Shift into Gear: Your Comprehensive Guide to the Top Car-Buying Apps and Tools
April 10, 2023
5 min read
The dreaded car sales assistants can exacerbate this problem with pushy tactics and confusing pricing strategies. It can be challenging to discern whether the car they're pushing best fits your needs and budget.
Through this maze, the best car buying apps and tools act as personal GPS. With expert reviews and recommendations, they help buyers navigate the sea of options and find a suitable ride. These resources can also provide valuable insights into pricing and financing, so buyers can avoid being taken for a ride by predatory sales assistants.
Best Car Buying Apps And Tools
Cargurus
Cargurus is an excellent car buying app and tool that helps buyers to find their dream car quickly. Its intuitive interface allows users to search for cars by make, model, year, and location.
And also provides a comprehensive overview of the car's features and specifications and offers real-time pricing analysis to help buyers get a great deal. Furthermore, Cargurus has a reputation for providing the reliable and trustworthy information, making it an ideal choice for those new to car buying.
Autotrader
Autotrader is the car buying app and tool on the market, as it provides users with a wide range of car buying options. Users allow searching for new and used cars by make, model, year, and location.
It also provides a comprehensive overview of each car's features, specifications, and pricing information. Additionally, Autotrader provides helpful resources such as car reviews, buying guides, and vehicle history reports, which help buyers make informed decisions.
Truecar
Truecar is an excellent app for finding the best deals on new and used cars. It provides pricing information based on actual sales data, so you can be confident you're getting a fair deal. It also offers financing options and a network of trusted dealers.
Kelley Blue Book
Kelley Blue Book is a well-known and respected source of information on car pricing and values. Its app provides access to its vast database of new and used car prices, expert reviews, vehicle history reports, and financing tools. It also offers helpful resources like car buying guides and maintenance and repair advice.
Edmunds
Edmunds is another highly rated car buying app, and tool that provides users with various resources, including car reviews, buying guides, and vehicle history reports. It also gives users pricing information based on actual transactions, which helps buyers to determine the fair market value of each car they are interested in. Furthermore, Edmunds offers a unique feature called "DealFinder," which allows buyers to find the best deals on new and used cars in their area.
How To Choose The Best Car Buying App For You
Assess Your Car Buying Needs
Before choosing a car buying app, assess your needs to identify the essential features. Do you want an app that helps you find the best deals or lets you explore different car models? Are you looking for an app that allows you to compare prices or one that provides financing options? Knowing what you want in a car buying app will help you narrow your options and choose the best fit for your needs.
Research And Compare App Features
Research and compare app features by looking at the functionality of each app. For example, some apps may provide a more comprehensive list of car dealerships and private sellers in your area, while others may offer more advanced search filters to help you find the car you want. It would help if you also considered whether the app offers financing options or has a feature for calculating monthly payments.
Read User Reviews And Ratings
User reviews, and ratings provide valuable insights into the app's functionality and user experience. Reading reviews and ratings will help you understand the app's strengths and weaknesses and whether it meets the needs of other users. Pay attention to the overall rating, the number of reviews, and the quality of feedback. Reviews can also highlight issues such as slow loading times or app functionality glitches.
Consider Ease Of Use And App Compatibility
The app's ease of use and compatibility with your device is also essential when choosing a car buying app. Consider the app's user interface and how easy it is to navigate. Check if the app is compatible with your device's operating system and whether it requires any additional software or hardware. Ensure the app is easy to install and use and does not consume too much data or battery power.
Tips For Using Car Buying Apps And Tools
- Set A Budget And Stick To It
When using car buying apps and tools, it's essential to establish a budget before you start searching for a vehicle. Determine how much you can comfortably afford each month on car payments and factor in additional expenses like insurance and maintenance costs. Once you've established a budget, stick to it to avoid overspending and financial trouble.
- Use Multiple Apps For Better Comparison
Don't rely on just one app when searching for a car. Instead, use multiple apps to understand pricing, availability, and features better. Each app may have different inventory or deals available, so comparing them can help you make a more informed decision. Consider using dealership and third-party apps to get a comprehensive market view.
- Keep An Eye Out For Deals And Promotions
Car dealerships often offer deals and promotions, such as discounts or zero percent financing, to entice buyers. Watch for these deals and promotions, as they can save you significant money. Many car buying apps and tools also have a section dedicated to deals and promotions, making it easy to stay informed.
- Utilize Additional Resources Like Financing Calculators And Trade-In Estimators
Car buying apps and tools often offer additional resources, such as financing calculators and trade-in estimators. These tools can help you better understand your financing options and the value of your current vehicle. Use them to make informed decisions and negotiate better deals with dealerships.
