If getting a new car in 2014 is one of your goals, you’re not alone. Kiplinger, a financial news site, predicts an upswing in car sales, maybe even a return to pre-recession activity at your neighborhood car lot. This is mostly attributable to changes at the consumer level where buyers may have more income and a year to adapt to the bite from the return of last year’s payroll tax.
But customers still like being cautious with their money and enjoy searching for super deals rather than allowing the dealer to throw in every extra. J.D. Power and Associates found that more customers are also using online tools, especially mobile devices, to guide their purchases.
Some phone and tablet apps can share info about the latest models, provide estimated prices for different vehicles, or the latest auto and safety news. Some apps even deliver excellent negotiating strategies for dealers or private parties so you can not only feel good about getting a new ride, but getting a great deal on your purchase.
Whether auto shopping is a regular ritual or something you force yourself to do occasionally, here are several useful tools—literally at your fingertips, that will make your car buying experience less stressful.
If you’re someone who can say “I’ll pay for my auto in cash, my good man/woman,” we say kudos! The rest of us, however, must learn about interest rates, monthly payments, terms and loan approval.
The Auto Loan Calculator can’t help with financing but can help figure out the “real price,” how much you’ll pay each month and the life of your loan. It offers handy tools to run all the numbers you want, such as how your payments would change if you put more down now, shortened or extended the loan, or leased instead of buy.
The trial app is free or you can try the Pro version for $3.99.
One of the most objective sources of info in the car world is Kelley Blue Book, an organization that helps you calculate the general value of any vehicle.
It’s handy whether you’re buying, selling or browsing. The site includes a large selection of videos and photos, plus great info from qualified car enthusiasts. The Droid app is especially handy for those seeking new cars.
There’s even a preview section for 2014 models and a place to save favorite searches.
Even though you may go into the car buying process with certain questions, it’s easy to get distracted.
That’s especially true if a car is so cool. But this app can give you a step-by-step list of what to look for in any potential new purchase.
This includes make-or-break tests such as evaluating whether the e-brake works well on a hill or if the car pulls to one side or another when you stop quickly.
It’s always fun to browse new or classic cars but the actual shopping process requires different skills.
This particular app focuses on helping customers prepare themselves for the process, including what questions to ask and some common definitions.
Sometimes there’s a reason why the seller is in a hurry to wheel and deal—just to get something unsafe off their hands.
The free Car Inspector app will tell you what safety features to look for while shopping, prior problems with specific models or general ratings.
It’s written for an Australian audience, so the safety standards of other countries may differ, but some things to watch out for are universal.
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This article was published in exchange for promotional consideration.
Guest Author: Melissa Selden is a self-proclaimed Google-aholic. Android, Chrome, Glass, TV - “I’ve done it all. But I can stop any time I want.”
“The best Android apps are reviewed by AndroidAppsReview.com”
