“The sheer volume of online tools for new car buyers can be overwhelming and consumers have a tough time knowing which sites have free information they should trust and use,” said Joni Gray, senior analyst of AutoBuying101.com. “The key is understanding that different resources have different capabilities, and knowing when and how to use each one during the process. In our estimation, there are 10 helpful tools that have risen to the top as the most useful resources if you are planning to buy a new vehicle.”

2011 Top 10 Most Useful Online Tools For New Car Buyers:

Car Reviews: MotorMouths.com 

This fun and informative site aggregates expert reviews to formulate an Overall Score between zero and 100 for each current model.

Quality Ratings: StrategicVision.com

Well known within the automotive industry, this slick tool offers quality scores on an easy to understand ratings scale.

Safety Ratings: SaferCar.gov

As an offshoot of the NHTSA (National Highway Transportation Safety Association), this site offers comparative ratings that include crash and rollover testing.

Car Rankings: RankingsandReviews.com

The dedicated cars section of U.S. News & World Report provides helpful lists of ranked vehicles by vehicle type to help identify the ideal new car consideration set.

Car Research:  Edmunds.com 

One of the initial online auto resources, this site offers extensive data, editorial and consumer coverage including a robust “Forums” section with real world feedback from actual buyers and owners.

Friend Advice: Facebook.com

It’s always worth asking friends and family members for advice to gain feedback on specific vehicles and local dealer experiences.

Trade In vs. Private Party: KBB.com 

Kelley Blue Book values are readily used by dealers and consumers, so comparing their Trade In vs. Private Party values well help determine the best option on how to handle an existing vehicle.

Finance Rates: BankRate.com 

A sure-fire way to help ensure the best deal is to know current market interest rates and evaluate pre-approved finance options.

Dealer Background Check: BBB.org

Checking the Better Business Bureau Website to find information about a specific dealership could surface any outstanding or unresolved complaints.

Car Prices: TrueCar.com 

Consumers who do not want to negotiate with a salesperson can check out TrueCar.com for current market pricing information and “haggle free” guaranteed prices from up to three local dealers.

Steve Moretti, executive editor of AutoBuying101.com adds, “This list should be used as a primer for car buyers who want some critical pieces of information during different stages of the new auto buying experience. There are plenty of valuable sites and resources that have much to offer new car buyers, but these tools will help consumers get extremely useful information very quickly.”

Selection Criteria:

The top tools were selected based on the value they provide during the new auto buying process and the following criteria weighed into the selection of each product/service:

–       Independent (i.e. not provided or affiliated with a manufacturer or a dealer)

–       Provided to consumers free of charge

–       Product/Service is available across the US

–       Site design, simplicity, and ease of use

With direct links to other automotive sites as a regular practice, AutoBuying101.com is an advocate for the car buyer with the aim to get that buyer the best possible deal using all of the data, details, and resources available on the Web.

For more detailed information on the 2011 Top 10 Most Useful Online Tools for New Car Buyers visit:www.autobuying101.com/reports

About AutoBuying101.com

AutoBuying101.com is an independent online resource for automotive shoppers to find helpful information and tips on how to get the best deals on any new auto or used auto (including cars, trucks, SUVs, and hybrids). Founded by automotive industry veterans, AutoBuying101.com provides a simple step by step process to auto buying, that arms each shopper with the critical information and resources needed to make a confident purchase.  The information, resources, and tools provided on the site cover all major aspects of the process including financial planning, researching and comparing vehicles, and products and services that help consumers get the best deal.  In addition, consumers can shop for vehicles directly using the Dealer Select Pricing Tool™ to get free auto price quotes from local dealers, and view real time inventory on more than 2,000,000 new and used cars for sale nationwide.  Resources listed on the site are carefully vetted by automotive analysts and only the top rated Websites are recommended to consumers.  AutoBuying101.com (http://www.autobuying101.com) is owned and operated by Condurre Media (http://www.condurre.com), headquartered in Carlsbad, California.  Connect with AutoBuying101™ via twitter.com/autobuying101,facebook.com/autobuying101, and youtube.com/autobuying101.