Gasoline Credit Cards

By Christina Laun

Driving a car isn’t going to get cheaper anytime soon, thanks to rising gas prices and an uncertain economy. So if you’re in the market for a new vehicle, make sure to do your research before taking the plunge. Whether you’re looking for a car that can help you get more miles to the gallon or for a luxury vehicle to impress the ladies, you can find help in choosing a car that’s right for you with these resources we’ve compiled.

Online Car Sales and Classifieds

Nowadays you don’t even have to leave your house to browse cars for sale in your area. Check out these resources to see what deals are out there.

1. Auto Explosion: Despite the unfortunate name choice of this site, it is a great place to find classified ads for used cars and trucks and RVs and motorcycles if you’re interested. If you don’t see what you’re looking for today, try placing a wanted car ad to see if anyone out there might be able to make you a deal.
2. AutoHopper: This site features a wide variety of ads for both new and used cars. You’ll find everything from small sedans to full size SUVs that can fit your needs and your budget.
3. CarMax: CarMax is one of the most popular places to buy new and used cars online. Visitors to the site can browse through over 25,000 cars to find the one that’s right for them. Better yet, the company will ship most cars to the CarMax location nearest you and you’ll get a 5-day money back guarantee in case you change your mind.
4. AutoTrader.com: This site is home to over 3 million new, used and certified cars that you can browse through. With so many to choose from, there’s bound to be something that will suit your needs and your wallet. You’ll also find tools to research and compare to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
5. eBay Motors: eBay isn’t just a place to pick up collectibles or to find a deal on some fabulous boots-it’s also home to a large online car market. You can browse by make or model or enter your zip code to see what’s in your area.
6. Cars Direct: With this site you’ll be able to browse through thousands of new and used cars, research, finance and even find out how much your trade-in might bring you.
7. Cars.com: Whether you’re in the market for a new or used car or a compact or an SUV, you’ll find what you’re looking for here. Additionally, visitors can get advice on what cars get the best gas mileage, which are safest and how to negotiate for the best price.
8. Motobidia: If luxury automobiles are what you’re looking for, then try checking out this auction site. Once you’ve found and researched a car that interests you, you simply make your best offer, and with any luck, you’ll win it.
9. MyRide.com: On MyRide.com you’ll find loads of listings for cars in your area and around the nation as well as information and articles that can help you make the right car choice for you or find out what accessories you can add to your car to make it more stylish or functional.
10. CarBuy: CarBuy will hook you up with a personal shopper who will help you to select and purchase a car that you find online. They’ll even deliver your new car to your house for free.
11. Craigslist: Craigslist has car listings in hundreds of cities all over the US. Check out your local classifieds to see if there’s a vehicle listed that is just what you’re looking for.
12. Used Cars Only: If a used car is more in your budget, try checking out the listings provided by this site. You’ll just need to list the age, make or model of the car you want and your area to see what’s up for sale in your neighborhood.

Vehicle History Reports

If you’re buying used, you’ll want to make sure your car has a clean history before you ever agree to purchase it. These companies and sites can give you the information you need.

13. DMV.org: This site is filled with all kinds of information you can use to help you maintain driving records and buy and sell cars, but perhaps one of the most useful features is the vehicle history report tool. Just enter the VIN number of the car and get a full report.
14. CarFax: CarFax is one of the best known provider of car history reports. The reports generated will help you determine if your car has been in an accident, has suspect mileage or even if it’s been rebuilt.
15. AutoCheck: This tool from credit report organization Experian will give you the information you need to make sure you’re making a sound financial decision when you purchase a used car.
16. Car Detective: Check up on the car you want to purchase with a vehicle history report from Car Detective. You’ll learn if it has been stolen in the past, has had hail damage and much more.
17. Used Car Histories: This site can provide you with information on any used car you’re thinking of purchasing to ensure that it’s safe and won’t leave you with a broken vehicle and an empty wallet.
18. Auto Lemon: No one wants to get stuck with a lemon. Luckily, sites like this can give you the lowdown on a used car’s history before you bring it home.

Research and Ratings

Do your homework before making your next car purchase with these sites that give you reviews and information about almost any car you’re in the market to buy.

19. Automobile Magazine: This magazine’s website will give you access to discussions about the best cars in a variety of classes, reviews, pricing and even listings of both new and used cars. You can also find information about auto shows and read blogs on the site.
20. Car and Driver: Car and Driver ratings are often touted by car manufacturers to showcase the quality of their vehicles. Here you’ll find an easy-to-use buying guide that can help you make the right decision on your next automotive purchase.
21. Consumer Reports: Consumer Reports tests and reviews thousands of different products every year, cars included. For a small yearly fee, you’ll be able to read about how every car tested and get unbiased reviews.
22. Motor Trend: Motor Trend is one of the most popular automotive reads out there and you can take advantage of the information it provides when looking for your next car. The site provides information on road tests they’ve conducted on a large number of cars to let you know what you can expect.
23. Road and Track: If speed is what you’re looking for in a car, then this site can provide you with reviews and articles on a wide variety of sports cars and luxury vehicles.
24. JDPower: JDPower gives out awards each year for vehicles in categories like dependability, quality, performance and design and safety. You can find out what cars made the top of their list and which ones you might want to think twice about at this site.
25. Consumer Guide: How Stuff Works has put together this consumer guide to help prospective auto buyers get the information they need to make an educated decision on what car is best for their needs.
26. The Truth About Cars: This blog has hundreds of reviews of cars and trucks. Simple enter the make and model of the car you’re interested in and you’ll find loads of information at your fingertips.
27. My Dealer Report: If you’re buying a car from a dealership you can find out if the salespeople you’re working with have a good reputation or not through this site. It allows you to read reviews of dealerships and find out which are the best rated in your area.
28. AutoWeek: You can read up on your favorite cars with the reviews from this site and even check out some classifieds that might be in your area.
29. Road and Travel Magazine: Whether you’re a commuter or just love to take road trips, this car magazine reviews cars with you in mind. You’ll find a number of reviews, car of the year awards and much more.

Pricing

Ensure you’re not being taken for a ride by your car salesman with these sites, which can give you an idea of just how much your car should cost.

30. Kelley Blue Book: The Kelley Blue Book is often seen as the definitive place to determine how much a car is worth, so it makes a lot of sense to check out what it has to say about the car you want to buy to ensure you are getting a fair deal.
31. Edmunds: This site is chock full of information and can be a great place to go when you’re looking to see how much you should be paying for the car you want.
32. Invoice Dealers: Here you’ll be able to get quotes on new car prices. Just enter the vehicle you want information for and the site will return results from dealers in your area. You can also browse by dealer.
33. Rebates and Incentives: This MSN listing gives you information on all the current rebates and incentives that are available on cars at the moment. Make sure to give it a looksee before you buy to see if you can get a better deal.
34. Autobytel: With Autobytel you can get price quotes on new cars as well as estimates for the value of used cars. You’ll also find reviews, videos and other information to keep you busy.
35. Autos at MSN.com: MSN isn’t just for news-you can also get estimates on how much a new car will run you in your area. Type in the make and model and get results instantly.
36. Autoweb: Autoweb can provide you with prices on both new and used vehicles as well as information on what rebates and incentives might be out there.
37. Autosite: Get free quotes on new cars, trucks and SUVs from Autosite. Once you’ve seen if a car is in your price range you can check out reviews and articles as well.
38. Car Payment Calculator: Sometimes the price of a car doesn’t mean much until you break it down into monthly payments. This calculator tool will help you do that and help you to better understand if you can afford to buy the ride you want.
39. N.A.D.A.: Similar to the Kelley Blue Book, this guide provides reliable car pricing information for both cosumers and businesses.

Safety

Whether you’re single or you have a family to think of, safety should be a major concern when buying a car. These resources will give you the lowdown on how your car has performed in tests.

40. Consumer Information Center: This government sponsored site provides cheap information to citizens who are lshopping for a car. For only a $1 you can buy articles on maintaining your car, preparing for inclement weather and safely buying a used car.
41. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: Take advantage of what your tax dollars go towards with this site. You’ll get the latest reports on safety as well as advice on choosing cars with good fuel economy, buying a child’s carseat, and how you can keep your teen driver safe.
42. Crash Test.com: This site provides access to safety statistics, death rates, rollover frequency, and crash test results for numerous cars both in the United States and abroad.
43. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety : According to their website the IIHA is an “independent, nonprofit, scientific, and educational organization dedicated to reducing the losses — deaths, injuries, and property damage — from crashes on the nation’s highways.” Check out their free information to help keep you safer.
44. Safer Car.gov: This site compiles loads of vehicle safety information from the government and makes it easy to find the studies and ratings you’ll need to ensure that your car is safe. You’ll also find a listing of known defects and recalls, something you might not be aware of when purchasing a used car.
45. Car Safety Ratings: Find out how your car stacks up in the ratings with this site or browse through it to see what cars are standouts in safety.
46. Safe Car Guide: It isn’t always easy to know what cars will be safest and what cars will put you in the hospital or worse if you’re in an accident. This site lists crash test ratings, reviews and government statistics.
47. Car Safety Org: If you’re a parent, you’ll want to make sure to check out this site. It will give you tips on buying safer, kid friendly cars and will give you advice on choosing and using a carseat for your child.

Insurance

Before you purchase a new car you should make sure it able to be insured. It’s not only a good idea, it’s the law, and these sites can help hook you up with coverage or let you know what you’ll need.

48. Car Insurance.com: You can get a free insurance quote with this site that can provide you with the rates from several leading insurers. You’ll also have access to a variety of insurance education materials.
49. Insure.com: This site works with over 200 different companies to help you to find the lowest rate on auto insurance coverage that fits your needs.
50. InsWeb: Make shopping for car insurance less of a hassle with the simple quotes from InsWeb. You can also learn what cars cost the most or the least to insurance and how you can help yourself save even more on your insurance bill.
51. Progressive: Progressive allows consumers to compare their rate with that of other insurance companies to ensure that they’re really getting the best deal. Plus, you can buy right from the website.
52. GEICO: As the little gecko promises, GEICO attempts to give consumers low rates on insurance. See if you qualify by getting a free quote.
53. State Farm: One of the oldest insurance companies still around today, State Farm is known for their commitment to customer service. Check out their auto insurance rates to see if they suit your needs.
54. Lower My Bills: You might be paying too much for auto insurance coverage. This site can help you see if you can get a lower rate somewhere else and reduce your monthly bills in the process.
55. The Motley Fool Auto Insurance Guide: If you don’t have a clue as to what kind of coverage you should have and how much you need, check out this useful primer on auto insurance from the Motley Fool.
56. Car Insurance Rates: Get answers to your insurance questions, a guide and quotes on auto insurance from this easy-to-use site.
57. Esurance: Get a quick quote from Esurance to see how much coverage on your new vehicle will cost. If it suits your budget, you can buy online.
58. AllState: AllState offers consumers benefits like a Safe Driving Bonus if they remain accident free. You could qualify for this and other benefits, so get a free online quote from their website.

Financing

For most people, buying a new or used car will require some sort of financing. These sites can help you get the funds you need to buy your new ride.

59. LeaseSource: With LeaseSource you can get a car price quote learn about leases, laws, and find financing that’s right for you.
60. Bankrate: Bankrate gives prospective auto buyers the average interest rates for auto loans as well as the tools they’ll need to compare, refinance and calculate their monthly payments.
61. CarCredit.com: Find loans for new and used cars even if you have bad credit with this comprehensive financing site.
62. eLoan: eLoan can offer you a simple solution to auto financing. Find out if you’re approved as well as gaining access to calculators, tips and other articles.
63. American Automobile Association: Members of triple A might not even know they have access to simple online car buying services that can come complete with financing through AAA.
64. Funding Way: This site specializes in providing auto loans to those with poor credit. They’ve helped millions of others get financing, so see if they can help you too.
65. LeaseTrader: Sometimes people get themselves in over their heads or simply decide they want a different vehicle after they’ve leased their existing one. This site specializes in trading leases from one person to another.
66. How Car Financing Works: Check out this article if you’re unsure of the inner workings of the auto financing industry. Don’t just stumble through blindly, read this article to tell you what you can expect.
67. Capital One Auto Finance: Well-known credit card issuer Capital One also provides auto financing for qualified consumers.
68. Car Financing: Buying Versus Leasing: If you have no idea what the difference is, and what it will mean to your monthly payments, then read this helpful article.

Guides

Get some assistance in buying, caring for and financing a new or used car with these helpful how-tos.

69. How to Buy a Car: Here, prospective car buyers will have the basics laid out for them by the Motley Fool. It will help you determine if you really need a new car, how to set a budget and how to avoid getting ripped off.
70. A Car Buying Guide: This comprehensive guide will give you the ins and outs of everything you need to consider when buying a car.
71. 13 Step Method for Buying a Car: Stay in control while you’re buying a new car and ensure that the price stays within your limits with this step-by-step approach from the Consumerist.
72. How to Buy a Used Car: There are some things that you have to consider when buying a used car that don’t apply when buying a new car. You can find out what you should be looking for with this guide.
73. New Car Buying Guide: Who doesn’t want a shiny new car? This guide will make sure you get the car you want at the price you can afford.
74. New and Used Car Financing Guide: For those unfamiliar with financing, this guide can help give you the basics of what will happen when you finance a car and how not to get in over your head with payments.
75. Guide to Avoid Buying a Lemon: No one wants to get stuck with a useless car. Read this article over before you buy a used car to make sure you won’t get the shaft.
76. How to Get a Great Deal on a New Car: Don’t pay more than you should for a new car. Read over this simple how-to from Reader’s Digest to ensure that you get the best deal you can on your new vehicle.
77. 12 Secrets Your Car Insurer Won’t Tell You: Everyone has to have auto insurance, but there’s no reason why you should pay more for it or not know a few of the loopholes. Check out this read from MSN to see if it can give you some helpful insights.
78. How to Maintain a Car: If you’ve already taken the plunge and bought a new vehicle make sure you keep it in tiptop shape with this maintenance guide.
79. How to Buy a Car Online– For Less: Online car buying is more popular than ever these days. This article will give you the information you need to make educated, successful online automotive purchases.
80. Effective Car Buying Tips for Women: Women are often taken advantage of when they go to buy a car because dealers assume women know little about cars. Don’t get played. Read this article before heading to the dealer’s lot.
81. A Young Professional’s Car Buying Guide: Financial tool Mint has created this useful guide that can help those with little experience in buying cars to make careful and financially sound decisions.

Blogs

Get some advice on buying a car from experts and car enthusiasts in these blogs.

82. Buy an Auto: This blog is dedicated to discussing issues that can help save you money when you go to buy a car. It also contains entries on topics like luxury vehicles and hybrid cars.
83. Autoblog: Keep up with the latest in automotive news, reviews and models with this multi-contributor blog.
84. Car Buying Tips: Just as the name suggests, post on this blog are geared toward providing consumers with car buying advice. The blogger is a former car salesman and gives insights into the industry and how to get a deal.
85. Buying Advice: This site provides readers with car buying tips and consumer information on car reviews and ratings. Visitors can also go to the blog’s parent page and get access to car buying tools and insider articles.
86. Kicking Tires: This blog is advertised as being created just for car buyers. In it, readers will find advice on car buying, the latest news from auto shows, car reviews, safety recalls and much more.
87. Carsopia: Carsopia is a blog that aims to give readers tips and tricks when they buy a used car. You’ll find a list of questions you should ask as well as a complete tutorial.
88. CarsDiva: For women who are into cars or looking to buy one soon, this blog could be a good read. Written by a car enthusiast and automotive employee who just happens to be female as well, it’s a fun and informative read.
89. Hybrid Car Blog: With gas prices reaching their highest levels, hybrid cars are getting more and more attention. You can read about the latest developments and get information on choosing a hybrid that’s right for you with some help from this blog.
90. The Car Blog: Get access to dozens of car reviews with this blog, as well as photos and articles about the fanciest, fastest and most expensive cars on the market.
91. Consumer Reports Car Blog: This Consumer Reports blog can keep you up to date on safety issues, deals and other consumer issues.
92. AutoBlog Green: Find out what you need to know about buying an earth friendly auto with this blog.

Miscellaneous

Here are a few odds and ends to improve your auto buying experience.

93. Repair Manual: If you buy a used car, it may or may not have a manual and you may not know how to fix even simple things or know what parts to get. You can order a new manual with this site.
94. Trust My Mechanic: When buying a car, some people take it to their mechanic to get it checked out and make sure its in good working order. You can find out if your mechanic is trustworthy or sees your new car purchase as a potential goldmine with this site.
95. Car Buying Tips: This site gives tips on every aspect of the car buying experience.
96. What is the Lemon Law: If you end up buying a lemon, this site can tell you what your rights are and if you are eligible for any compensation.
97. Warranty Comparison: Make sure your car comes with a warranty that won’t leave you out in the cold should something go wrong. Here you can compare different warranties to see which offer is the best.
98. Auto Dealer Locator: Unsure where they sell a particular brand of car in your neck of the woods? This site can point you to the nearest dealership.
99. Top 10 Fuel Efficient Cars: Fuel efficiency is a big deal these days as prices at the pump get ever more painful. Check out these ten cars to see if you can save yourself in gas costs by purchasing one.
100. How Much Car Can You Afford?: One of the biggest issues to consider when buying a new car is just how much can you really afford to spend. This site will help you determine your limits and how you can set a budget.