Several unique terms and phrases describe the features of services we review on this site, some easier to grasp than others. This list briefly defines terms relevant to Car Quote Services.

Ratings

Service Features

A good car quote services website will offer a wide variety of vehicle information for new, used and certified used cars. Car buyers should be able to enter the make, model and year of a specific vehicle and find photos, descriptions and prices from auto dealerships and private sellers in their area. Many car quote services also provide expert and consumer reviews.

Ease of Use

Car quote service websites should be loaded with information, but designed well, so that you can easily find important information and web pages don't appear cluttered. A separate navigation window or toolbar is extremely helpful for navigating the website.

Effective Search Results

Entering a search for a vehicle based on make, model and year should produce at least five available vehicles from auto dealers or private sellers in your area.

Help/Support

Most car quote services websites offer help information about using their service through FAQs. Notable sites will also offer telephone and email contact information. Emailed questions should be answered in a couple of days. Some sites only provide email feedback forms, so their response to inquiries is not guaranteed.

Basic Service Features

Certified Used Cars

Low mileage used cars-usually previous rentals or leased-offered by auto dealerships with a detailed vehicle inspection and extended warranty.

Vehicle Photos

Actual or stock photographs of a vehicle for sale and manufacturer provided photographs for vehicle reviews.

Vehicle Videos

A vehicle in action from road tests to detailed views of the interior and exterior.

Search for Local Dealers

Website will search local vehicle listings from public and private sellers based on zip codes.

Price Quotes

Fill out an email form with a car make, model, year and mileage to get a direct price quote from dealers in your area.

Expert Vehicle Reviews

Individual vehicle reviews from industry experts that include interior and exterior features, safety ratings and performance tests.

Consumer Vehicle Reviews

Reviews from private owners of specific vehicles.

Extra Service Features

Appraisals/Trade-In Value

Average value of a new or used vehicle based on make, model, standard and optional equipment, year and mileage.

Financing Information

A variety of information about obtaining an automobile loan, usually with links to various financial institutions.

Payment Calculator

Find out the monthly payments of a vehicle based on price, money down and interest rate.

Credit Check

Institutions that (for a fee) will research your credit rating so you know how much you can qualify for in a vehicle loan.

Insurance Information

Comparisons and quotes on car insurance rates.

Warranty Information

Articles, advice and specific vehicle warranty information.

Leasing Information

Articles and advice about leasing plus buying and leasing comparisons.

Road Tests

The performance of a vehicle based on actual driving performance.

Crash Tests

Safety information gleaned from front, side and rear vehicle collisions.

Vehicle Comparisons

Compare the safety, reliability ratings, fuel economy and price of two or more vehicles.

Buyer's Guides

In-depth ratings and reviews on specific vehicle categories such as SUVs, compact cars, trucks, vans, wagons, etc.

Auto News

News articles or announcements related to the automotive industry.

Articles/Tips & Advice

Consumer oriented information related to automotive topics such as new car trends, negotiating a fair price and buy and selling a car.

Recall Notices

Announcements and updates for car or truck recalls.

Sneak Previews

Articles, photographs or videos of cars and trucks that are not yet available for purchase.

Automotive Shows & Events

Articles, announcements, updates and sometimes photographs of auto shows across the country.

Vehicle Details

Car History

Institutions like CARFAX and AutoCheck.com will produce a detailed vehicle history based on the VIN number for a fee.

Rebates and Incentives

Announcements and updates about manufacturer rebates and incentives to buy.

Maintenance Costs

An estimate of the annual maintenance costs of a specific vehicle based on past performance and manufacturer reputation.

Fuel Economy Information

Ratings from experts and the industry for city and highway MPG for vehicle types, makes and models.

Safety Information

Articles, tips, advice and crash test ratings for vehicle types, makes and models.

Standard Equipment

Basic equipment for cars and trucks such as the engine type, transmission, interior and exterior features. Standard equipment varies by vehicle make and model.

Optional Equipment

Extra equipment for cars and trucks such as CD players, sunroofs, leather interior, etc.

Reliability Ratings

Ratings from experts and consumers on a variety of automotive features such as drivability, mechanical quality, safety features, wear-and-tear of the interior and exterior, etc.

Specifications

Comprehensive details about a vehicle such as the power train, steering and suspension, interior and exterior features, safety features, etc.

Build a Car

Find out the price of a vehicle by entering the make, model, year, transmission, standard equipment, optional equipment, exterior color and interior color and materials.

True Cost to Own

An estimate of all the extra costs a car or truck owner will actually pay over a five year period based on depreciation, loan interest, insurance, taxes and fees, fuel costs, maintenance and repair costs.

Selling

Advertising Packages

Some sites offer different advertising options based on the vehicle description, number of photographs and the amount of time the ad appears on their website.

Vehicle Description

A brief description of the vehicle including standard and optional features and the vehicle’s condition.

Vehicle Photo(s)

Ads may include one or more photographs of the vehicle for sale.

Articles and Advice

A variety of information about selling your car.

Technical Help/Support

Telephone Contact

Telephone number to contact the Car Quote Services website.

eMail Contact

Email address to contact the Car Quote Services website.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

User Forums

The website provides access to online communities.

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