Los Angeles-based CarsDirect is the leading multi-brand online car buying service, providing new and pre-owned automobiles and related products and services. As the pioneer of the direct online car buying model, CarsDirect has become the natural choice for consumers who demand objectivity, selection and upfront pricing, and for dealers who want to leverage the Internet for cost-effective incremental sales and revenue. CarsDirect offers no-haggle, upfront new car pricing to consumers, who can research, price, order, purchase, insure and finance a vehicle online via an intuitive website that offers product information for nearly every make, model and style of automobile available in the United States.
The CarsDirect Research Center gives shoppers all the tools needed to make an informed buying decision, including vehicle reviews, ratings, safety features and specifications. Customers can even simultaneously compare the specifications of competing vehicles, or search for available manufacturer rebates and incentives on any new vehicle.
CarsDirect is the first online automotive marketplace to offer visitors the choice of three distinctive car buying options: buying a new car online through the company's award-winning direct channel; being matched with a top-quality new car dealer of their choice via the CarsDirect Connect channel; or locating and purchasing a used vehicle through the CarsDirect Used channel.
The CarsDirect Connect referral channel, launched in 2001, gives shoppers the option of being matched with a member of the CarsDirect authorized dealer network. This valuable service connects the customer with a knowledgeable Internet representative at a local dealer, who can provide expert advice and guide the buyer through the car purchase process.
In 2002, the company launched its comprehensive Used Car channel, providing the nation's 30 million used car buyers with a wealth of free in-depth research, fast comparison and pricing tools, expert purchase advice and instance access to more than 500,000 late-model cars - all in one convenient online marketplace.
In 2005 CarsDirect became the nation's largest special finance lead service with the acquisition of 1-800 Communications. Nearly 25% of car buyers can’t qualify for standard financing options, according to Wards Dealer Business. The acquisition delivers significant new benefits for shoppers with blemished credit by matching them with dealers who specialize in sub-prime finance options.
The company's convenient car buying options are backed by a nationwide network of more than 3,000 premier authorized dealers. This nationwide alliance includes the country's largest automotive retailers, UnitedAuto Group/Penske Automotive and Asbury Automotive, and enables CarsDirect to serve its customers locally and more conveniently by enhancing its vehicle sourcing and fulfillment capabilities.
