Buying a new car is no easy task. With an infinite amount of options and ongoing  conversations with salespeople, making the perfect purchase can seem overwhelming. When you’re first starting out, we believe it’s always important to do your research.

Here are several of our favorite apps and websites that give you great information so you can find the car that suits you best.

Resources For Buying A Car Online:

CarsDirect.com: This is a good resource for research and used car listings. The site offers information about financing as well as the latest rebates and incentives. If you’re looking to buy a new car, they have great specialists who will gladly contact you and walk you through your entire car buying process.

Autotempest.com: This site gives a multiple region search of Craiglist that also searches eBay, AutoTrader and Cars.com at the same time. It’s like cross-shopping plane ticket search sites (think Kayak), but for cars. It’s great for finding the best deals.

Bankrate’s auto loan calculator: The calculator that helps shoppers determine the type of car they can afford. Input the interest rate and term of the loan and the site will show you how much you can afford to borrow.

eBay Motors (app, iOS 5.0 or later, free) : Essentially eBay for cars, you can filter your search by year, make, and model. What’s cool about this app is that you can create your own custom “Garage.” Simply scan the VIN barcode on your vehicle and the app will fill out and store your car’s most important details.

Edmunds Car Reviews & Prices (app, iOS 6.0 or later, free): Edmunds is great for researching cars you are looking to purchase. You can search thousands of new and used cars by brand, type, feature or keyword. It helps you make smart purchases by calculating your payments and finding relevant incentives or rebates. If you find a car you like the app will also show you if dealers nearby have your car in stock.

KBB.com (app, iOS 4.3 or later, free): This app provides trusted Kelley Blue Book Values. It allows you to find the value of your current car or search for new and used cars. You can find local dealers and access detailed maps. The app also has great 360 degree photos and videos. Their constant twitter feed also allows you to get the latest information from their experts and enthusiasts.

What’s your biggest frustration when buying a new car? Do you like buying online or going to the dealership? Tell us in the comments below.

Posted on 8/17/2013

Written by Emma Paye

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