Online Car Buying and Leasing with CarsDirect.com - Good Deal or Not?

A real no-shop, no-haggle car service that is different from the other online car-buying services

We frequently get questions from LeaseGuide visitors about CarsDirect. Is the company real and reputable? Yes. Does their service actually work? Yes. Do they do leasing? Yes. Do they have a large number of satisfied customers? Yes. Can they find the car you want without you having to shop at dealers? Yes. Are their lease deals better than you can get directly from a dealer? Yes, sometimes.

Actually, CarsDirect is the closest you'll get to a real online buying/leasing service, more than just a dealer referral service. You may not know, but powerful laws in all states prohibit new-car sales by anyone but an authorized new-car dealer. Even though CarsDirect finds your car, works out pricing, and handles all the financing details and paperwork for you — which is a tremendous convenience — you still are required to actually pick up your vehicle at an authorized local dealer.

Here's how the process works, which is best explained by CarsDirect as follows:

1. Pick a Car
Because our leasing services are available only to CarsDirect customers, the first step is to choose your car on CarsDirect.com.

2. Apply Online
The application usually takes less than five minutes to complete. And our secure server keeps your personal information safe.

3. Get Approved - and Lock in Your Rate

4. Get Your Approval Package
Your personal Vehicle Specialist will review the details of your approval with you, locate your vehicle and explain the vehicle pick-up process.

5. Sign Your Paperwork and Pick Up Your Car
When you pick up your vehicle at the dealership, you'll be asked to sign your customer agreement and lease documents.

Once you read and sign these documents, you'll be ready to take delivery and hit the road! 

Here are some additional notes about CarsDirect. There is no charge for their service. They will give you a full-disclosure "out the door" price — no surprises. You will get any manufacturer rebates and incentives that you are eligible for — and full manufacturer warranty.

Also note that CarsDirect has a low-price guarantee that assures you of getting the best possible price, which is absolutely critical to getting a low monthly lease payment.

Important note: CarsDirect has two ways of working with you — a premium service and a referral service. Both are free. With the premium service, described above, they find your car, offer you a guaranteed low price, and handle all the details. The other is simply a dealer referral price quote service. Whether or not you are offered the premium service depends on the zip code you live in. After you enter your zip code, note whether you see a special "CarsDirect Price" and a "Save With CarsDirect" option for the vehicle you specify. If so, the premium service is available to you.

Tip: You'll have a better chance at the CarsDirect premium service if you live in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Florida, or Georgia.

When the CarsDirect representative (Vehicle Specialist) contacts you, make sure you tell them that you want to lease. Also remember that you are not obligated to accept any deal they may offer you.

For more, see LeaseGuide.com