WAIT! Read ME! -CarsDirect.com-
Written: May 15, 2002 (Updated May 17, 2002)
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CarsDirect.com
We are about ready to trade in the old Crown Victoria for a new one. We have yet to decide whether or not we want the 2002 model or if we want to wait for the 2003 model. Thinking that we will get a better deal if we wait for the 2003's to hit the market, we will probably go with the 2002 when they begin to cut prices in order to liquidate them. Or, one can even save a significant amount if you buy a demo or dealer driven model of said year. Usually, they don't have too many miles and the savings is large.
I previously tried Autoweb.com to search for a new Crown Vic and even though they are ok, they are not the service that I would go with when it came right down to it.
After looking over the CarsDirect.com site and getting a feel for it, I began my inquiry into the 2002 Crown Vic. It is simple enough starting out. I chose the make and model from a drop down menu and click go. It brought me to a page where three types of packages were offered. I chose the 2002 Ford Crown Victoria 4dr Sedan LX w/230A Sport Package. I found it listed for $28,355, but knew with trading in my used one, it would knock that price down considerably. I have low mileage and it is in mint condition. After rebate of $3,000 and my trade in, and CarsDirect.com's reduced price, I will be coming out smelling like a rose.
On the page where the selected package is located at, you will notice you options to read reviews on the car you searched for, view photos and colors, compare it with other packages, and view the available options for each package. You will also notice a tab that says safety. This is there so that you can compare safety features and star ratings on tested safety features.
CarsDirect.com offers you other services as well. You can find financing, buy any insurance that you may need, and do all sorts of research of vehicles as well.
If you already have a set price in mind, but not the sort of car you would like. You can enter that price on the main page and it will list all cars that fit that price for you to decide over. You can use the options that I mentioned above or use a side by side comparison provided. Just about anything and everything you would want to know about a vehicle is listed at CarsDirect.com
One specific feature that I really enjoyed was the ultimate buying guide. When you click on this from the top bar, you will come to a page that offers you six categories. Used cars, trucks, mini vans and vans, passenger cars, SUV's, and luxury cars. You can click on the selection of your choice and find out anything you want to know about the car you are looking for as far as look and feel goes.
On the same page, you will find your listings for manufacturer rebates, and incentives. Be sure to check out their top 10 lists as well. They will list the current top 10 in each category for each type of vehicle. Mine was not in the list. Oh well.
Getting ready to buy is simple. Once you decide on the car/truck or whatever it is you want, just create an account. Simple enough, standard member info. Then go back and choose the car you decided on. You will then be taken to the page where they list their target price. Mine was 5,000 less than the msrp was. Not bad!
A summery page will display all the options and such that are included in the price. You will then be able to customize if you wish and then pick the color/interior that you want. You will then be able to select an extended warranty if you wish. After all that is said and done, you will be directed to the page where you will finalize the deal. You can select financing, paying by cash, or maybe you will choose to lease your vehicle. You can also select the option to use a car dealer near you.
One thing I noticed is they don't offer financing to every state in the US. You will just have to see if your state is one of those that requires you pay cash for your purchase.
The website itself is laid out well enough. It can be a bit difficult to find your way around but after surfing it and clicking on this link and that, you should have no problem navigating once you learn where everything is. I suggest you do some looking around before you actually decide to purchase a car.
The colors are the site are attractive and is mostly white with a splash of blue and green. Easy to read and the pages load fast. Even the ones that have the vehicle photos on them. The search features are very helpful.
I have not bought the car yet but have decided that when I do, I am going to use carsdirect.com. I called and talked with a rep and he was very friendly and helpful. Answered every question that I had and even helped me with some navigation problems I was having. I have received a couple of follow up e-mails and feel confident they will take care of me completely when I get ready to buy. I was going to wait about a year but believe I will be buying in the next three months.
I hadn't noticed the free lemon check they offered until the rep pointed that out to me. I was able to find a recall notice on one of our vehicles I didn't know about before. It was minor but still a recall.
Here is a list of the services they offer:
Products & Services, Great Financing Rates, Extended Warranties, Anti-theft products, LoJack Protection, Free Credit Report, Insurance Quote, Tires & Wheels, Free Lemon Check, Trade-Ins, financing, and of course their fabulous ultimate buying guide. Be sure to check out the fuel efficient list.
My final thoughts. Final for now, anyway.
After searching their site, using their features, and talking with a customer rep on the telephone, I have to highly recommend them to anyone seeking advice on a new or used vehicle and to check them out when looking for a low down, no haggle price quote. They are friendly and helpful and the site is fun to work with.
Recommended:
Yes
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About the Author
Member: Audrey aka Jo
Location: Arkansas
Reviews written: 275
Trusted by: 730 members
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