Disclosure: This is part of a sponsored collaboration with Kelley Blue Book and DiMe Media. However, all opinions expressed are my own. When it comes to car buying you gotta be smart. You gotta be smart to not get taken when you
are at the dealership. It’s so important that you come prepared whether it’s a new or used vehicle you are shopping for. There’s so many variables to consider when making this large of a purchase. You have the tools to be new-car smart with Kelley Blue Book and have all of your ducks in a row so you’ll make the most informed decision.
During Hispanicize this year, I attended the Kelley Blue Book session. Truth be told, this is always one of my favorite sessions. I always walk away with new facts about car buying and tools available via the KBB.com website. I consider myself pretty car-buying savvy having purchased all of my vehicles on my own. It’s exciting having the upper hand during my visits to the dealerships. You must go in knowing what you want and what you are willing to pay.
This year was no different. I learned a few new things and got to learn about Autotrader too. Bonus! One thing I also have to add is the women that were in our session were totally boss on car buying as well! Hispanicize is an event for digital trendsetters and it’s not female heavy, there’s a huge mix of male and female attendees. As you can see in the pic below more women are becoming more influential when it comes to purchasing a vehicle!
How do you become new-car smart? By using Kelley Blue Book of course! If you’ve never heard of Kelley Blue Book, don’t think it’s new to the car buying game. Kelley Blue Book was founded more than 90 years ago! Yes, it’s that incredible! It was around and helping folks before the world wide web! That alone lets me know they know things about shopping for cars.
Did you know @KelleyBlueBook has been providing automobile value info since 1960's! Wow! #youautoknowhispz #Hispz17
— Candy Po (@Candypo) April 5, 2017
Ok so here’s the break down on how they can help:
Price Advisor
Using the Price Advisor tool you can find out what others are paying for the same vehicle in your local area. You won’t feel like you are getting taken by the dealership with this tool. It’s a good rule of thumb to have some sort of idea of what that make and model is going for. Last thing you want to do is find out you overpaid!
5-Year Cost to Own
One of the most important questions I think when purchasing a vehicle is , “How long do you plan to own it?” You’d be surprised that a lot of people only keep their vehicles 2-3 years. I’m way over due because we’ve had my vehicle for five years now! I’ll be starting the research on KBB.com soon! LOL With the 5-Year Cost to Own information you can compare overall costs. There’s nothing like getting the “big picture” up front. Is that vehicle the best investment for you?
Editorial Reviews and Best Lists
When searching for my next vehicle before I even go out for a test drive I read the editorial reviews. and find out what Best Lists it’s been featured on as well. And don’t think it’s just Top 10 Best cars of the year, Kelley Blue Book breaks it down into many lists, ie: Best Family Cars, 10 Coolest Cars, 10 Best SUVs Under $25,000 and more. Nifty!
How many times have you gone to purchase something online and you checked the reviews? You have probably done it a lot more than you think. I know I do! I don’t even realize that as I’m scrolling I come across the reviews and start reading. On KBB.com you can find great reviews that better inform you on the vehicle you’re interested in. I think when someone else shares their good or bad experience it becomes part of your thought process when moving forward. You want to be happy like Customer ABC is with their vehicle. And last but certainly not least, the ratings. How does this vehicle fare against it’s competitors? I want to know!
How many times have you gone to purchase something online and you checked the reviews? You have probably done it a lot more than you think. I know I do! I don’t even realize that as I’m scrolling I come across the reviews and start reading. On KBB.com you can find great reviews that better inform you on the vehicle you’re interested in. I think when someone else shares their good or bad experience it becomes part of your thought process when moving forward. You want to be happy like Customer ABC is with their vehicle. And last but certainly not least, the ratings. How does this vehicle fare against it’s competitors? I want to know!
Kelley Blue Book has so much information whether It’s your first time going in to look at vehicles or you are a seasoned auto buyer. If you do even a little research on KBB.com you’ll be at an advantage.
In the market for a new or used vehicle? Make sure to visit Kelley Blue Book’s website. And follow them on social as well! Kelley Blue Book on Facebook, and follow Kelley Blue Book on Twitter!
I never ever buy a used car without looking at the Kelly Blue Book. Even used car dealerships will try to get one over on you.
Looking at reviews beforehand definitely helps me make informed decisions. Doing some searches on the Kelley Bluebook is definitely a good idea when looking for a vehicle.
I am very afraid to buy a new car. Those salesman are so smooth but if I come with the blue book value at least I can start the process right. I will be needing a new car soon, wish me luck.
I never do anything with my car…make repairs, buy a new car, trade in an old car, etc without consulting the Kelley Blue Book. I remember when I had to use the old printed version (and I’m not that old). I love that all of the information that was in the book, and more, is now available online!
Soooooo….. crazy story, but I’ve never had a car. I don’t even know how to drive! I turn 37 in a couple of weeks. And I don’t live in a big city or something, where this is normal. It’s definitely NOT normal here to not drive, lol. It’s a long story though – but I probably won’t ever learn now.
That said – I LOVE Kelley Blue Book. My mom has used this as reference before, and it’s so helpful!
Meagan I hope you do learn one day. It’s a freeing experience.
This is interesting! I have a friend planning to buy a new car. Will have to share this to here.
We use Kelley Blue Book to help us with the car buying processes too! IT is a very helpful guide.
We are planning to buy a car this summer. I will have to check out Autotrader to do some research and maybe find the one to buy.
I used Autotrader this summer when I bought my new car. It really gave me an amazing section to choose from. This sounds like a great event.
I’ve always looked up car value on Kelley Blue Book. I’ve done this when I’ve bought and sold cars. Such a great resource.
Kelley Blue Book sounds like a handy tool to have. Being well informed about the vehicle you are interested in buying is important.
I just recently purchased a new vehicle. This would have been great to use.
We didn’t look at the KBB before we purchased my SUV… and now we are stuck paying three times as much as what is it worth! Never again.
MY husband is a mechanic. We’ve been familiar with kelley Blue Book as long as I can remember.
Our family always uses Kelley Blue Book when buying or selling a car. It’s very helpful.