CarsDirect

Pros:  Very user friendly interface, very friendly customer service.

Cons:  You still have to deal with the dealer.

The Bottom Line:  I checked out a lot of car buying sites and this one is at the very top of my list!

Full review
I just bought a car through carsdirect and had a great experience. The car I bought is a little unique, so I put them to work. I wanted my car, a Pontiac Aztek, to have certain features. On my first order, they couldn't find any that matched my requirements in WA state. So I placed a second order and worked with Bob to locate one in California, which I knew had a larger supply. At first, he found one with the right features, wrong color - then came back with the PERFECT model - everything I wanted. And, to boot, he managed to reduce the price by about $500!

The process is that you start by putting in your manufacturer and model (in my case Pontiac/Aztek) as well as your Zip Code. Then, the following screen prompts you to choose which variety of your car you want, listing the base sticker price for each type - mine had four 2001 options. The next screen gives you the option packages as well as various rebates or incentives. Most are hyperlinked to a java pop up window. For example, I click on "Up-Level Group" and a small pop-up window comes up showing me what that entails. If you choose something incompatible with something else, it warns you. For example, you choose heated seats with cloth coverings, it will prompt you then change to leather coverings.

The beautiful thing about this page is that as you choose it modifies your price right away. And their price is extremely competetive. The other nice thing about this page is that you can take your car and compare it, feature and price, so similar models. Other hyperlinks explain their price guarantee's, reviews, photos, terms and a way to "save" your car into your profile for later completion. The following screens allow you to choose color preferences, extended warranty options and contact info. You do have to put in your credit card number, but nothing was charged to it.

I ended up paying $22,908 for a car with a window sticker of close to $29K. They delivered it out of state for a reasonable fee. My experience with Bob was fantastic and he was very personable. I would highly recommend carsdirect - if nothing, just to get your facts in order before dickering with the dealer, if that's your choice. Bob did try real hard to sell me the extended warranty - said he didn't get much of a percentage on it, just thinks it a great idea. I chose to hold off on it.

I used this site a lot in my research for various cars and give it two thumbs up! My sister is using it now even though she lives in an area not covered by them. She figures it will give her a price to shoot for at the dealer and educate her on the option packages she wants.

Try it out if you are in the market for a new car!

Phil