Lecture Notes: 50 Resources for Buying a New Car

Introduction

• Car Buying Evolution:
  • Shift from traditional methods (test driving, haggling) to online research and negotiation.
  • Online tools can streamline the process, allowing buyers to be well-prepared before visiting a dealership.
• Goal: Highlight 50 resources to aid in car purchasing decisions, from research tools to expert advice.

Car Buying Tools

• Auto Loan Calculator:
  • Estimate monthly payments & determine budget via Bankrate's tool.
• National Insurance Crime Bureau VINCheck:
  • Free VIN check service for stolen/salvaged vehicles.
• Carfax:
  • Check for accidents, service records, available free at most dealerships.
• Edmunds.com Incentives and Rebates:
  • Find current incentives/rebates for specific car models.
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:
  • Access safety ratings for vehicles.
• Insurance Institute for Highway Safety:
  • Safety ratings and awards.
• FuelEconomy.gov:
  • Compare fuel economies of cars.
• Auto Finance Calculator:
  • Decide between leasing or buying.
• TrueCar:
  • Discover average car prices paid by others.
• PriceHub:
  • Price data for new and used cars.

Car Buying Apps

• Find-a-Car:
  • App for fuel economy, safety, and specs for vehicles.
• Edmunds New & Used Cars Search:
  • Ratings, listings, photos, and pricing guides.
• Kelley Blue Book:
  • Vehicle prices and comparisons.
• Vinny:
  • Scan VINs for auction prices.
• Cars.com:
  • Search for cars, compare models, view reviews.
• TrueCar App:
  • Market pricing and dealership prices.
• Credit Karma:
  • Credit score and financial tools.

Tips, Articles, and Guides for Buying a Car

• ConsumerReports:
  • Provides road tests and reliability ratings.
• Edmunds.com Guide:
  • Steps for first-time buyers.
• Understanding Vehicle Financing:
  • Information on financing options.
• 10 Tips for First-Time Buyers:
  • Kelley Blue Book's guide.
• Reddit AskCarSales:
  • Community advice from car salespeople.
• Avoid Buying Flood-Damaged Cars:
  • Guide on identifying flood-damaged vehicles.
• 10 Common Car Buying Mistakes:
  • ConsumerReports' list of mistakes to avoid.
• State Lemon Laws:
  • Important legal considerations.
• Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles:
  • Explanation of what certification means.

Car Buying Checklists

• 101-Point Checklist for Used Cars:
  • Extensive checklist to avoid buying a 'lemon'.
• New Car Test Drive Checklist:
  • Bankrate's 25 steps for test driving.
• Safety Considerations:
  • SaferCar.gov's guide for families.

Car Buying Websites

• Kelley Blue Book:
  • Trusted pricing resource.
• Edmunds.com:
  • Comprehensive car buying tools.
• NADA Guides:
  • Car prices and comparison tools.
• Intellichoice:
  • Awards, values, and research resources.

Car Buying Blogs

• Cartelligent:
  • Blog on buying/leasing and family car advice.
• Inside Car Buying:
  • Negotiation tips and cost-saving ideas.
• Best Cars Blog:
  • Advice on common buyer mistakes.
• Carvana Blog:
  • Unique car buying approach and tips.
• TrueCar Adviser:
  • Guides on trends, reviews, and deals.

These notes provide a comprehensive guide to the resources available for individuals looking to purchase a new car, offering tools, apps, articles, and expert advice to simplify and improve the car buying experience.