What should I get out of in-depth car reviews?
Some of the best tools to aid the decision-making process of buying a new car are online car reviews and user comments. These come in many shapes and sizes, but most often in the form of long, in-depth reviews packed full with information. The task of researching your new vehicle may seem overwhelming, but these reviews can help prepare a buyer to make the best decision possible. One thing you will not find in an online car review is insurance information. Do yourself a favor and enter your Zip code above in our FREE car insurance comparison tool to find your lowest rate!
What will in-depth car reviews contain?
Buyers who are serious about making the purchase of a new vehicle should research online car reviews about their vehicle of choice. This is one of the most effective ways to learn all the important facts and figures about your new car. A great online car review will contain this general information:
- Vehicle performance – how well does the vehicle perform concerning speed, maneuverability, safety, fuel efficiency, and comfort?
- Engine specs – how powerful, efficient, and agile is the vehicle’s motor?
- Cost and trim options – what is the price range of the vehicle, taking into account all available options?
- Comparable vehicles and models – how does this year’s model compare to last year’s? What are comparable vehicles made by other manufacturers?
- Owner comments – what do actual owners think of the vehicle? Do most owners recommend the vehicle, or is there a better, comparable option?
Not all online car reviews contain all of the above, but this information will be the most useful aiding the buyer in making the right choice.
Where to find in-depth car reviews
When a buyer begins to dive into researching a new car, there will be an excess of information on the Internet. The smartest strategy would be to navigate to the best Websites and skip out on the sub par information. There are dozens of Websites with the sole purpose of posting all kinds of reviews of numerous types of vehicles, so a buyer is very likely to find exactly the right review. A few very
popular sites to begin with are:
- www.Caranddriver.com
- www.Motortrend.com
- www.Autos.aol.com
- www.JDPower.com/autos/powersteering
As a special point of interest, it’s simple to find “Owner Reviews.” These reviews are posted by vehicle owners and rate each car on a five-point scale. Here a buyer might find tales of faulty electrical systems or stories of how well a vehicle holds up in a crash. Here is where a buyer might find useful information for the buying process that might not be found anywhere else.
Some Websites featuring in-depth car reviews may also provide national rankings of numerous vehicles based on numerous criterion. For example, awards the “Best Cars for the Money” each year. This awards list provides a great starting point for the buyer who wants the best value.
Some reasons to check out brief on-line car reviews
Some buyers may want a short and easy fact sheet about their new vehicle. This may be more difficult to find than an in-depth review, but not impossible. Some of the facts and figures in these shorter reviews are often included in the longer ones, but the format of the shorter review is succinct, yet informative. Often this type of review is in a bullet-point format and can be quickly scanned for
maximum results in a shorter period of time. These fact sheets might include:
- Vehicle pros and cons
- Popular features
- Ratings with detailed descriptions
- Trim options and prices
- Mechanical information
- Safety features
- Release date
- Honors awarded to the vehicle
Some popular Websites with bullet-point style car reviews include www.Edmunds.com and www.ConsumerGuideAuto.howstuffworks.com.
Most important points to take away from a car review
Though there is an abundance of useful information found in online car reviews, the most important points are what matters most to the buyer. Some might be more interested in speed and handling and not care so much about fuel efficiency or safety; while others, still, might be more interested in a large, safe family vehicle and not be concerned with speed.
The most important knowledge a buyer will gain from a car review is the knowledge that will lead to his or her perfect car. Buyers will find that vehicle options are endless if the right amount of dedication and time are put into the research process. To help relieve the stress of searching for your perfect car, use our FREE car insurance comparison tool above to get the best deal on car insurance!
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