The MSN(R) Carpoint(TM) online automotive service, which bills itself as the most visited car buying and ownership site on the Web, on Aug. 7 revealed the findings of its recent Carpoint.com "Fast Facts" survey. Eighty-five percent of those surveyed on Carpoint plan to use the Internet before purchasing their next vehicle, compared with 48 percent who

used the Internet during their last purchase.

The survey indicates the Internet is improving the car-buying process for consumers. More than half of those surveyed said they feel more comfortable negotiating with salespeople and believe their use of the Internet resulted in

a lower purchase price. Eighty-three percent of participants surveyed indicated that they did not pay the sticker price, and 65 percent made fewer than two trips to the dealer before closing the deal.

"More than 7 million car buyers and owners visit Carpoint.com each month to access car-related information, and it's paying off," said Ryan Hamlin, general manager of MSN Carpoint at Microsoft Corp. "Consumers are using our research, buying and ownership services to become better educated about their options, and dealerships are receiving qualified customers that know what they want and are already prepared to buy."

Fifty-two percent of those surveyed were comfortable going through the car-buying process alone, with 77 percent saying they did not bring another person along when buying their most recent vehicle. Eighty-three percent

believed that their gender did not have an impact on the price they paid for their most recent vehicle. Overall, 45 percent said their purchasing experience had improved since buying their first vehicle.

MSN Carpoint.com "Fast Facts" is a monthly online survey conducted via Carpoint.com that provides consumers with feedback on car-related topics. The most recent survey was derived from a sample of more than 850 Carpoint.com

users.

About Carpoint

Launched in October 1995, Carpoint (www.carpoint.com) is an online automotive marketplace visited by more than 7 million consumers each month.

From product reviews and surround video features to new- and used-car pricing, Carpoint says it "helps consumers find the car they love, at a price they can afford." With details on more than 10,000 car models and 100,000 used vehicles, visitors can research and compare cars of virtually every make and model, identify local dealers, and receive instructions for post-purchase service and maintenance, according to Carpoint.

With a network of more than 5,000 affiliated dealers nationwide, Carpoint generates more than $8 billion in auto sales each year and is exclusively endorsed by the American International Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA).