Where to Start

Choosing a Car

• Consumer Reports: The April issue includes top picks, reviews of current models and evaluations of used vehicles. Other issues contain in-depth articles on various models, often focusing on such nuts and bolts details as tires and batteries. Online edition.
• Motor Trend: Includes car pricing information, current rebates & incentives, safety data, car photos, specs & more.
• Car and Driver: Provides car reviews and car buying advice.
• Road & Track: Check out buyers guides, sneak peeks, road tests and more.
• Insurance Institute for Highway Safety: Gives crash data for cars as well as data on seat/head restraints
• FuelEconomy.gov: Provides gas mileage data on U.S. cars, trucks, vans, etc.

Price Comparisons

• N.A.D.A. Used Car Guides: Includes pricing information for used cars, including suggested retail value. Also includes pricing for vans, trucks, recreational vehicles, marine vehicles, motorcycles, etc.
• Kelley Blue Book.com: Contains information on calculating financing rates.
• Edmunds.com: Offers comparisons on new and used car deals, incentives, rebates and road test results.

Buy v. Lease

• SmartMoney.com: Covers the pros and cons of leasing a car versus buying it outright.
• ConsumerReports.org: Compares the two major financial choices in car buying.
• U.S. News Rankings: Describes the benefits and drawbacks of leasing versus buying.

Maintenance

• Auto Repair Reference Center: Provides a great deal of vehicle information to the car owner who wants to repair a car or who just wants to understand how the car works. Vehicle information includes repair procedures, service bulletins and recalls, and wiring diagrams.
• Chilton's Repair Manuals: Covers such concerns as general maintenance, fuel system, engine overhaul, engine or chassis electrical, and suspension and steering. Also available online.
• Clymer's Car Repair Manuals: Another useful repair manual series.