Online Car Research

Where can I learn more about cars I'm interested in?

Manufacturer's sites - The manufacturer's web site is often the best place to start your vehicle research. You'll find the capabilities and specifications of the vehicle that you are considering. This is also a good way to check on the range of options that may be available with the model you are considering including internal and external color choices. While there are better sources for prevailing prices in your area, you can usually find the manufacturer's suggested list price.

Independent car sites - Sites such as Edmunds (Edmunds.com), which includes its estimates of "true market value", and Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com) are a good source for market values including a breakdown of invoice and options costs. You can also get reviews of many vehicles from these sites.

How do I know a car's safety?

For both new and used vehicles, check the National Highway and Transportation Safety Administration crash test result database, where you can research a wide variety of models. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which in some cases have more stringent requirements than the federal government, also lists its own crash test results.

How much should I be paying for the car I want?

Sites like Kelly Blue Book (kbb.com) and NADA Guides (nadaguides.com) can provide you price ranges for the model you are considering.

How do I find out about a certain car's history?

Carfax (carfax.com) has vehicle history reports. You will need to enter the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and associated fee typically ($20-30). This is a small price to pay to either get peace of mind that the vehicle has a clean history or to discover that some aspect of the vehicle's history impairs its value (e.g., it is a "flood" car from Hurricane Katrina).

Disclosure: We developed the content for SmartCarCredit™ while working with automotive industry clients. We hope you find it helpful in making informed decisions. While we believe the information to be accurate, we do not guarantee its accuracy.