Kelley Blue Book vs Autotrader

It's pretty much universally agreed that the "New Car" smell is one of the best feelings in the world. Getting into your dealership-clean car with brand-new features makes you feel like a little kid all over again. That's why buying a new car is one of the most exciting times in your life. But we're all also familiar with the dealership process. Haggling for prices and feeling pressured by overzealous salespeople can easily turn your excitement into frustration.

With online auto sales, gone are the days of heading blindly over to the nearest dealership, hoping to find something you'll like, and being largely at the mercy of the salesperson who greets you at the door. Now, you can do extensive research online before ever setting foot on the lot - and that's assuming you're not having the vehicle delivered directly to your home. Today's new car-buying experience is totally different from what it was even ten years ago.

Buying a new car is an exciting experience, and getting one through online services can make it even more enjoyable. Instead of spending hours at a dealership, you can browse through numerous makes and models from the comfort of your home. Online platforms provide detailed information about each car, including safety ratings, features, detailed photos of the interior and exterior, and prices (including monthly payment or lease calculator tools). This helps you make a well-informed decision without the pressure of a salesperson hovering over you. You can take your time, compare different options, and find your dream car.

One of the biggest advantages of buying a new car online is access to a wide range of options that may not be available at your local dealership. Online car-buying platforms often have a larger inventory from multiple local dealerships (or those in completely different states if you don't mind making the drive to pick it up or paying for transport), allowing you to find the exact model and color you want. Plus, many online services offer home delivery, so you can have your new car brought right to your doorstep. This convenience saves you time and effort, making the new car-buying process smooth and hassle-free.

Plus, purchasing a new car online can help you pick out the newest models (even those that are just released and harder to find on dealership lots). When it comes to safety and mechanical features, you can find details and trim levels that offer advanced driver assistance systems, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane assist. Since you're browsing the collective inventory of many dealerships and sellers, it's much easier to find that top-level model than it would be just shopping locally.

So, if you're ready to start the process of getting a new car, there are plenty of places to begin your journey. But if you don't know which site is best for you, don't worry. When looking for a new car online, here are several factors to consider to help you get the best deal and experience:

• Resources. Look for websites that provide detailed information about each vehicle. This includes videos of test drives, comparisons between models, and articles to help you set a budget and choose the right car for your needs.
• Transparency. Choose platforms that offer detailed information about the car's location, dealer, and pricing history. It's important to know exactly where the car is coming from and who is selling it. Being able to contact the dealer directly is a plus.
• Reputation. Check customer reviews and ratings to see what others have experienced with the car-buying site. Look for feedback on the legitimacy of vehicle listings, customer service, and the overall buying process. The Better Business Bureau's rating can also be a useful indicator of the company's reliability.
• Cost. At the end of the day, cost is a pretty big factor. Which site offers the car at the trim level you want at the most competitive cost? Does the cost include features like home delivery?

To help you in the search for your new set of wheels, Top Consumer Reviews has evaluated and ranked the best options for online car shopping out there today. Whether you're looking for a new family vehicle, something to haul your trailer, a first-time car for a new college student, or that dream sports car you've been saving up for, we're sure that this information will save you time and get you connected with a vehicle you'll love to drive!