Edmunds - Car buying guide

Explore a wide selection of new and pre-owned vehicles on Edmunds. Known as a trusted source for both consumers and the auto industry, Edmunds offers comprehensive car research and advisory services to assist you in finding the perfect new or used vehicle through their car app. Shopping for cars has never been easier with detailed features and specifications available for both new and used vehicles. Benefit from expert reviews and user ratings on various makes and models of cars for sale, along with access to handy car buying and leasing calculators to help determine the best price for your purchase. In search of car incentives and offers? Connect with numerous car dealers in your area offering a range of new and used vehicles. From new and used car inventories to auto calculators, Edmunds has you covered. Once you've found your ideal car, lock in competitive pricing effortlessly, ensuring a seamless car shopping experience no matter where you are.

Leveraging decades of automotive expertise, Edmunds collaborates with a vast network of over 13,000 new and used car dealers to provide considerable cost savings for customers. Browse through their listings of used and new cars for sale and share your feedback.

Step-by-Step Guide to Buying a Car on Edmunds

1. Create an Account

While you can browse without an account, creating one allows you to save favorite searches, set alerts for price changes, and access detailed research tools.

2. Search for Cars

Use the search bar to find your desired vehicle. You can filter by make, model, price range, year, mileage, and features. Advanced filters help narrow down your options effectively.

3. Compare Vehicles

Utilize Edmunds’ comparison tools to evaluate different vehicles side by side. Look at prices, specifications, performance ratings, and reliability indicators to determine which car offers the best value.

4. Check Reviews and Ratings

Read both expert and consumer reviews to gain insights into the vehicle's performance, comfort, safety features, and potential issues. This balanced view helps in making an informed choice.

5. Utilize Pricing Tools

Use the True Market Value (TMV®) tool to see what others are paying for similar vehicles in your area. This information is crucial for negotiating a fair price.

Consider the Total Cost of Ownership estimates provided by Edmunds to understand long-term expenses like maintenance and fuel costs.

6. Contact Dealers or Sellers

Once you find a suitable vehicle, reach out to the dealer or seller directly through Edmunds. Ask important questions about the car’s history (for used vehicles), condition, and available warranties.

7. Schedule a Test Drive

Always test drive the vehicle before finalizing your purchase. This allows you to assess its condition and comfort level firsthand.

8. Get a Vehicle History Report

For used cars, obtain a vehicle history report from sources like AutoCheck or Carfax to check for any past accidents or major repairs.

9. Explore Financing Options

Use Edmunds’ loan calculator to estimate monthly payments based on different down payments and interest rates. Compare loan offers from various lenders for the best financing deal.

10. Negotiate the Price

Armed with TMV® data and financing options, negotiate confidently with the dealer or seller. Ensure you understand all terms before finalizing the deal.

11. Finalize Your Purchase

Review all paperwork carefully before signing anything. Ensure that all fees are clear and that warranties are documented properly.

What you can do using this app:

• Access Edmunds' car reviews and user ratings on thousands of recent car models

• Browse through a diverse range of Used Cars and New Cars for sale

• Review market values and average prices of numerous car and truck models in your area

• Search auto inventories to discover the perfect car, SUV, or truck for sale near you

• Explore incentives and offers from various automobile manufacturers

• Quickly text car dealers for exclusive discounted offers on inventory

• Compare multiple car dealer offers and save up to thousands off MSRP

• Utilize convenient car calculators to estimate your monthly payments before visiting a car dealer

• Save your research and prefered cars for future reference

Additional Features That You Will Enjoy:

• Extensive listings of new cars for sale, used cars for sale, and certified pre-owned cars

• High-quality car photos and video galleries

• Configuration tools and car pricing guidelines

• Vehicle trade-in appraisal tools

• Reviews of car dealers, an auto dealer locator, and directions

• Innovative Augmented Reality feature - "Can It Fit" - to determine if a car fits your needs.