If you are like me you really enjoy car shopping. Test driving, the smell of new cars, making that deal, yes the negotiating can even be exciting. With all of the technology we have at our fingertips today you would think researching and shopping for cars would be a piece of cake, but it really can be information overload. My husband is currently shopping for a Subaru WRX, he has loved these cars since he was a teenager and has always wanted one. Although he loves the way they look, we have never owned a Subaru so he has found himself searching for reviews and if you simply Google Subaru WRX reviews it will return 523k results! Mixed in with these results are reviews from guys that look like they are barely old enough to drive. Can we really trust a review from them? One source that is an invaluable tool for shopping for cars is Cars.com, but did you know they also have tons of videos and reviews?
Scrolling through the Videos and Reviews section on the second page look what I found, a review for the 2018 Subaru WRX. So my husband takes a look at the review and it is very extensive covering the performance of the car (what he is most interested in) and also comparisons to other cars in its class, the interior, safety features and more. So he heads back to the main page and searches for Subraru WRX’s within 50 miles of our zipcode and is returned 14 matches. At this point he can view each car, pricing dealership info including reviews of that dealership which is important. Just like when you shop for a mortgage or a pair of shoes you should not settle for buying a car from the first dealership you find. Read the reviews, shop many and you will find that although they may be selling virtually the same car, the financing and deal you get can vary greatly.
Having done your research at Cars.com before you shop will give you the knowledge you need to shop wisely and the salesperson will be able to tell you have done your research and educated yourself. The most important tip is do not be afraid to walk away. There is another dealer and another car right around the corner and if this dealer cannot make you the deal you need and deserve, walk away. You will find that they will most likely not let you get out of the door without some “new ideas or incentives” that may get you where you need to be. So the next time you are shopping for a new or used car or even renting a car check out Cars.com first and be a more informed buyer which will ensure you will get the car you love at a deal that is even better. If you have little ones that ride with you in a car seat be sure to check out this article for details on how Cars.com conducts their car seat tests.
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