TrueCar Review: Is TrueCar Legit Place to Buy a Car?

Truecar review

Scott Painter founded TrueCar in 2005 to help consumers buy cars online. At first, TrueCar provided price data and other information to help consumers negotiate with dealerships but soon gained traction with both consumers and dealerships.

TrueCar expanded its services in 2011 to include financing options and a network of certified dealers. The company also offers inventory and pricing management tools for dealers.

TrueCar keeps growing and evolving, introducing various services and technologies to help consumers and dealerships. The company has become a well-known and respected name in the automobile industry and helps consumers buy cars.

Is TrueCar Legit? Is TrueCar reliable? Can you Trust TrueCar? Who Should Buy a Car from TrueCar? Our team at AutoStar Transport Express reviewed TrueCar.com for ease of use, accuracy, customer satisfaction, reputation, and market stability. so, Let’s begin TrueCar Review.

 

Is TrueCar Legit?

Yes, TrueCar is a legitimate company that offers consumers the opportunity to research and compare car prices. Over the years, TrueCar has won numerous awards and accolades for its innovative use of technology in car buying. Here are some facts about TrueCar:

  • With about a million cars in inventory, Truecar has over 760,000 used cars and around 472000 brand-new car listings.
  • In the United States, TrueCar has over 16,000 Certified Dealers. This means that it has access to a wide range of new and used cars.
  • There have been more than 1 million downloads of TrueCar’s mobile app on Google Play and the App Store. The app has received mostly positive reviews from users. App Store ratings are 4.8 out of 5 stars, while Google Play ratings are 4.4 out of 5.
  • It is used by approximately 9.2 million visitors and dealerships in the automotive industry.
  • It is listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange as a publicly traded company.
  • TrueCar runs a business-to-business division called TrueCar Trade, providing tools and resources for car dealers as well as consumers.
  • In the automotive industry, TrueCar has partnered with a number of major automakers and has been recognized for its innovative technology.
  • Over the years, the company has received many awards and accolades, including Best Online Auto Shopping Website by U.S. News & World Report in 2021. It has also been named Best Car Buying Service by Consumers Advocate in 2021.
  • Known for its innovative use of technology in the automotive industry, TrueCar has partnered with a number of major automakers.

Is True Car any good? TrueCar is a for-profit company, and it is primarily concerned with generating revenue, so its information may be biased or influenced by its incentives. It’s always a smart idea to do your own research and due diligence on any company or service before choosing

Pros and Cons of TrueCar Review

What TrueCar Has to Offer

TrueCar has a number of unique features that set it apart from other companies in the automotive industry:

  • Up-to-Date Pricing Information:

Using data from participating car dealers, TrueCar provides consumers with accurate and up-to-date pricing information, which can help consumers negotiate with dealerships and possibly get a lower price.

  • “Price Check” Feature:

Consumers can check the price of a car they are considering buying with TrueCar’s “Price Check” feature, which compares the price of a vehicle to the TrueCar market average for similar vehicles in their area.

  • TrueCar Certified Dealers:

TrueCar has a network of 16,000 certified dealers who offer high-quality customer service under strict guidelines.

  • Business-to-Business Services:

The TrueCar Trade business-to-business division offers training, support, and tools for managing inventory, pricing, and marketing to car dealerships.

  • Vehicle History Reports:

With TrueCar’s vehicle history reports, shoppers can learn about a vehicle’s previous owners, accidents, and mechanical issues.

  • Trade-in Value Estimates:

TrueCar allows consumers to estimate the trade-in value of their current car, helping them negotiate the price of a new or used car.

  • Customer Support:

Consumers can reach TrueCar’s dedicated customer support team via email, chat, or phone with any questions or concerns they may have. It has been awarded Two Top-Rated DrivingSales Dealer Satisfaction Awards.

  • Community Involvement:

With its corporate social responsibility commitment, TrueCar supports its local communities and the environment. For example, it partnered with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, which reduces its environmental impact.

Cons of TrueCar

  • Dealership Fees:

Dealerships pay TrueCar for their services, and some consumers are concerned that this could affect the price they are quoted.

  • Limited Selection:

With over 16,000 dealer partners, TrueCar may not have access to every dealership’s inventory, so some consumers cannot find the exact car they are looking for on its platform.

  • Potential Biases:

It’s imperative for consumers to research and does their own due diligence to ensure that they are making informed decisions based on all of the information TrueCar provides.

  • Dependence on Dealerships:

As TrueCar obtains pricing information from participating dealerships, its accuracy may be impacted by the quality and timeliness of data provided by dealerships.

How Does TrueCar Work?

TrueCar is incredibly easy to use. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started:

  1. Download the TrueCar app or visit the TrueCar website.
  2. Make a search for the type of car that interests you.
  3. Get pricing and financing information about the vehicle.
  4. Make sure you are getting a good deal on the car by using the “Price Check” feature.
  5. You can negotiate the price and finalize the purchase with a participating dealership.

Does TrueCar Really Work? TrueCar has a track record of success in the automotive industry and is widely used by consumers and dealerships. Many consumers have reported finding good deals on cars through the TrueCar platform, and the company has a high customer satisfaction rating.

How to Buy a Car on TrueCar?

buying a car through TrueCar

TrueCar helps consumers find new and used cars. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Enter the Details

You can search for the latest and used cars in your area by entering your zip code on TrueCar. You can also specify the make, model, and year of the car you’re looking for.

Step 2: TrueCar Price Curve

TrueCar will show you the average price other people have paid for the same or similar vehicles based on your search criteria. You can compare the asking price with the average list price below each rating. As you browse, you’ll see “High Price,” “Fair Price,” “Great Price” and “Excellent Price.”

Step 3: Select the Car

By clicking on the “Get My True Price” button, you’ll receive a personalized price estimate based on current market conditions and available incentives.

Step 4: Request a Quote

In order to purchase a car, you can request a quote from a local dealership through TrueCar. The dealership will provide you with a final price, which will always be cheaper than the TruePrice estimate.

Step 5: Finalize the Deal

TrueCar will assist you in negotiating the price with the dealership and will handle the paperwork. You can review and sign the documents online, and you will pick up the vehicle from the dealership.

Here are some things to keep in mind if you decide to buy a car through TrueCar:

  • The company does not directly sell cars to consumers. Instead, it provides a platform for consumers to research and compare prices on the latest and used cars, and to connect with participating dealerships.
  • You should keep in mind that TrueCar’s pricing information is based on data from participating dealerships, and may not be accurate. To ensure you’re getting a fair deal, be prepared to negotiate and do your own research.

How to Sell My Car on TrueCar?

selling a car through TrueCar

TrueCar requires you to provide some basic information about a car if you are selling it, such as its make, model, year, and mileage. For your car, TrueCar will provide you with an estimated price, which you can use as a starting point to negotiate with potential buyers.

Follow these steps to sell your car through TrueCar:

Step 1: Gather Information about your Car

As part of the application process, you will need to provide detailed information about your vehicle, including its make, model, year, and mileage. You will also need to describe what modifications have been made to it, as well as its condition.

Step 2: Visit the TrueCar Website

Choose “Sell My Car” from the TrueCar website. The form will appear where you can enter details about your vehicle.

Step 3: Enter your Car’s Information

Enter your car’s information into the form. You may need to include additional details, such as the interior and exterior conditions of the car, as well as any maintenance or repair work that has been performed.

Step 4: Receive a Price Estimate

TrueCar provides you with an estimated price for your car based on similar cars that have recently sold in your area.

Step 5: Negotiating with Buyers

The value of your car can be used as a starting point for negotiating with potential buyers. TrueCar is able to link you up with local dealers and individual buyers.

Keep in mind that TrueCar is not a party to the sale of your vehicle and does not facilitate the transfer of ownership. You are responsible for negotiating the terms of the deal and handling any required paperwork with the buyer.

TrueCar and Its Competitors

Here are some platforms similar to Truecar and a comparison between them;

CriteriaCars.comCarGurusAutotraderTrueCar
Dealer RatingsYesYesYesYes
Dealership NetworkExtensiveLimitedExtensiveLimited
Financing OptionsAvailableAvailableAvailableAvailable
Inventory SizeLargeLargeLargeMedium
Mobile AppYesYesYesYes
Price AnalysisNoYesYesYes
Price ComparisonNoYesYesYes
Trade-in OptionsAvailableAvailableAvailableAvailable
Vehicle DeliveryNoneNoneAvailableNone
Vehicle InspectionNoneNoneAvailableNone
Additional FeaturesVehicle history report, dealer locatorDealer reviews, dealer locatorSell My Car, vehicle comparisonDealer network, pricing analysis

TrueCar Pricing and Refunds

If you’re thinking about buying a car from TrueCar, keep in mind that TrueCar charges a fee to dealerships for their services. This fee could be passed on to consumers at higher prices on cars.

TrueCar charges a fee not only for dealerships but also for its “Price Check” feature, which lets consumers check if they’re getting a deal. You can pay for it through the TrueCar app or website for $29.99 right now.

It’s a platform that connects car buyers to local dealerships. Consumers can research and compare prices on new and used cars, and then find a dealership near them to buy. If you find a lower price on the same car within three days of purchasing, TrueCar will refund you.

TrueCar as a Research Tool

TrueCar Review: TrueCar as a research tool

Whether you buy or not, TrueCar’s platform is still a great way to research and compare prices on cars. You can use the “Price Check” feature to see how a car’s price compares with the market average in your area.

Using TrueCar as a research tool, you can put in your make, model, year, and zip code. This will help you to find out what’s available in your area, and what it’s like to drive. If you’d like, you can narrow down your search based on factors like the type of vehicle, body style, fuel economy, and price range.

Each car’s price, trade-in value, and total cost of ownership can also be found on TrueCar. You can also read reviews and ratings of dealerships near you, which can help you find one that’s trustworthy and reputable.

What Is TrueCar Military?

The TrueCar Military program is designed specifically for military personnel and their families. The program offers a range of benefits and services, including:

  • Participating dealerships offer exclusive prices on brand-new and used cars.
  • You’ll get help buying a car from a team of military-trained specialists.
  • There are a bunch of financing options, like military discounts and low-interest loans.
  • You can buy a car online or at a participating dealership

Who Should Buy a Car from TrueCar?

For people looking for a convenient, transparent, and personalized way to buy a car, TrueCar is a suitable choice. A good deal on a car can be especially challenging to come by without the company’s pricing information, finance options, and dealer network and you don’t have to face these problems with TrueCar.

Our Verdict:

We can say that TrueCar.com is a legitimate online car buying and selling platform. The platform offers a wealth of information, including transparent pricing, consumer reviews, and vehicle history reports. Additionally, TrueCar.com has received multiple industry awards and has been recognized for its commitment to customer satisfaction. While there have been some negative reviews and complaints, it is worth noting that the company has taken steps to address these issues and improve its services. Overall, if you’re in the market for a new or used car, TrueCar.com is definitely worth considering.

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Sol Abril

Sol Abril is an INFJ soul with strong empathy and a passion for helping others. His experience of working for auto transports for over a decade helps him spot the problem and figure out the best possible solution. Sol has served in different roles in different auto transport companies. He understands the ins and outs of the auto transport sector which he regularly shares on the Auto Star Transport blog. He likes to spend his spare time with his family.
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