CarsDirect.com, a multi-brand online car buying service, on March 28 announced the debut of its premium Used Car buying channel, engineered specifically to streamline the process of buying a pre-owned vehicle.

The company said its Used Car service provides 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 instant access to more than 400,000 late-model cars via the online marketplace.

CarsDirect.com's latest expansion comes just as the company has again been recognized for its superior new-car buying services. Forbes magazine recently named the company a "Forbes Favorite," while Yahoo! Internet Life rated CarsDirect.com the "Best Overall Car Buying Site."

"With literally tens of millions of used cars in the marketplace today, finding the right used car at the right price in the right location can be like finding a needle in a haystack," said Bob Brisco, CEO of CarsDirect.com. "CarsDirect.com has designed its Used CAr channel to transform the most time-consuming portion of used car shopping -- researching and locating a vehicle -- into a simple and seamless process."

Free Pricing Reports and Comparison Tools

CarsDirect.com has tailored its Used Car channel to meet the needs of both ready-to-buy consumers and shoppers who are still researching the best vehicle for their needs, according to Briso. Visitors to CarsDirect.com can take advantage of research tools or proceed straight to the Used Car buying channel with its 400,000 vehicle listings and expert dealer advice.

For used-car shoppers who are still deciding what type of vehicle might best match their budget, CarsDirect.com provides a route to identifying all the possible choices. For example, CarsDirect.com delivers a report that includes the various vehicle makes, models and model years that match a customer's price range.

For shoppers researching a specific vehicle, CarsDirect.com offers immediate access to a free pricing report. The report includes a range of current market prices for the desired make and models for a more accurate view of real-world market conditions.

Additional research and comparison tools will be added to the Used Car channel in a phased roll-out throughout 2002, according to CarsDirect.com.

A National Network of Quality Used Cars and Expert Dealer Advice

The Used Car channel offers consumers two ways to buy virtually every brand of car produced for the U.S. market. Shoppers can either turn to CarsDirect.com premium dealers for expert advice or select from among 400,000 listings for the desired vehicle.

Visitors who would like assistance with the buying process can access CarsDirect.com's "Expert Advice" option, which CarsDirect.com calls an industry first. Shoppers who click on this option will be connected to a nearby CarsDirect.com premium used-car dealer, who can provide answers or help the customer sort through the various buying opportunities.

According to CarsDirect.com, its premium dealer network includes the nation's most service-oriented used car retailers, who provide superior service levels including specially trained and Internet-savvy sales professionals available seven days a week.

If a visitor is ready to search for a particular make and model of car, locating a complete listing of matching and currently available choices is almost instantaneous. CarsDirect.com's vehicle location tools open the door to a national network of more than 400,000 used-vehicle listings -- a constantly updated database that includes tens of thousands of cars certified under pre-owned manufacturer programs. And, because customers specify their desired search radius, shoppers get customized lists of vehicles available within their neighborhood, according to CarsDirect.com.

About CarsDirect.com

Los Angeles-based CarsDirect.com (www.carsdirect.com) is a multi-brand online car buying service, providing new and used automobiles and related products and services, such as loan and lease financing and in-demand aftermarket products including extended warranties.

CarsDirect.com says it is the first online car provider to offer visitors three car-buying options: buying a new car online through the company's direct channel; being matched with a new-car dealer of their choice via the CarsDirect Connect(TM) channel; or locating and purchasing a previously owned vehicle through the CarsDirect Used Car channel.