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csziggy

(34,120 posts)
4. I used Cars.com, Edmunds, and Kelly Blue Book to buy a car last month
Sun Oct 13, 2013, 01:37 PM
Oct 2013

I used Edmunds (http://www.edmunds.com/) to select the models and years I was interested in. The reviews, reliability rating, MPG, pricing, and specs let me narrow my selections down to the model and years to consider.

I also used Kelly Blue Book (http://www.kbb.com/) to check the prices on specific cars.

Once I decided what models I wanted to look for I used Cars.com (http://www.cars.com/) to locate used ones for sale in my area (and as much as 500 miles away - I could narrow it down as much as I wanted). Many of the sellers have CarFax reports as a link on the listings there so I could check the ownership and history of the vehicles. I could also check reviews of the dealers to evaluate other people's experiences with them.

I ended up finding a 2006 Toyota Prius in excellent condition for $1000-1500 under the Blue Book value at a small dealer three hours drive away. I'm very happy with the car and with my experience with the dealer. We just got back from a long trip in the Prius and it performed flawlessly.

Nearly ten years ago I bought my 1999 GMC Suburban 2500 using the same resources - but back then the CarFax reports we not as accessible - I paid for a limited number of reports to decide what truck I would buy. I still have that Surburban and am still very happy with it, too.

Spend $20 to join Consumer Reports website Sedona Oct 2013 #1
I'm going to break down and spend the $20 on consumerreports. Thanks for your help! shcrane71 Oct 2013 #17
Craigslist worked for me last time. ( But that was 2006.) Smarmie Doofus Oct 2013 #2
Are you a AAA member? GoCubsGo Oct 2013 #3
No AAA membership here. I've been carless for about a year. shcrane71 Oct 2013 #8
I used Cars.com, Edmunds, and Kelly Blue Book to buy a car last month csziggy Oct 2013 #4
I would *love* a Prius, but I think the Yaris is more in my price range. shcrane71 Oct 2013 #9
I found a number of older Prius with low mileage for good prices csziggy Oct 2013 #11
Oh wow... I'm going to expand my search. shcrane71 Oct 2013 #14
Some do, some need replacing at 100,000 csziggy Oct 2013 #18
Whatever method Hunter uses, don't do that. Unless you like working on cars. hunter Oct 2013 #5
I like cars.com and autotrader.com cristianmarie533 Oct 2013 #6
Try LWolf Oct 2013 #7
I've bought at Carmax--about 10 years ago--and located my current car mnhtnbb Oct 2013 #10
Some that I've used sharp_stick Oct 2013 #12
I was with ya til the Audi R8 ;) I've been looking at the Versas. They seem reasonably priced. nt shcrane71 Oct 2013 #16
First of all: Tell EVERYONE you know and everyone that you talk to that you are looking. PassingFair Oct 2013 #13
Will do! Started telling my work mates today. Thanks! nt shcrane71 Oct 2013 #15
This site has all kinds of great information. nytemare Oct 2013 #19
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