If you’re sick and tired of haggling with car dealers, TrueCar just might be your new favorite web app. We like TrueCar because they’re completely data driven (no hidden agenda), focusing on the consumer and providing you with fair and accurate automotive-buying statistics.
The way it works is pretty simple. They aggregate sales data from a variety of different sources and provide you, the consumer, with an accurate report on the pricing of cars and trucks within your area. The idea is that the consumer then takes the report to the local car dealer, getting a fair deal without the extra hassle.
The website is easy to use and the statistics are seemingly accurate (they’re updated weekly). There’s no signup and searching is quick and easy—simply enter your zip code and click on the car you’re interested in purchasing. For consumers who are less web savvy, they also offer a convenient and free phone service. One of our minor complaints was that they don’t offer statistics on used cars—so we’re delighted to hear that they’re working on a beta version of TrueCar for used cars. Really great news from an already stellar service.
Practical Uses:
- Negotiate a good deal on pickups in your area
- Find the best price on a minivan for your growing family
- Seek out the perfect car for a new, young driver
Insider Tips:
- Custom dealer accessories aren’t included in the pricing, so add them on manually if needed
- Ask for a price above or below the invoice if the exact vehicle isn’t available
- Consider licensing TrueCar pricing for your automotive dealer website
What we liked:
- It’s offered on the phone and online (and it’s all free!)
- Statistics are accurate and updated weekly
- Easy to use website—no signup
What we didn’t like:
- Some vehicles don’t have price reports
- Doesn’t currently offer reports on used cars (they’re working on it)
Alternatives:
- DriverSide – http://www.driverside.com
- PriceHub – http://www.pricehub.com
- Real Car Tips – http://www.realcartips.com
- RepairPal – http://www.repairpal.com
Company Info:
- Launched: May 2008
- Privately Held
- Headquarters: Santa Monica, CA
- Founded by: Scott Painter and Tom Taira
- Web site: http://www.truecar.com
Costs:
- Free
All articles are curated and personally reviewed by Dave Onkels. Dave is tech addict and has a passion for rich web applications. He has cultivated several tech startups and runs
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