A car is one of the largest purchases most people will make in their lifetime. Collecting the information necessary to make an informed decision about which car to buy, and how much to pay for it, is an arduous task. But, thanks to the Internet, buying a car can be fun. Everything from model features, to price and reliability, to crash test data, is available right at your fingertips.
The first step in buying a car is deciding on a make and model. For most of us (Bill Gates excluded), one of the most important features of a car is its price. On the web, you can find detailed invoice and retail pricing information on any car sold in the United States. Sites such as Carpoint and Autobytel provide a virtual treasure trove of information, including descriptions of optional equipment and independent reviews. Each of these sites provides dealer invoice, as well as the manufacturer¹s suggested retail pricing for the base automobile and optional equipment. Carpoint even calculates the total price of a car, based on the model and equipment you select.
If you don't like living dangerously, it's a good idea to look up the safety record of the car you've chosen. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is the government body responsible for automobile safety regulations. Their website has a huge collection of crash data on most cars. Once you¹ve narrowed your search to a few models, you can visit the NHTSA's site and compare crash data. (The site also lists recalls, so you may want to visit it periodically even after you¹ve purchased your car.) Besides the NHTSA, you'll want to check out Ralph Nader's Center for Auto Safety to determine whether your car is on their lemon list.
While you can't actually purchase a car online*, most automobile information sites (including the ones listed above) can refer you to a local participating dealer who will contact you with a competitive quote and delivery details. However, the quote you get via these services is often not your best deal. The State Employees Credit Union (SECU), which UMBC alumni are eligible to join, offers members competitive prices through various automobile purchasing programs.
If you're an informed consumer, you can get a great car, at the best price. Fortunately, the web offers all the information you¹ll need. And, it¹s fun!
*AutoNation is scheduled to provide actual online automobile purchases by the end of the year.
Brian Cuthie is a principal software engineer at ES Gear, Inc. where he is developing new Internet technologies.
