Unless you're a gearhead, the process of buying a new or used car can be as pleasant as undergoing a root canal. Having a new ride is great. The many challenges lie in getting the car, from researching models and options, to locating the one you want, to haggling over the price. The good news is, we're in the post-Internet world, with access to cool tools. If you haven't bought a car in a while, these trusty apps will make you feel as if your previous purchase happened in the Stone Age.
CarMax has lots of pictures, but little to negotiate.
The silky-smooth CarMax app (free for iOS and Android) lets you peruse tons of used cars without subjecting yourself to the pressure of a used-car salesman (cue Kurt Russell). The CarMax chain is like a supermarket for used cars—each car's flat price leaves little room for negotiation, which is a double-edged sword. No wheeling and dealing here.
The app ties right into the company's website. You can quickly find the nearest CarMax location, search for vehicles (by make, model, type, or price), save cars you like, and access your favorites later on either platform. Each vehicle has multiple pictures and lots of information on its features, warranty, and used-car history. The app lets you contact the CarMax dealership about the vehicle via cell or email. It also has price calculators to help you figure out how much you'll be paying in the long run.
The Kelly Blue Book app puts the ultimate car bible on your phone.
But before you even think about stepping onto a car lot, check out Kelly Blue Book for the official value of the vehicle you want. The Kelly Blue Book app (free on iOS, Android, and Windows Phone) squeezes the best parts of the car bible into your phone. It shows the specific value of not only the newest rides but also used cars and even discontinued makes. (Remember Daewoo?) When it comes to used cars, KBB can't tell you what to pay, but it does show what each model would be worth in excellent condition.
ConversionConversion EmoticonEmoticon