechanic before you buy.

===Used vehicle history reports===
An estimated 34-percent of consumers are buying vehicle history reports for used cars more frequently, partially in reaction to the number of vehicles that may have been damaged by flooding during hurricanes. About 30-percent of manufacturer franchise dealers provide vehicle history reports to customers at no additional cost. In addition, some car retailers, such as CarMax and online car classified advertisers, such as AutoTrader.com offer vehicle history reports for their inventory at no charge to customers. Consumers can also purchase vehicle history reports online through companies like AutoCheck.com and Carfax.com. <ref name="JDPower">J.D. Power and Associates</ref>

===Researching, selecting and purchasing used cars online===
Consumers are increasingly researching, selecting and purchasing used vehicles online. Nearly a quarter of used-auto shoppers (22-percent) bought a vehicle found online, meaning that they selected the car online but then had to meet with the dealer or seller in person to finalize paperwork and pick up the car. <ref name="JDPower"/>
The top five Websites for used car searches according to J.D. Power and Associates include:
*Kelley Blue Book
*Autoshopper.com
*AutoTrader.com
*Carfax.com
*EBay Motors
*carmax.com

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
* [http://www.autoshopper.com Autoshopper.com]
* [http://www.carmax.com CarMax Used Car Superstore]
* [http://www.ftc.gov Federal Trade Commission]

Used cars

2007-01-17T18:25:07Z

64.253.55.138:

A '''pre-owned vehicle''', also known as a '''used car''', is a vehicle that has previously had one or more owners. Used cars are sold through a variety of outlets, which include franchise and independent dealers, rental car companies, leasing companies, and used car superstores. Some car retailers offer "no-haggle prices," and "certified" used cars, and extended service plans or warranties. Individuals can also sell and purchase used cars through resources, such as newspaper classifieds, Autoshopper.com, AutoTrader.com, EBay, and cars.com.

[[CarMax]], Inc. sells more used cars than any other retailer in the U.S. The company, which operates 71 used car superstores in 22 states, sold 285,950 used vehicles during its 2005 fiscal year. <ref>CarMax FY05 Annual Report</ref> Comparatively, AutoNation, Inc. is second in the U.S. for selling 235,313 used vehicles in 2005. AutoNation owns and operates 338 new vehicle franchises in 16 states.<ref>AutoNation FY05 Annual Report</ref>

===Used car industry===
With annual sales of nearly $370 billion, the used vehicle industry represents almost half of the U.S. auto retail market and is the largest retail segment of the economy. In 2005, about 44 million used cars were sold in the U.S., which is more than double that of the nearly 17 million new cars sold. <ref>CNW Marketing/Research, New vehicle volume, Automotive News</ref>

The used vehicle market is substantially larger than other large retail sectors, such as the school and office products market ($206 billion in estimated annual sales) and the home improvement market ($291 billion in estimated annual sales).

===Selecting a reputable used vehicle retailer===
The Federal Trade Commission recommends that consumers consider a car retailer’s reputation when deciding where to purchase a used car. Get recommendations from friends, relatives and co-workers, or contact your local consumer protection agency to obtain information about reputable car dealers or retailers.

The Federal Trade Commission's Used Car Rule requires dealers to post a Buyers Guide in every used car they offer for sale.<ref>Federal Trade Commission</ref>
The Buyers Guide must tell you:
*whether the vehicle is being sold "as is" or with a warranty;
*what percentage of the repair costs a dealer will pay under the warranty;
*that spoken promises are difficult to enforce;
*to get all promises in writing;
*to keep the Buyers Guide for reference after the sale;
*the major mechanical and electrical systems on the car, including some of the major problems you should look out for; and
*to ask to have the car inspected by an independent mechanic before you buy.

===Used vehicle history reports===
An estimated 34-percent of consumers are buying vehicle history reports for used cars more frequently, partially in reaction to the number of vehicles that may have been damaged by flooding during hurricanes. About 30-percent of manufacturer franchise dealers provide vehicle history reports to customers at no additional cost. In addition, some car retailers, such as CarMax and online car classified advertisers, such as AutoTrader.com offer vehicle history reports for their inventory at no charge to customers. Consumers can also purchase vehicle history reports online through companies like AutoCheck.com and Carfax.com. <ref name="JDPower">J.D. Power and Associates</ref>

===Researching, selecting and purchasing used cars online===
Consumers are increasingly researching, selecting and purchasing used vehicles online. Nearly a quarter of used-auto shoppers (22-percent) bought a vehicle found online, meaning that they selected the car online but then had to meet with the dealer or seller in person to finalize paperwork and pick up the car. <ref name="JDPower"/>
The top five Websites for used car searches according to J.D. Power and Associates include:
*Kelley Blue Book
*Autoshopper.com
*AutoTrader.com
*Carfax.com
*EBay Motors
*carmax.com

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
* [http://www.carmax.com CarMax Used Car Superstore]
* [http://www.ftc.gov Federal Trade Commission]