TODAY'S TOURBUS TOPIC: CARS - BUYING & SELLING

If you're thinking about buying or selling a car, new or used, today's TOURBUS will point you to the websites you MUST visit before your trip to see the man in the polyester suit.

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CAR BUYING ON THE WEB

If you're thinking of buying or selling one of these...

Acura, Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Eagle, Ford, Geo, GMC , Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Isuzu, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercedes, Mercury, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Oldsmobile, Plymouth, Pontiac, Porsche, Saab, Saturn, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo

...then I suggest you visit Edmunds Automobile Guide first:

Edmunds Automobile Guide - http://www.edmunds.com

Edmunds, the well-known publisher of automobile information is online and offers a wealth of free information to car buyers and sellers. It's been a favorite site of mine for years -- here are some the features you'll find at the site:

---> New Car Prices & Reviews

In addition to vehicle prices (MSRP & dealer invoice), you'll learn what's new for the current model year, pros and cons of the car, and you can read Edmund's Review. Many cars have an Options Calculator so you can figure the cost to add various options packages. You'll also find links to several insurance companies that offer online quotes.

Edmunds has consumer comments and lists competing models so you can do some comparison shopping. You can browse though warranty info, insurance cost, specifications & safety features. This will really prepare you well for that trip to the dealer!

---> Used Car Prices & Reviews

In addition to the trade-in and retail value of your car, you'll find Edmunds ratings on safety, reliability, performance, comfort and value. Also, the car's standard and optional equipment is listed, along with features that were new for that model year.

One nice feature of this site is that they don't simply list prices for a particular car. They show you how much to add or subtract from the standard figure, based on the mileage and the features your car has. This helps you determine the true market value of a car before talking to a salesperson.

There are also links to some very helpful services on this page. You can search to find sellers offering a specific car within a selected radius of your zipcode, or run a free Carfax Lemon Check to learn your vehicle's history before purchasing. You can find out if the vehicle's odometer reading is accurate, if it was ever driven into a lake by a dog, or returned as a lemon.

---> OTHER USEFUL CAR SITES

AUTOBYTEL gives you access information on pricing and specifications, safety data, manufacturer incentives and vehicle reviews to help you make your buying decision. When you're ready to buy, you submit a request for the car or truck you want to buy, and a rep from a nearby AutoByTel affiliated dealership will call you within 24 hours.

AutoByTel- http://www.autobytel.com

CARS.COM is billed as the most comprehensive car information Web site, providing users with comprehensive inventories of new and used vehicles. You can use the cars.com Web site to help you find a vehicle that is right for you by using the site's extensive tools, such as automotive reviews, model reports, advice, dealer locator, financing information and much more.

CARS.com - http://www.cars.com

THE KELLEY BLUE BOOK site provides the legendary Blue Book values on used cars and trucks. A few years ago, it was hard to find this info outside of a dealer showroom. I remember once going to my bank and asking if they had a Blue Book for customer use. The bank clerk glanced around the building and warily agreed to let me have the book (which was actually brown) "for a few minutes" but only if I stood right there at the counter. Times have changed!

Kelley Blue Book - http://www.kbb.com

SUPERCARS.NET showcases sportscars from the last 100 years. You will find high-quality automotive photography and specification data for the world's most exotic, rare and fast automobiles.

SuperCars - http://www.supercars.net

HEMMINGS MOTOR NEWS is the best place to look for information about antique, classic, vintage, muscle, street rod, and special interest cars. The marketplace provides show listings, advertising and classifieds for buyers and sellers.

http://www.hemmings.com

THE FUEL ECONOMY SITE offers includes information on fuel economy for cars and trucks, and tips on how to optimize mileage. Learn about greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution ratings, and safety for new and used autos. Provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

http://www.fueleconomy.gov

That's all for now - see you next time! --Bob